Fuel System Help

[zeppelin913]

I've got a 2000 GTP and I have been having some trouble with it lately. Basically it doesn't always want to start and sometimes will give the "chuggle" effect when giving it a little more gas when cruising or going up a hill. I've narrowed the problem down to the fuel system. I'm only getting 40-43 psi with the ignition in the start position and about the same with the car running. When you pull the vacuum line off the pressure increases to around 50 psi. I've already swapped the regulator out with one I had from my previous GTP and no difference. Then I tried the fuel pump resistor bypass and no difference. Next, I pulled out the fuel pump and checked the strainer and tank for dirt. Once I put the fuel pump back in the fuel pressure gauge bounces 40-44 psi when the car is running. I'm thinking the fuel pump is going but I'd rather not replace it if I don't have to. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[TheOtherNick]

fuel pressure sounds fine. Hows the plugs ,wires?

[zeppelin913]

The plugs and wires are actually next on my list of maintenance items. I thought the fuel pressure was supposed to be higher, something like 48-52 psi.

[TheOtherNick]

anything over 40 shouldn't really cause a drivabilty issue unless you are running more boost wot. I would start with plugs and wires and clean the maf sensor.

[zeppelin913]

The car drives alright and 95% of the time it starts right away, it just seems to not want to start when my wife is driving it. I checked the repair manual and it says the normal fuel pressure for a GTP is 48-55. I'm guessing this is at idle. I cleaned the MAF recently so I guess tomorrow I'm going to test each of the plug wires. Do you think renting a code reader would help?? The check engine light is not on but could there still be codes??