Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Is there an aftermarket replacement for VP-44

[grimesja]

I haven't heard of this but I had a guy tell me yesterday that there is a way to get rid of the VP-44 and replace it with another system. It is something the sled pullers are using on the 24V. Has anyone heard of this system or what it is called?

 

[rjrkihap]

I would guess he is referring to people who have swapped a 12valve P pump in place of the VP-44. From what I've seen, it's quite a task and can be expensive. It would not be emissions compliant, so technically the truck would be now classified as off-road use only.



Ron

 

[BILLVO]

Yep its the P-Pump conversion, Roughly $5K if you have to buy all the parts including the P-pump, about 1500 less if you have your own P-pump.

 

[Stanbery]

it can be done for far less than $5,000... . all the parts can be had at an auto recycling yard for about $1,500... figure on about 300-500 for a pump rebuild... and get yourself a small tubing bender, some high pressure line and bend up some fuel lines... the electrical work is a bit of a chore, but i dont like wiring... the swap is labor intensive, but if you take youre time its not too bad... as fas as emissions legal, unless they look under the hood, and know what theyre looking for, it'll pass same as any other truck... dont let anyone try and scare you away from the swap... if you have the time and the money its well worth it... we just finished it this past spring on our '98. 5

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Obviously all the parts are not available at the auto recycling yard if one has to make their own injector lines. It is very ill advised to try to make your own injector fuel lines, a disaster waiting to happen.

The entire swap is time consuming, troublesome, and would greatly lower the value of the truck for resale. I know a guy who paid to have the p-pump conversion done and then paid again to have the VP44 re-conversion done to put it back the way it was originally.


grimesja, if you are wanting to do the p-pump conversion in order to get away from having to replace the VP44 every so often, IT IS NOT WORTH IT in $$ or time.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[MKreiberg]

I know the VP44 has a bad rap, but I don't think its a bad pump. I particularly like the ability to dial the fueling electronically.

 

[rjrkihap]

Stanbery, I am glad you had a successful swap. You seem very mechanically inclined. For most of us, this would be a daunting task. As for emissions tests, the DEQ checkpoints don't even bother looking under the hood. They simply plug into the OBDII port and their computer talks to our (truck) computer. I'm guessing our (truck) computer would "tattle" on us at that point.



I too wish the VP-44 was as "strong" and reliable at the P pump, however with proper fuel pressure and "safe" bombing (if you choose to) the VP-44 should last a normal lifespan.



Ron

 

[DCreed]

Just get a GOOD aftermarket 44 and enjoy the truck for another 200,000+ miles!

 

[grimesja]

I have already swappped out the VP-44 4 times in 2 1/2 years. After the first time I nstalled the Juice/attitude to get the gage readings. The second the electrontics went south and twice we had gotten water in the fuel and the pump had locked up (of course the rebuild company did not warranty any of the pumps). These are the reasons according to the shop. I am considering swapping out to a 12V but I understand that is a litttle challenge also. I have full access to a couple of 12Vs. You guys seem to think the P conversion is a bad idea. How about the 12V conversion. I also like the ability to change power levels on the fly. But I have had it with the VP-44 and my wife is on my six about all the money.

 

[DCreed]

Whos pumps were you using?

 

[grimesja]

L & J Diesel Services in Jacksonville, FL, they operate on the web as dieselogic.com They are a local shop and I try to support the little guy, but I have not had a good experience so far...

 

[DCreed]

I got mine from MWFI and have had ZERO issues. it has been tapped since day 1! They use the latest BOSHE designs/updates and NEW fed-ex electronics.

 

[Stanbery]

the old "i know a guy" story huh blacksheep?... the p-pump is by far superior to the VP44, not to mention stronger and more reliable, and more easily tuned... not to mention lots of people make their own fuel lines, its not hard at all... no different then bending your own brake lines...

 

[DCreed]

where do you get the ends and how do they attach?

 

[Stanbery]

we got everything we needed from a local shop called flotrans... they have any line, end, fitting or other related part you could ever want or need and then some...

 

[DFleming]

I would call haisley machine. They will help you make choice that fits your need. i am looking into doing the same thing and it is going to run me a about 4500. Oo.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

just swap a 12v engine in the truck... you can buy one for a couple grand. then sell your engine to offset the cost. cheapest/easiest way to do it

 

[grimesja]

Where can I get the conversion plans for the P-pump conversion? I would like to look at what it entails. I have access to a machine shop and some electrial engineers. However, I do like using the Edge for on the fly changes. I really want my truck to be reliable and keep my wife off my six... .

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Stanberry,

Uh, nope. Actually a good friend of mine was the one who was paid to do the conversion and then paid to undo the conversion.

I do agree the P7100 pump is superior - IF you are talking about longevity. If you are talking easily tuned and capabilities the VP44 is tops in that category for street driven trucks which is what the thread is about - not sled pullers or drag racers.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

John,

I hate to hear that you have had so much trouble with the VP44. Do you have a fuel pressure gauge and where is it tapped into the fuel supply? What is the lowest psi you see at any time?

I would suggest buying a VP44 from Scheid Diesel. Having installed a few of their pumps for customers I have nothing but good to say.

If you have not yet started buying fuel from a reputable station (I would think there are several in the Jax area) please do so.

I see you have a Holley Blue lift pump. What is your filtering situation? Does it include a water separator?

The point of these q's is to understand your situation and help prevent early VP death if you decide to stay with the VP.

PM me for a contact who has done the P pump conversion.

Godspeed,
Trent