Uprated Fuel Pump opinions/ideas on 200PS GTI

[Exonian]

Bit of an essay but here goes (skip to last paragraph if you're easily bored!    ):

Over the last few years I've kept most of my car mods to 'essentials' as I have tended to chop and change cars quite often. Sticking to re-maps and wheels/tyres and when needed suspension upgrades.
I did initially plan on shedding my GTI early next year for maybe an R32 or Leon Cupra or maybe even a high mileage ED30 if the price was right. But keeping a close eye on prices of those cars as they drop into the 'affordability' bracket for a mere mortal like me I also note that ordinary GTIs prices are dropping quickly too now so the 'cost to change' gap isn't getting much smaller. As I like my GTI and depending on if it stays reliable I think I may well keep it for a few years instead as the depreciation may well even out a bit after a few years.
So, as it's out of warranty my thoughts are going towards further engine mods. Obviously a DV is going to be needed and if I can figure out how to do it I will relocate it too, ED30 style.
Exhausts are a bit out of my price range really as I would want a turbo back system and as I do a very low annual mileage I wouldn't get my money's worth out of that mod for sure.
Next thought goes to the uprated fuel pump. I've had a good read of the threads on this mod that I can find and as mine is an early GTI the cam wear issue is a bit of a worry for me. There are obviously new products becoming available all the time and there are always people going for established products and many of the threads about the fuel pumps are relatively old now; so I'm looking for recommendations and opinions on obtaining and fitting and possibly re-remapping the car.
Who's got what, fitted where and all importantly how much?

 

[vRStu]

I've been running one of the very early AutoTech pumps on my car since around January this year, touch wood without issue.  I ordered 6 of them for a group of us and so far everyone is ok.  What we do keep an eye on is the Cam Follower at around 7 k to 10k miles intervals and at £20 a time it's not the end of the world to replace it but in truth none of them have needed replacement yet.

Some care must be taken if you only buy the internals as it involves taking the pump apart.  If you aren't confident with that then JKM offer ready built pumps for a decent price.

CAM lobe wear can happen even on stock cars with stock pumps so to some extent you just have to accept that if it's going to happen then it's going to happen.   Worth checking it when you change the pump though.

On the exhaust side of things I wouldn't rush into saying you need a full TBE, I've only ever had CAT Back and it's served me well.  I would suggest buying a good branded one though.

I don't know where you are located but I would certainly suggest it worth having a chat with Keith at JKM, mention that you've spoken to me and I'm sure he'd be very keen to offer you a discounted full package.  I know that they have a limited offer of VAT free REVO software at the moment which is a nice saving.  Even if you don't buy from them, Keith is a fountain of knowledge and will certainly put your mind at rest and answer your questions.

[RedRobin]

....Ditto Stu's recommendation of JKM in Portsmouth (if within reach).

However, modifying the engine internals, such as fuel pump, is not a good idea unless you have other complimentary mods to Stage2. And even then, a source very close to VW (which I can't reveal) advises against an aftermarket fuel-pump for the 2.0T FSI.

Don't make the mistake of rushing in and modding your engine to the max without also considering its handling and balance and driveability. Exhaust and intake and remap all work hand-in-hand. So do suspension and anti-roll-bars and brakes.

Get used to your standard GTI for a bit and then you will appreciate what each mod does step by step. Oh, and consider remapping your driving brain by going on a course such as Drivetrain - Probably the most important mod of all!

[vRStu]

However, modifying the engine internals, such as fuel pump, is not a good idea unless you have other complimentary mods to Stage2.

Stage 2 is not a requirement for the Fuel Pump upgrade and it will work fine with Stage 1 SW alone.  In fact if you were to look at the fuel pressure logs of a stock K04 car you would see that a Fuel Pump upgrade would be helpfull.  The bottom line is that the stock pump doesn't flow enough volume to feed the engine at higher RPM.

[bacillus]

  The bottom line is that the stock pump doesn't flow enough volume to feed the engine at higher RPM.

Forgive for my ignorance but isn't the uprated pump meant to supply more fuel in the mid range as the stock pump is not capable of fully meeting the demand so but can do so at higher rpm?

[neg]

From what I understand thats correct, its mid-range where it needs more fuel.

JBS in Chestefield can supply and fit the AT pump for around 300notes - depends on your location

[vRStu]

I agree and perhaps I didn't word my reply correctly, by higher I didn't mean red line 

[RedRobin]

However, modifying the engine internals, such as fuel pump, is not a good idea unless you have other complimentary mods to Stage2.

Stage 2 is not a requirement for the Fuel Pump upgrade and it will work fine with Stage 1 SW alone.  In fact if you were to look at the fuel pressure logs of a stock K04 car you would see that a Fuel Pump upgrade would be helpfull.  The bottom line is that the stock pump doesn't flow enough volume to feed the engine at higher RPM.

....My understanding both from Revo and APR is that it's strongly recommended to upgrade the map SW if fitting an aftermarket Fuel Pump and that Stage2+ is written specifically to accommodate the FP. Am I misunderstanding someone?

[neg]

Thats correct but it will run with Stage1 code also - just Stage2+ is 'designed' with it in mind so has more potential

[RedRobin]

....Cheers, neg That helps support what I was told.