Upgrading the fuel pump will allow for more gains, especially in high-performance or modified motors that need further fuel flow. In fact, standard fuel pumps typically deliver between 40 and 60 PSI which is fine for every day driving but not adequate to meet the demands of performance engines fitted with turbochargers or supercharges. Larger fuel volume at high-load conditions is achieved by updated pumps (up to 100 PSI) that now provide a pump signal, which makes use of larger openings inside the engine and reduces back pressure upstream.
Fuel Pump Upgrades: Any vehicle making high horsepower (modified race cars, boosted engines) is going to require improved fuel pumps. This is why an increasing number of vehicles featuring bespoke turbo systems require a fuel pump that can deliver 20-30% more fuel to the engine in order to support additional power. A typical pump will have a hard time, leading to potential engine damage due to the “lean” condition. It's a point car tuner Ken Block makes, too: "Fuel delivery is the heart of performance engines," making it clear that getting enough go-juice into your engine promptly is vital to peak and repeatable results.
Additionally, there are a lot of cost deductions to move uptier. Top-performing fuel pumps usually run in the $200 to $600 range (depending on capacity and brand). While pricier, those pumps are sturdier and more reliable during heavy-duty use. Other manufacturers, such as Walbro and Bosch among others produce performance fuel pumps that are often more durable and capable of maintaining consistent pressure in high-horsepower applications. This investment is worth providing for many performance enthusiasts who want to improve the lifespan of their vehicle and decrease fuel starvation.
Upgraded fuel pumps also help support engine tuning, which in turn can yield performance improvements. Upgraded fuel pumps and larger injectors help to balance the air-fuel mixture so that more horsepower can be gained as well as a smoother acceleration while allowing for longer engine life in engines producing over 300 horsepower. A quality Fuel Pump upgrade proves beneficial among performance-centric drivers as it could help improve power output and offer hassle-free operation for those putting pressure on their motor in high stress conditions, especially when the other engine components have been modified.