Your pump looks fine! I would recommend getting a fuel pump sooneer then later so you dont have to worry about, especially when you start modding! Pm when you need a fuel pump i'll get you a good deal!
Hypertechs are not too bad, only reason I prefer the AP myself is you can get it Pro Tuned and When you start going Big turbo your going to want to get an AP
I used to have some knock on my car, once I went with a step colder spark plugs it disappeared! Most people either use a COBB AP(what I use) or a DaskHawk! When was the last time you changed your plugs?