Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001 P pump conversion

[sadlbum]

VP44 is definitely toast. My mechanic is a diesel nut (duramax) with a buddy in Texas who is a Cummins mechanic. They are telling me about a p pump conversion that is supposed to be plug and play for the same money as Blue Chips high end VP44. I DO NOT pull, race, or abuse my truck. It's for towing and I want it to run a LONG time. From everything I have read, I'm not sure it's that simple. Thoughts?

 

[ESwartzer]

I would be cautious about any change like that with the epa smog checks becoming prevalent in more and more states. I live in northern California and we are smog checked every two years. It would be illegal to do that change in this liberal state, but maybe you could get away with it in Iowa.
Also I dont see what you would really gain with the switch, you would need a new cam with the lobe for the P pump to even work to the tune of 500-600 dollars, plus tearing the front end off the truck to gain access to the front cover. I know, I put a helix 2 cam in mine and a Blue Chip pump in about seven years ago and its a fair amount of work. If I were you I would re consider and put in a blue chip or other high quality vp44 and you would have programming flexibility and a lot of leftover cash for your wallet.

 

[sadlbum]

Spent a good deal of time researching it today. Just gonna replace the vp. Was leaning towards blue chips good one, just not sure it's worth the extra $12-1300. Thoughts anyone?

 

[JR]

The Special X Pump claims another 20ish horesepower through timing and fueling advances. If you run a programmer or plan on running a programmer in the future, stick with the regular pump. Hes basically doing the same thing a programmer will do so you wont see as big a gain when you start downloading tunes. Ive got a Smarty and mild injectors so I went with the regular pump. Alot of people say his pumps are overpriced, one thing I can say about Chip is his customer service is hard to beat. A few years ago I was having electrical issues and happened upon his website. I picked up the phone on a whim and a prayer and called him. Not only did he answer the phone but was more than happy to talk me through some troubleshooting. I ended up calling him back a few times and he answered all questions I had. In the end he didnt make a buck off of me and could care less he was just happy to help. That was the main reason I wound up buying a pump from him almost 2 years later when the time came. Whatever you do, make sure you buy an injection pump with a new computer. Theres lots of rebuilders out there offering pumps at attractive prices, most likely they are selling you someone elses computer that passed a bench test. Who knows how long it will last. Computers are vp44s #1 failure

 

[Cosmo]

The extra lobe on the p-pump cams are for the mechanical fuel pump. You don't have to run one, you can still use an electric lift pump, but you'll need one that runs about twice the pressure. My Airdog was a 24-valve kit that was installed on my 6. 7 back in 2010, then I pulled it off and put it on my 12-valve, just required a couple of different fittings and a regulator spring to bump pressure up to ~30 psi.

 

[ESwartzer]

You are correct about the purpose of the lobe on the cam, I dont know what I was thinking!

 

[sadlbum]

Definitely going with a new computer. I plan to drive this awhile. Question is, Blue Chip has 2 with new computers. One is about $1800, the other is about $2400. What is the difference between them. What are you getting for the extra $600? Thanks, RC.

 

[JMetzger]

If you read Blue Chips web site you will find that the $2475 pump has a two year warranty & a brand new computer. The $1875 pump has a one year warranity with a Bosch Rebuilt Upgraded computer. I know when I have to replace my VP44 I will get it from Blue Chip.

 

[JR]

Actually both pumps your speaking of have new computers. The difference in the premium upgraded and the best upgraded from what i can see is the best upgraded version has an updated rotor and distributor. They did not have this option when I bought my pump. I purchased the premium upgraded pump with a new computer,(the cheaper of the 2) it has been a great pump.
whatever you get, make sure you are getting a new computer

 

[sadlbum]

So do you think the upgraded roter and distributer is worth $600?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

If not for you, for the NEXT several owners...

 

[sadlbum]

LOL! Ok. Point taken. Just happens, my tax refund will buy the good one and some modest injectors. Opinions on the best 50ish TOWING injector???? (Ok, now I've done it!)

 

[JR]

Lots of people have had good results with others but in my mind its hard to beat the bosch rv 275s bosch has done countless hours of r&d work probably more than any other aftermarket company. Even though they arent the oem injector for our trucks I think theyre about as close as your going to get when it comes to building some good clean reliable towing power. Enough to make a difference without going overboard and heavily taxing all the other components on your truck.

 

[sadlbum]

Ok, ruled out the Edge Comp cause I was told you have to tap the pump. So it's down to the EZ or a Smarty. This ia a TOWING application, not sled pulling or drag racing. I'm leaning toward the Smarty. RC.

 

[VolsFan]

Your going for the same setup as I am going for. I have rv275s and really like them. Everything else on the motor is stock. Probably gonna do the smarty, not really wanting to tap the pump either. As you likely know, get a fuel pressure gauge if you dont have one.