C5 Fuel Pump Kit, T6 W450E
C5 Fuel Pump Kit, T6 W450E
Extreme Performance Fuel System Kit
1997 - Early 2003 Corvette C5
The High-Output Solution
The RFPK-055-450E is engineered for extreme horsepower applications, featuring the legendary Walbro F90000274 "450" Dual Turbine fuel pump. This E85-certified design utilizes a dual-channel turbine architecture, making it significantly better suited for Hot Fuel Handling than traditional single-turbine pumps. This design ensures stable fuel delivery even under extreme under-hood temperatures or when utilizing high-ethanol blends prone to vapor lock. This pump is integrated into our custom Gen-2 6061-T6 anodized aluminum reservoir, providing a massive safety margin and superior thermal management compared to factory plastic units.
Gen-2 Walbro 450 Assembly
- Walbro F90000274 "450" Dual Turbine: Specialized DCSS architecture for superior vapor handling.
- Proprietary Siphon-Jet Integration: Features integrated external siphon-jet technology to ensure active reservoir filling.
- 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum: Acts as a massive heat sink to dissipate fuel temperature; 50% larger surge volume.
- Serviceable Modular Design: Completely dismantleable for inspection or deep cleaning.
- E85 Optimized: 100% compatible with aggressive fuels; prevents ethanol-related corrosion.
28-Amp Redundant Electrical
- Dual-Path Redundancy: Employs two 14-gauge conductors through the bulkhead for safety.
- FPWH-052 HD Hotwire: Dedicated 10-gauge trunk lines with 630-series 40A hardware.
- PBIC-001 Booster Interface: Includes connector set for plug-and-play integration of pump voltage boosters (e.g., Kenne Bell BAP).
- BCA-4W Bulkhead: Heavy-duty replacement bulkhead specifically pinned for this architecture.
- Ring Terminal Ground Relocation: Grounds moved to tank perimeter bolts to eliminate connector heat.
Proprietary Siphon-Jet Technology
A critical distinction of this Racetronix system is our Integrated Siphon-Jet Technology. While the native Walbro 274 pump does not include a built-in siphon-jet, the Racetronix Gen-2 6061-T6 aluminum module features a proprietary external siphon-jet pump integrated directly into the module's architecture. This critical piece of engineering ensures that the high-volume turbine remains submerged in a constant supply of fuel, maintaining the module's active-filling capability exactly like the factory unit—even at low tank levels or during aggressive vehicle transitions.
28-Amp Redundant Electrical Architecture
The high-volume Walbro 450 turbine requires significantly more current than standard pumps to maintain its flow curve. To address this, we have implemented a 28-Amp Redundant Power Path. This system employs dual 14-gauge positive conductors through the bulkhead to double the factory current capacity, paired with our FPWH-052 HD Hotwire Harness. Crucially, we utilize ring terminal ground relocation, moving the high-current grounds directly to the tank perimeter bolts to bypass restrictive factory circuits and eliminate bulkhead connector heat.
Critical System Requirements
Regulator Overrun & Regulation: The massive volume produced by the Walbro 450 turbine will often overpower (overrun) the factory-style regulator found in 1999–2003.5 models. This results in an uncontrollable fuel pressure rise significantly above the 58 PSI target. Upgrading the rear filter/regulator is only a temporary "stop-gap" measure.
Dead-Head Bottleneck & Heat Soak: To take full advantage of this high-output system, the factory "dead-head" architecture should be replaced. Maintaining factory lines and rails leads to increased fuel percolation and heat soak issues. For 450LPH applications, we strongly advise converting to a full return-style system with our FLK-C5 Fuel Line & Rail Kit.
Thermal Load Management: Due to the extreme volume of fuel being circulated, this system generates higher thermal loads. In high-ambient temperatures or sustained racing, fuel can reach boiling (percolation) temperatures. For extreme duty, Racetronix recommends PWM speed control or an external fuel cooler on the return line.
450E Horsepower Support Estimates
| Fuel Type | Naturally Aspirated | Forced Induction |
| Gasoline | ~850-900 HP | ~700-750 HP |
| E85 (Ethanol) | ~600-650 HP | ~500-550 HP |
Technical FAQ & Installation Notes
Q: I have installed the harness and module, but the pump will not turn on. What is the most likely cause?
A: The most common installation error is failing to connect the High-Current Ground Terminals to the tank perimeter bolts. Because we have relocated the pump grounds to offload heat from the bulkhead connector, the pump will not have a complete circuit until these ring terminals are securely fastened to the metal fuel tank flange.
Q: Can I install the pump or wiring separately?
A: No. This is an all-or-nothing system. Because we have reconfigured the bulkhead pinout for redundant 28-amp power, the new module will not work with factory wiring, and the new harness will not work with a factory pump.
Q: How do I ensure the BCA-4W bulkhead is oriented correctly?
A: Match the molded letters. The ITWH-055 in-tank harness is marked E, B, C, D—these must align with the E, B, C, D markings in the center of the bulkhead top. Note: Edge letters A-D are for the HD Hotwire interface only.
Recommended Add-Ons
- FLK-C5 Fuel Line & Rail Kit: Critical for eliminating factory plumbing bottlenecks.
- FSGK-C5 Seal Kit (97-99): Ensures a leak-free seal with new gasket and bolts.
- FSGK-C5A Seal Kit (00-03): Mandatory seal replacement for later side-access tanks.
- Liquid-Filled Diagnostic Gauge: Essential for accurate fuel pressure verification.
Fits: 1997-early 2003 C5 Corvettes with side-access fuel pumps.
Core Requirement: Must be installed using the factory original stainless steel fuel hat and cap.
Exclusion: Does NOT fit 2003.5+ Corvettes (VIN #114931 and higher).
