Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your Classic 1980 Corvette

If you're looking to replace the fuel pump on your 1980 Corvette, there are a few different approaches you can take. Some people suggest jacking up the car and removing the right front wheel to access the pump through the wheel well, while others recommend going from underneath the car. You'll also need to decide whether to tackle the AC compressor and bracket to create more space for access. Before beginning the job, it's recommended to siphon out the gas from the tank to prevent spillage and create a safer work environment. Once you've gained access to the fuel pump, you'll need to remove the fuel lines and ensure you cap off the line coming from the tank. You can then proceed to remove the bolts holding the pump in place and install the new one, ensuring you follow the correct procedure for your Corvette's specific model and year.

Jack up the car and remove the front passenger-side wheel

Jacking up your 1980 Corvette and removing the front passenger-side wheel is a crucial step in accessing and replacing the fuel pump. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, you'll need to jack up the car securely. Place jack stands under the frame near the door hinges for added stability. This will ensure the car is stable and secure while you work. Once the car is securely jacked up, you can proceed to remove the front passenger-side wheel.

Before removing the wheel, it is recommended to siphon out gas from the tank to ensure it is well below the halfway mark. This will minimise the risk of fuel spillage when you disconnect the fuel lines. Additionally, placing an oil collection pan under the pump is a good safety measure to catch any fuel that may drip during the process.

Now, you can remove the front passenger-side wheel. This will give you clear access to the fuel pump through the wheel well. With the wheel removed, use long extensions and sockets to access the bolts holding the fuel pump in place. Remember to have a plan to plug and contain any fuel that may spill during the process.

With the wheel removed and the necessary precautions in place, you can now proceed to disconnect the fuel lines and remove the old fuel pump. Remember to cap off the line coming from the tank to minimise fuel spillage. Additionally, ensure the cam fuel pump lobe is on the base circle by turning the crank until the fuel pump rod is fully retracted into the block.

At this point, you have successfully jacked up the car, removed the front passenger-side wheel, and accessed the fuel pump for replacement. Now, you can install the new fuel pump, reconnect the fuel lines, and reattach the wheel. Remember to follow all safety precautions and refer to a qualified mechanic or a detailed Corvette repair guide if you need further assistance.

Disconnect the fuel lines

Disconnecting the fuel lines of a 1980 Corvette is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely and effectively complete this task:

Firstly, before disconnecting any fuel lines, it is important to siphon out the gas from the tank to reduce the risk of fuel spillage. Lower the fuel level to well below half the tank. This can be done by using a siphon pump or carefully transferring the fuel to an appropriate container. Once the fuel level is reduced, proceed to the next steps.

Now, jack up the front of the car to gain access to the underside. Remove the passenger-side front wheel to create more workspace and make it easier to reach the fuel pump and lines. Place jack stands under the frame near the door hinges for support.

Locate the fuel lines connected to the fuel pump. Before disconnecting them, it is important to plug or clamp the lines to prevent excess fuel from spilling out. Use appropriate fuel line clamps or plug tools to block the flow of fuel. You can also place an oil collection pan under the pump to catch any drips or small spills.

Once the lines are safely clamped or plugged, you can proceed to disconnect them from the fuel pump. Use the appropriate size wrench or socket to loosen the fittings that secure the fuel lines to the pump. Be careful not to strip the threads of the fittings, and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to loosen them if they are tight.

After disconnecting the fuel lines, make sure to cap or plug the open ends to prevent fuel leakage and minimize the risk of vapors escaping. You can use fuel line caps or rubber stoppers designed for this purpose. Ensure that the caps or plugs fit securely to prevent any fuel leaks.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively disconnect the fuel lines of your 1980 Corvette, allowing you to access and replace the fuel pump. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and take the necessary precautions when handling fuel to avoid any safety hazards.

Remove the bolt on the front of the engine that holds the fuel pump rod

To remove the bolt on the front of the engine that holds the fuel pump rod, you will need to follow these steps:

First, make sure you have the correct tools and safety equipment. You will need a socket set with long extensions, a jack and jack stands, and possibly a wrench and ratchet. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and to take the necessary precautions when working with fuel and electricity.

Next, jack up the front of the car on the passenger side and secure it with jack stands. Remove the passenger-side tire for easier access. Locate the fuel pump by following the fuel lines from the tank; it should be on the left side of the engine, just above the oil pan. Once you have located the fuel pump, remove the bolt on the front of the engine that secures the fuel pump rod. This will allow you to access and remove the fuel pump.

