Anybody know if a guy can just get rid of all the odd vacuum stuff on a '56 322 fuel pump and bolt on the later '57 style? Are the arms and pump eccentric the same? My car isn't stock (hell, it isn't even a Buick), so modifying the engine compartment doesn't matter to me..... The car has a stock mechanical and also an electric pump, but the factory mechanical is obviously weak as it will idle with it and drive under light throttle, but anything more and I need to kick the electric on. I'd like to have a functioning mechanical and use the electric as a "back up" or to help prevent vapor lock in hot weather traffic....the '56 and earlier are $$$$ to replace, and I like things easy and clean, besides. Thanks for your help.
I have good news and bad news. The bad news is no. The good news is that a 57 - 58 pump is about 10% of the price of the 53-55 pump.
That's all bad news, John LOL.....I know the '57-'58 pump is cheaper, which is why I want to use it....I've got the earlier more expensive pump on my engine, it's a '56.
Hi, I know Chevrolet use the 322 in large trucks through 58 maybe 59. Do those use a different pump as I am guessing early pumps had a vacuum pump built in for wipers and etc. Maybe later ones do not? Regards, Jim
Thanks for the idea, Jim. I checked that out, and the arms are different for the trucks for some reason....you might be right about the wipers, I'll have to check if my wipers are electric or vacuum on my car. Might be able just to eliminate it....the carb and fuel pump have got a lot lines and other things going to them that I've never seen before, and I haven't followed them to where they terminate.
http://buickrestorer.com/fuelpump/fuelpump.html Prices are not current. That new unit only lasted 2 years versus a year and a half for the rebuilt ones. If you have a show car use the mechanical fuel pump otherwise get a good quality electric Carter pump back by the tank. AND install a collision interrupt switch so that you don't have a Krispy critter if you get into a wreck.
From what I was told, the last year of the 322 was 56. In 57, the 364 came out which is a smaller displacement version of the 401. And the pumps are different between them. So you need a non double action 322 pump which may not exist unless someone makes a custom pump. Can you machine the vacuum side off somehow? I've never messed with those old pumps
I never have, either Jason....I think the simple answer is going to be to get a reman from nailheadbuick.com and just roll with it. New ones are damnnear $400.
