Fuel Pump upgrades can be quite rewarding, especially on performance-oriented vehicles or engines that have been modified for higher power output. Most stock Fuel Pumps are designed to meet the fuel requirements of an engine operating at factory specifications. On standard vehicles, these pumps usually run between 40 to 60 PSI and provide adequate fuel for an engine producing up to 300 to 400 horsepower. However, with modifications such as adding turbochargers, superchargers, or larger injectors, the fuel system cannot flow the required amount, at which point upgrading-that is, a Fuel Pump-becomes necessary.
For example, high-flow fuel pumps such as the Walbro 450 LPH can run engines making over 600 horsepower due to its higher volume of delivering fuel. This is because it ensures the engine gets enough fuel when there is a heavy load, high speeds, and cannot experience starvation of the fuel, which may lead to the misfire or even engine damages. Many enthusiasts have reported that just a performance Fuel Pump upgrade has yielded power gains upwards of 20%, and even much more when other accompanying engine modifications are carried out, such as upgraded injectors and a tuned ECU.
Such is the reason why more importantly, GM installed a high-pressure Fuel Pump in the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to keep up with the demand of a 650 horsepower engine. Keeping the fuel pressure and flow of the engine constant is the only way to ensure the real strength of the powerful performance.
Upgrading Fuel Pumps can also help with longer engine life. A constant sufficient amount of fuel supplied to the engine prevents the running lean of the engine. Running lean can cause overheating eventually and severe internal damage over time. For high-performance applications, maintaining the proper mixture of fuel and air is crucial for efficient combustion and engine durability.
As Automotive engineer David Vizard said, “Power is only as good as the fuel you deliver to the engine.” The main thing is that modification in a Fuel Pump to meet the demand of an engine enhances its efficiency and protects the engine from such damage which may be caused due to lack of delivery of appropriate fuel.
For detailed information on Fuel Pump Upgrades, please refer to Fuel Pump.