Before removing the fuel lines, it is recommended to siphon out the gas from the tank to reduce the risk of fuel spillage. Be sure to cap off the line coming from the tank. You may also want to place an oil collection pan under the pump to catch any fuel that may spill.

Now, you can remove the fuel lines and ensure that the cam fuel pump lobe is on the base circle by turning the crank until the fuel pump rod is fully retracted into the block. At this point, you can use a longer bolt to hold the fuel pump rod in place while you install the new fuel pump. Make sure the bolt is only hand-tightened so that it can be easily removed later.

Finally, install the new fuel pump and connect the fuel lines. Once the new pump is securely in place, remove the longer bolt that was temporarily holding the fuel pump rod, and replace it with the original, shorter bolt. Ensure that the bolt is not touching the rod.

This process should help you successfully remove the bolt on the front of the engine that holds the fuel pump rod on a 1980 Corvette and install a new fuel pump.

Choose the right fuel pump for your Corvette

When it comes to choosing the right fuel pump for your Corvette, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, it is important to determine the location of your Corvette's fuel pump. For a 1980 Corvette with a mechanical fuel pump, the pump is located on the left side (passenger side) of the engine, just above the oil pan. You will see a fuel line leading into the pump and another line going up the side of the engine to the EFI system.

Now, let's discuss the factors that will help you choose the right fuel pump:

• Vehicle Horsepower: Determine the maximum horsepower of your Corvette, either through a dyno test or by estimating based on the manufacturer's advertised horsepower and any aftermarket modifications. It is generally recommended to err on the high side when making this estimate.
• Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC): This is a measure of the amount of fuel consumed per unit of power produced. It will vary depending on engine specifications, power adders, fuel type, and octane ratings. Aeromotive provides the following guidelines:
• Naturally aspirated engines: 0.4 to 0.7 BSFC for gasoline, 0.6 to 1.1 BSFC for ethanol, and 0.9 to 1.3 BSFC for methanol.
• Nitrous combinations: 0.5 to 0.8 BSFC for gasoline, 0.75 to 1.2 BSFC for ethanol, and 1.2 to 1.3 BSFC for methanol.
• Forced induction engines: 0.6 to 0.95 BSFC for gasoline, 0.85 to 2.0 BSFC for ethanol, and 1.8 to 2.0 BSFC for methanol.
• Fuel Volume Requirements: Once you know your Corvette's horsepower and BSFC, you can calculate the optimal fuel volume using the following equations:
• Optimal lbs./hr = (Max. HP x BSFC)
• Optimal GPH = (Max. HP x BSFC) / 6
• Optimal LPH = (Max. HP x BSFC) / 1.585
• Fuel Pressure: Ensure you know the required fuel pressure for your Corvette. Naturally aspirated carbureted street engines typically require between 6 and 8 psi, while racing applications and EFI setups will need higher base fuel pressure.
• Fuel Pump Efficiency: Consider the efficiency of the fuel pump's pumping mechanism. Traditional pumping mechanisms may be less efficient, resulting in reduced flow and lower horsepower potential.
• Voltage Supply: Voltage is crucial to electric fuel pump performance. Higher voltage at the pump terminals increases motor torque and rpm, resulting in increased flow volume for a given pressure.

By considering these factors and doing thorough research, you will be able to make an informed decision when choosing a fuel pump for your Corvette.

Install the new fuel pump and reconnect the fuel lines

To install the new fuel pump and reconnect the fuel lines, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure the cam fuel pump lobe is on the base circle by turning the crank until the fuel pump rod is fully retracted into the block. This will ensure the rod does not interfere with the installation of the new fuel pump.

Next, you can install the new fuel pump. If you are installing the pump from underneath the car, you can use a long extension ratchet with a socket through the tire well to access the bolts holding the pump in place. Alternatively, you can access the pump by leaning over the fender and using a normal wrench for the front bolt and a ratchet with a short extension for the rear bolt.

Once the new fuel pump is in place, reconnect the fuel lines. Ensure that the fuel lines are clamped securely to prevent leaks. If you have not already done so, it is recommended to replace the fuel hoses and clamps at this point.

Finally, remove any temporary bolts that were used to hold the fuel pump rod in place during the installation. Install the original bolt to block the port, ensuring it does not touch the rod.

With these steps completed, your new fuel pump should be successfully installed and reconnected to the fuel lines.

Frequently asked questions