Trap door fuel pump access - where to cut?
09-06-2012, 04:34 PM
#21
You do not need to cut up your car. I replaced the fuel pump in mine in one hour and fifteen minutes. Dropping the tank is no big deal. I had the car up on lift and a friend helped me lower and lift the tank. You don't have to drop the rear end either. Replacing the fuel pump is not a big challenge on these cars. Just get the car up on a lift and do it.
09-07-2012, 07:16 AM
#24
It took 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Hardley a large investment of time. I do not know about a 1998 car but I do know about a 2000. You do not need to drop the rear end on the 2000 model. I also know I'm not cutting up my car for a simple fuel pump swap.
Don't wanna do it? Fine, nobody is holding a cutoff wheel to your head. 
09-07-2012, 11:58 PM
#27
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I find it kinda funny that people cry about cutting an access panel out to do this. What's the big deal? These cars are super old now, it's not like hacking up a c6z or something. Check out the forced induction section where people basically cut off there radiator supports and redo everything just to make room and run a radiator vertically. Lol.
For the record, I cut an access panel.
For the record, I cut an access panel.
09-08-2012, 06:18 PM
#28
I find it kinda funny that people cry about cutting an access panel out to do this. What's the big deal? These cars are super old now, it's not like hacking up a c6z or something. Check out the forced induction section where people basically cut off there radiator supports and redo everything just to make room and run a radiator vertically. Lol.
This one mod seems to really bother some people. Never could figure out why when you consider all of the things that are done to these cars.
I did the trap door method way back in 2004 shortly after Racetronix came out with their kit. Mine is a 98 too, so son and I decided it would be easier to cut a trap door rather than drop the tank from the rear.
BTW - GM charged me over $1300 to replace the stock pump when it failed while under warranty. I contested the charges, but failed to convince them that charge was too much. Never again will I take my car to a dealer to replace a pump.
The 98 complete Racetronix kit cost about $250 at the time. I have never had an issue with it since 2004. And if I do, it takes less than a 1/2 hour to get to the pump.
09-10-2012, 04:51 PM
#29
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the access panel debat has been a do it or not debate since as far back as i can remember.
back before the internet had every answer to everything i went to replace my fuel pump on one of my 3rd gen cars , it was a PITA , everything was hard to unbolt, it was in the winter , no lift , on jack stands ect...
finally got the mother out and WTF is this hole ?
ive done it ever since if the need arrives.
and to the people that say dont cut ,thats fine too .
but it doesnt compromise structural integrity , many cars come from the factory with them.
back before the internet had every answer to everything i went to replace my fuel pump on one of my 3rd gen cars , it was a PITA , everything was hard to unbolt, it was in the winter , no lift , on jack stands ect...
finally got the mother out and WTF is this hole ?
ive done it ever since if the need arrives.
and to the people that say dont cut ,thats fine too .
but it doesnt compromise structural integrity , many cars come from the factory with them.
09-20-2012, 04:31 PM
#30
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I was all against cutting the car but after spending 2 hours trying to pry the exhaust off I have no choice. I have a Firehawk which slp really wrenched the clamp on to the point the metal is flowered out. I dont know how the factory exhaust bolted on but either it is tow it to a muffler shop then back home or bite the bullet and make the cut. I would consider the dealer but they would probably torch the exhaust off and charge me a fourtune. Thanks to those who posted the pics on how to get this done.
10-09-2012, 09:03 PM
#34
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I just bought an 02 camaro on Friday, fuel pump went out yesterday. This is my first f-body and I had no idea about the trap door trick.. It took me one glance underneath the car.. And out came the air saw... And besides if your planning many mods in the future your are going to have to change the pump again.... Should have been there from the factory Imo
10-10-2012, 08:56 PM
#38
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Went to start my 02 Formula race car for the first time in a few months only to learn the pump is out. Ive been running stock pump since car was new. Debating now on cutting access panel. Also wondering why it's not throwing any codes. 0 pressure at fuel rail. Power at fuse.
