Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

[Steve G.]

OK, I am reinstalling the correct #739 283 in my 1958, which is a March, '58 car.

I am looking for the right fuel pump, and I find listings for both the 4445 and 4656. I see fuel lines of 2 different designs for the fuel filter to the fuel pump. I see 2 different fuel filters, one with the domed top/big AC logo, and the other without (both similar glass bowls). (Paragon 493 & 588)

The fuel pumps, filters and lines all seem to refer to "early and late" but Im not getting any more detail than that. What should I be getting????

[Jack H.]

Re: Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

This is covered in your copy of the Judging Guide. There was a carry over from '57 into early '58 when it comes to fuel pumps. But, your car is a March build, so it's NOT an 'early' car...

The issue with the big dome vs. flat top GF-48, in-line, fuel filter is similar. This was a cost reduction running change.

[Steve G.]

Re: Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

This is covered in your copy of the Judging Guide. There was a carry over from '57 into early '58 when it comes to fuel pumps. But, your car is a March build, so it's NOT an 'early' car...

The issue with the big dome vs. flat top GF-48, in-line, fuel filter is similar. This was a cost reduction running change.

My copy of the JG says "early 1958 carbureted models... and later 1958 carbureted engines..." just as I said in my original question. As in most model Corvettes "early vs late" tends to mean almost nothing, sometimes different things within the same year on different parts.

So, is there agreement that the domed fuel filter is incorrect for a March car?

Is there any guidance for the correct design fuel pump?

Is it correct to assume the different fuel lines listed depend on the choice of fuel pump?

Again, the JG says "early 1958s used 4445" and "later pumps through 1960 used 4656 with rearward fuel pipe outlet." As I look at the Black Book for production months, March is the 6th month from the beginning and is also the 6th month from the end, so I am not seeing what would be obvious re: early vs late.

[Loren L.]

Re: Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

Technical Service Bulletin DR #321 dtd October 29, 1957 refer to "a noise similar to a rocker arm squeak is present on 1958 V-8 Engines, it may be coming from the Fuel Pump.".

"This may be readily checked out by a finger over one of the vent holes in the top casting of the fuel pum."

"The noise may be eliminated by enlarging the forward vent hole
to 1/8" diameter with a punch or a tapered drift.'

"Care should be exercised so that the diaphragm is not punctured
or damaged."

(Then a table that covers 283 & 348 psgr cars and, seperately, Corvette.)

"Service Package Fuel Pump
OLD NEW APPLICATION

******* ******** ******** ********

******* ******** ******** ********

5621638 5594445 5594663 283 cu. in.
(Corvette)


*"It will be necessary to rework any pumps
in the Service Package with these numbers
unless the last 4 digits are covered with
Green Paint."

Assembly Plants were advised to rework all pumps until the new
ones are received."

Not nearly as "cut and dried" as one would hope. And NO, it does NOT call out a paint code for the green.......

(I have now "editted" what is appearing in print TWICE and "Saved" it twice and it will NOT PRINT WHAT IS TYPED. I was attempting to replicate the format of the TSB. I guess it's one of those things where
Microsoft is saying "He didn't really mean that.".

[Steve G.]

Re: Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

Interesting Loren. So is it fair to say the 4445 was replaced and I should just go with the 4656?

[Loren L.]

Re: Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

Yes, it was replaced....but you don't know when! When did the new pumps arrive? When did the Assembly plant run out of the old pumps that they could fix with a punch and slap green paint on the last 4 numbers?
You have a problem that clearly affected ALL PSGR CAR & CORVETTE V8s. In 1958, that was a lot of cars......and I'm still not sure that the part # shown for the new replacement fuel pump has been seen before.

I do think it illustrates that the JG material is FAR from definitive.

[Steve G.]

Re: Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

Yes, it was replaced....but you don't know when! When did the new pumps arrive? When did the Assembly plant run out of the old pumps that they could fix with a punch and slap green paint on the last 4 numbers?
You have a problem that clearly affected ALL PSGR CAR & CORVETTE V8s. In 1958, that was a lot of cars......and I'm still not sure that the part # shown for the new replacement fuel pump has been seen before.

I do think it illustrates that the JG material is FAR from definitive.

So it's fair to say I could get either pump, the appropriate lines and either the domed filter or the replacement and nobody with a Top Flight is going to throw tomatoes at me?

[John D.]

Re: Fuel Pump and filter for 1958?

Steve, Same questions have come up on 58 fuel cars. Which pump to use. I vaguely remember a big restoration shop and JD here getting accurate info on a 58 FI LHP fuel pump
Getting a definite/accurate answer to your question is not going to be easy.
Very confusing to say the least. Maybe other March 58 carb car owners will reply.

Ask Tim Mickey what he expects to see on your car. Good luck, JD