Premium fuel pump worth it?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Premium fuel pump worth it?
'72 small block. Bubba did a nice job on my fuel line from the pump to the carb. Here's the bottom of the pump. The line with the red cap is my new complete hard line but it doesn't line up with where an elbow is supposed to come out from the bottom of the pump. The bandit fittings seem to be frozen so I can't easily remove them to put in a new elbow.
The original twisted hard line runs to just above the water pump and then a piece of neoprene clamped into place between that and a stub of hard line coming from the carb. Engine fire waiting to happen.
Before putting in the right side Hooker header, I figure it's prudent to change the pump. A stock type fuel pump with all the proper fittings can be had for about $45. Holley or Edelbrock pumps are about double that price and it looks like the intake fittings are threaded, unlike the stock pump. My inclination is to go stock but I wanted to get opinions to see if it's really worth it to go premium and if so, will these upscale pumps take the fuel lines without a lot of headaches. Whew!!!
The original twisted hard line runs to just above the water pump and then a piece of neoprene clamped into place between that and a stub of hard line coming from the carb. Engine fire waiting to happen.
Before putting in the right side Hooker header, I figure it's prudent to change the pump. A stock type fuel pump with all the proper fittings can be had for about $45. Holley or Edelbrock pumps are about double that price and it looks like the intake fittings are threaded, unlike the stock pump. My inclination is to go stock but I wanted to get opinions to see if it's really worth it to go premium and if so, will these upscale pumps take the fuel lines without a lot of headaches. Whew!!!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,023
Likes: 657
From: FL
I just put a new fuel pump on and it does not come with the elbow fitting.
Zip has the elbow you need. Part CZ-1120, a grand total of $3.75.
BTW, the outlet block is the same size as an 11/16" wrench. Use a wrench so you can get more torque on bubba's fittings.
The Edelbrock and Holley pumps are a lot shorter and will not line up with the stock lines. They can be converted to a bottom outlet but then you would need all new lines. I just got a new stock style pump from NAPA and swapped the elbow fitting. Works perfectly.
Stock:
Typical aftermarket pump:
Zip has the elbow you need. Part CZ-1120, a grand total of $3.75.
BTW, the outlet block is the same size as an 11/16" wrench. Use a wrench so you can get more torque on bubba's fittings.
The Edelbrock and Holley pumps are a lot shorter and will not line up with the stock lines. They can be converted to a bottom outlet but then you would need all new lines. I just got a new stock style pump from NAPA and swapped the elbow fitting. Works perfectly.
Stock:
Typical aftermarket pump:
Last edited by SteveG75; Jul 7, 2007 at 12:12 AM.
you might be able to remove the pump with the line attached to it so you can work on it a bit easier, I have had to do it that way several times
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,023
Likes: 657
From: FL
Just remember, new pumps (I got mine from NAPA also) do not have the elbow to hook up to the fuel line. You will still need to get an elbow. NAPA may have something that will work or get one from Zip.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
I guess you bought a pump by now - I hope it was a stock replacement. I had a Holley mech. pump on my car which basically failed after about 2K miles. Put my factory pump back on with the factory hard line to the carb. Works perfectly.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
I already had picked up an elbow thinking I might just be able to modify the old pump. So, I'm well equipped and ready for the switch.
