I think my fuel pump is on it'* way out. If the car sits for a bit and I try to start it, it will not start til I press the gas a couple times, then it fires right up. Kinda knew this was coming, so it'* not unexpected.

MY questions:

What fuel pump should I go for? New OEM, or other?

How hard is it to replace? I am assuming drop the tank and remove/replace. The underside of the car is fairly clean, so bolts shouldn't be too bad on the tank? Or should I leave it to professionals?

Some notes: I have another car to drive for a couple days and plenty of driveway space, so I can take my time.

thanks for any help.

I just got my car back from the garage Wed for a new fuel pump. I paid $277 for parts and labor. Around here that'* a good price. There was just a post a few days ago about this very subject...
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=59418
General consensus seems to be if you have a lift or access to one, go for it. Can be done with jack stands or ramps if you have a good jack to help drop the tank.
I think here I found a pump (OEM I think) for like $120 with the filter screen thing)
How are the straps?, might need new ones of those, too. My tank was just replaced a few months ago, so it made the job a lot easier for this.

Are you sure the fuel pressure regulator isn't faulty? You might be over-troubleshooting this. Based on the symptoms you described, I'd first be looking into the fuel pressure regulator.

not sure how I would test either of them, but I am leaning towards the fuel pump because it has seemed to be slowly going. Plus if I am ever going to go WillWren style, I will need to know it is good.

with regard to the fuel pressure regulator, if you disconnect the vacum line & fuel pours out, the fpr is defective which means the diaphram is ruptured. As for the fuel pump, you would have to rig a pressure gage to the schrader fitting on the fuel rail & look for around 40-45 psi static pressure with ign. on, engine off

basically here is what happens. I go to start the car. It doesn't urn right away. You can hear it slowly go around once, then again. and at that point I hit the gas a couple times and then it fires right up and runs no problems. there will be no issues driving it. Once I stop, depending how long I am stopped it will do it again, and each time is the same. Feels like I am having a hard time priming something.

Just checked the Regulator as stated above. No gas coming out. Started it without hitting the pedal as well and it was dogged for a couple minutes then picked up when I hit the throttle from the enginebay.

What'* the condition of the battery? Starter is turning engine over slowly? Or, is the engine turning over at normal speed but not firing until you hit the gas pedal a couple times?

On my 94 Bonnie I used to have, I had to change the pump. Theres a code on the wire leading to the pump. Get under the right side and it should be near the fuel lines running to the tank. Theres 2 different pumps they used so 2 different codes on the wires. You'll have to get that code because the auto parts store will ask you which code it is. One pump is more expensvie than the other and of course the one on my 94 was the more expensive one.

I'm with Mark, if the engine is turning over slowly it'* probably battery or starter. Clean all the battery connections. If that doesn't help jump it or swap batteries with another car. If that doesn't help try pulling the starter, a little grease may be all it needs.

PS - I've got a fuel pressure gauge if you want test it.