1996 GTS fuel pump replacement options: 255 Walbro and Mat?

Tom and Vipers

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I'd love to find a 2-stage pump but that is a losing proposition. Aftermarket units are not 2-stage and the OE is only 190 lhp which is pretty wimpy and very unattractive considering used prices of a module ranging up to $1500.

A Gen 3 pump (255 lhp) would be a no-brainer but I don't think they are 2-stage. (I've spent all day today trying to find if they are 2-stage but have not found any information. Perhaps there is a cutaway and description of operation in the Gen 3 FSM. I don't have my Gen 2 FSM - it's with the car at the garage where I took it.)

What are the ramifications of losing the surge tank function?

A basket topped with fuel 1) cools the pump and 2) eliminates sucking air with low fuel levels.

A fuel mat should eliminate the sucking air problem, but what about loss of pump cooling?

It's always said to avoid running tanks w/in-tank pumps low - but is this because premature failure is caused by sucking air OR lack of pump submersion cooling?
 
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