Fuel gauge has gone out so I'm replacing the sending unit. While I got the bed off; I want to upgrade my fuel pump while I'm in the tank. Might help with higher fuel needs in the future (200k on the clock so up-build is on the horizon). I'm not looking to turbo, but may need a just a little more gas.

I've got a spare Walbro 190 lph on hand... but I'm open to ya'lls thoughts on fuel pump upgrades.

'97 Ranger 2.3 - Mods: Intake/Exhaust w/Accel Coils

 

Welcome to the forum


1997 and earlier Rangers all used 35psi fuel system, 4cyl, V6 and V8s(F-150/explorers) all used the same GPH pumps so stock pump will always have enough flow, even for turbo 4cyl.

Motorcraft pump will last the longest, 3rd parties are fine but you may have to replace it under warranty once or twice to get a good one.

If you feel you are getting Lean condition at maximum RPM/Load then you can go to larger injectors, pump can easily handle it.
2.3l will have 14lbs injectors, if needed go to 19lbs, V8s had these and they will fit 2.3l

But remember, this is not carbureted engine, so higher pressure or bigger injectors don't improve performance.
The computer runs the air/fuel mix on the fly.
If you increase fuel pressure computer just opens injectors for less time
If you increase injector flow(size) computer just opens injectors for less time

If you want to improve performance you need to add more AIR......................
Air is the key
A 5 Liter engine has more power that a 2.3 liter engine because it can use 2.7 liters more AIR every 2 RPMs, so computer can add more fuel at the 14.7:1 air:fuel ratio
Thats why bigger cam, super or turbo chargers work to get more power from an engine, they all add MORE AIR

You never get more power by adding more fuel, you just get a flooded engine
NOX is AIR, NOX is basically compressed AIR that is added to engine so more fuel can be used at 14.7:1 ratio

 

Thanks Ron (Dennis?! Haha --any F1 fans here?) for your time and the input. I am getting lean codes, btw... but I'm not sure that's the fuel pumps fault.

When I picked up my stock replacement pump assembly, I was a little concerned as it advertised flows of 16 gph, which sounded low to me. But after some 'research' looks like that should support upto 190 hp. Still...

The mad scientist in me demands I install the Walbro 155lph. If only to see what happens for a few test drives before pulling it out and putting the 'stock' back in and putting the bed back on... hopefully forever more.