FASS, or equivalent, suggestions?

[JEstes]

Guys, I've got about $500-$700 to spend on some upgrades. I can't decide between a valve body or a lift pump.



On one hand, I would like a valve body. The stock valve body has had the pressure turned up slightly, so it shifts much better than stock, but I'd still like a bit firmer shift. Plus, I'm almost due to change the fluid. Seems like the perfect time to install a valve body, while I've got the pan off anyway.



On the other hand, I rolled over to 88k yesterday on a stock '03 lift pump. I have a Baldwin 5 micron fuel filter, but I would like the added security of a 2 micron. I guess my big question is: If my lift pump were going to fail, would it have done it by now or am I on borrowed time?



As far as the pumps go, anybody have some lower cost reccomendations? I don't mind doing some parts gathering, assuming it's still reliable.



Thanks!

 

[rbattelle]

am I on borrowed time?

I would say, "yes" you're on borrowed time. As much as you'd like a valve body, it seems to me you're better off taking care of the item that could leave you stranded.



On the other hand, your stock lift pump might go another 50k miles before quitting. The best thing to do to make this decision is to install a fuel pressure gauge. That might give you an idea whether the pump is ready to quit.



As for what setup to go with, you can buy something pre-packaged and complete (FASS or Glacier Diesel's kit), or you can put something together yourself. Either arrangement can be quite reliable, and it's really a matter of personal preference (and how much time you've got on your hands).



Ryan

 

[woodsrat]

Look into the airdog.

Chuck
New Era Diesel

 

[JEstes]

As much as you'd like a valve body, it seems to me you're better off taking care of the item that could leave you stranded.

That's kinda what I was thinking... I guess I just needed some moral support in knowing my VB will have to wait... :-laf



Didn't you make your own fuel pump setup? Filters and such are fairly easy, I just don't know the best source for a pump.

 

[MWiacek]

I would go with the Glacier Diesel's kit, because i have the fass 95 on my truck and i'm having nothing but problems with the pump i'm on my second one in 6 months. The Glacier Diesel kit is setup really nice and the install on an 06 2500 was pretty simple so the 03 should be even easier

 

[SShafranko]

Air Dog all the way. Great pump and awesome customer service. Spoke to the owner on a saturday and he guided me through a part i was stuck on. Thnx Charlie. $499. 00

 

[rbattelle]

Didn't you make your own fuel pump setup? Filters and such are fairly easy, I just don't know the best source for a pump.

I did. But I'm the kind of person who prefers doing things myself, often to the dismay of my wife and family. [For example, I'm in the process of building myself a paper towel holder. ]

I use a Holley Blue pump, after having tried an Aeromotive that didn't work out for me. If I were doing it again today I'd use the Geroter version.

I chose my pump based on the pressure and flow rate. Since I have a stock truck I was looking for ~100 GPH free-flow and ~12 psi with the engine running.

Ryan

 

[HOBrian]

Air Dog all the way. Great pump and awesome customer service. Spoke to the owner on a saturday and he guided me through a part i was stuck on. Thnx Charlie. $499. 00

Don't forget... LIFETIME warranty!!!!!



ps. Ryan, I want to see that paper towel holder!!!!!!!!!!!:-laf:-laf