To make things a bit more complicated, VW used a little plastic pre-filter to convert from 8mm to 12mm. They are easy to find and order, but they are never on hand, at least in my town, at major car parts stores. This is why I completely removed my pre-filter, and went to post fuel pump filter from newer Vanagons.
Another bummer is that designated Vanagon Bosch fuel pumps or aftermarkets run anywhere from $100-160, depending on the retailers. I am always on a look out for alternatives. I hate being stuck to one product and one vendor. Alternatives are always good.
While you are upgrading your fuel pump, it is time to also switch to more available fuel filters.
Here is the list of parts you will need:
NAPA Fuel Filter 3032 ($3.87) - AVAILABLE AT ANY NAPA STORE, AT ANY TIME (Alternatives available at any parts store -- Any external fuel filter with 5/16 inch inlet and outlet)
or
Late Vanagon or Eurovan Fuel Filter 0-450-905-030 ($12.00) - AVAILABLE AT ANY VW DEALER, OR ONLINE (Optional, but recommended. Required if you skip the pre filter).
PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC Part # P37 - Fuel PUMP ($28.89) - AVAILABLE FROM ROCKAUTO - Alternatives: any 8th generation or 9th generation Ford Truck external fuel pump with 5/16 inlet and 5/16 outlet.
10Gauge female SPADE terminal - AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE. The fuel pump requires a bit larger spade terminal.
Optional: 5/16" Fuel T Fitting ($3.00) - AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE, in case you have external heater booster.
Here is how it all looks :
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( GAS TANK ) = 5/16" SAE 30R9 FUEL INJECTION HOSE = P37 FUEL PUMP = FUEL FILTER (3032 or 0-450-905-030) = to FUEL INJECTORS
The total "upgrade" cost me $50.00, and I am very happy knowing I no longer have to depend on very expensive fuel pump, and filters that may not be available at every corner parts store. In terms of economics, I can replace 5 of these pumps, for the price of OE BOSCH. For $30, I can afford to have a spare. I will provide updates in the original post, should my opinion change on this setup. Currently, I am loving every minute of it.
UPDATES :
[104300 miles/4300 miles on the new engine] - 1000 miles on the P37 fuel pump. No issues, very good fuel flow. Thinking about getting two more pumps. One to use for my diesel truck as a lift pump, and a second one as a common pool replacement part. I stocked up on pre-filters, however it will not need to be changed for thousands of miles. Good to have a spare regardless.
UPDATES :
I do not recommend putting a pre-filter before the fuel pump at the fuel tank outlet.. I had a fuel pump failure due to fuel starvation because of the pre-pump filter. These pumps are built with looser tolerances and don't mind junk going through them. After I replaced my fuel pump with another P37, and removed the pre-filter, the fuel pump noise disappeared, and the pump was much quieter than the stock $150 BOSCH pump. The document has been updated to reflect this new configuration.