After a period of intermittent hard starting, a few CELs, etc., the fuel pump finally gave up.
$250 to $500+ for a fuel pump?!
Went to rt, and found that the Audi/VW fuel pump was pretty much the came, with the core exactly the same.
I did have to remove the adapter plate that the flexible plastic hoses attached to, but that was a minor issue that took around 5 minutes to remove the new plate and attach the hoses to the original connectors. Spark plug wire boot pliers made the removal easier on the new hoses: the old hoses had to be cut, since they had age hardened.Note the safety wire on the hose clamps: prevents loosening, etc. Belt and suspenders kind of thing.
You'll also have to transfer the power/ground wires from the old to the new pump.
Finally, the new pump installed, normal startup with one gallon of gas in the tank, and off to the gas station for a fillup!
Sorry about the upside down pics and poor formatting, but you get the point.
BTW, the fuel pump is this one:
PRIME CHOICE PREMIUM NEW FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY
Ebay Item Id: 191451434249
Know anyone who might need an Audi/VW fuel level sensor and adapter plate?

 

What do you plan on doing with the old pump? Would be interesting to do a tear down on both models to see if there's anything more than meets the eye.

 

I pulled the old pump apart before installing the new one, and as much as I could tell, the pump motor was exactly the same. The only external difference was the retaining screws. Those on the old pump are Torx, the new used Phillips style. Visually (and by weight, if that matters) even the housing has the same manufacturers marks on the external mount adapter (used to attach the pump itself the to mount in the fuel tank).
BTW, there wasn't a single Porsche part number to be seen on the old pump, so hopefully, the car won't go into part rejection....

 

Interesting! Nice job... Part numbers for cross reference would be helpful

 

Great info. Thanks.

The snobbery, elitism, and arrogance of manufacturers is very bothersome.
You will find that over 50% of owners will blindly and staunchly defend using OEM and factory-only replacements, and they will have abundant stories to support the claims.
However, most DIYers eventually arrive at the conclusion that "OEM-only" is vastly overrated.
(The same applies to using dealers-only, versus using a Porsche indie.)

 

^This^ Let's face it, the underlying parts are essentially the same. Obviously, fitment becomes an issue, even between model years of the same vehicle - so there are cases where OE or OEM is helpful or even mandatory. In cases where it isn't, I say go with the least expensive option.

 

Nice find! They should sticky this. I know with one of my 993's the shop used a Porsche fuel pump that was over $400 and of course online I found comparable units for under $100. It is really sad that the mark up is so high.

 

you're sure the flow rate is the same?

 

X2

I would at least want to know that some manufacturing numbers match up.

If it is, great discovery. Kinda like the $12 Napa ignition switch. I also get a kick out of the Porsche specific o2 sensors. Lol.

 

KBoll
Thanks for sharing this Interchange info. When a little intelligent modification is required , there is often someone who will dismiss the idea as a "hack". Your mod seems to work fine ? Full throttle=full power ?
I agree this should be a Stickey. Anything that helps reduce the cost of rapairing and maintaining the M96 engine is most welcome to me. Thank you.

 

Many - yup - but there are some here who are going to freak out at your comment.

Trust me - I made the same comment some time ago and watched the world burn...

 

I prefer OE parts since most are critical. Some exceptions I can think of are:
- Bosch sensors - O2, MAF, cam, crank
- Bosch alternator, starter, SAI pump
- Bosch spark plugs
- Ignition coils (Beru)
- intake air filter. Microfilter
- cats
- brake pads

- flywheel and clutch when the time comes

 

Btw, I checked the ebay listing of the pump amd found its model number - FPKM292

It fits multiple vw and the largest displacement is 2.8L. Not a lot of reviews on the internet. Only saw a few negative on amazon. I hope it works out fine for you.

 

AGreed.
But it is important to distinguish between:
Porsche branded but actual manufacturer concealed - no different from buying a "Porsche" pen or watch?
Porsche approved OEM
Others.
An interesting example of 'others' is - instead of Bosch O2 sensors -use a well respected alternative like NTK or Denso ?
And then there are the generic/Made in China EBay items !
But best of all is a drop-in Interchange item marketed for less image-conscious makes like VW - the infamous Ignition switch is a good example.
A 'hack' fuel pump replacement that has insufficient flow may not be a good example?
The Pelican Catalog gives many examples with huge variations in price for the same(?) part.

 

This would be my only concern. Most fuel pump cores look the same, but flow rates vary.