California Emissions Junk

[CRIChouse]

May I ask what you paid for yours? I've heard figures of $800-1200 to rebuild a pump; that seems awfully steep. I can't imagine customization would make that any cheaper, unless I took a more efficient factory pump (late-model VW TDI, perhaps?) and modified it to fit the 4D55.

I hate to foment or act on prejudice regarding local businesses, but I've been pretty consistently ripped off by and underimpressed with the work quality of any business in California that isn't nationwide (and many that are). I don't want to start a cultural debate here, but it seems a state-wide phenomenon of some degree of incompetence. I'd hesitate to outsource any labor like rebuilding a pump. Would rather deal with an out-of-state business (and at the prices we're talking, shipping is less than taxes).

Regarding the turbo and injectors: is rebuilding those DIY-able? How about replacing with more modern, aftermarket pieces? The turbo in particular - I know they've become more efficient and responsive in the intervening 28 years, and that the lack of a wastegate is hurting response and drivability.