Electric fuel pump
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Electric fuel pump
Has anyone installed an electric fuel pump, either with or without the removal of your mechanical pump? I have found out that my stock pump is not able to keep up with demand at WOT.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 422
Likes: 28
From: Collinsville IL
I used an electric pump instead of the mechanical and on two different occasions the pump stopped working leaving me stranded. There are a couple high quality mechanical pumps that will give you plenty of fuel. Just my opinion but I am staying with the mechanical from now on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,936
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
either type can leave you stranded, 30 years ago i had a holley blue pump on a corvette put 100k miles on it and drove it non stop D.C to Las Vegas and then back, without issue. and that was 30 years ago. I've had cars with mechanical pumps 150k miles and no failure. buy quality and i think you will be fine. the advantage to the mechanical is if the charging system gets weak you may be stuck
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
I'm wondering whether an electrical pump would eliminate my need to pump the gaspedal several times before each cold start? I have a starting procedure which includes three to four restarts and several pumps to get going when it's cold(er). Also I cannot just drive away when the cars is in high idle because of the choke: she needs to warm a bit our she will stall when I put the trans in gear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
You must be making an awful lot of power if a mechanical pump can't supply your engine. L-88 Corvettes were only equipped with a mechanical pump. A popular rule of thum is that a stock mech pump can supply 500 hp.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
I was told by someone who knows where of he speaks that is my issue and that it is common. Knowing the way it is acting/feeling I do believe it/him 
He did tell me to get a booster pump but I thought if I could just remove the mechanical then maybe it would free up a couple of ponies, oh well I guess I'll get a booster pump... Thanks guys
Last edited by AirborneSilva; Feb 27, 2013 at 07:59 PM. Reason: more info
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
A stock pump will handle it. Thats all I use on my car. What about the gas filter? Either remove it (temporarily) or replace it. Also, if your gas tank has never been out, there is a sock on the pickup in the tank which could be 30 or 40 years old and seriously plugged. Also check the condition of your fuel lines near the pump. Do all this before you consider an electric pump.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
I'm wondering whether an electrical pump would eliminate my need to pump the gaspedal several times before each cold start? I have a starting procedure which includes three to four restarts and several pumps to get going when it's cold(er). Also I cannot just drive away when the cars is in high idle because of the choke: she needs to warm a bit our she will stall when I put the trans in gear.
I run a high pressure fuel pump because I was going to install a TPI setup that I have, but changed my mind and went with a carb, so the regulator drops the pressure back down. Also, I have pre and post fuel filters.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
A stock pump will handle it. Thats all I use on my car. What about the gas filter? Either remove it (temporarily) or replace it. Also, if your gas tank has never been out, there is a sock on the pickup in the tank which could be 30 or 40 years old and seriously plugged. Also check the condition of your fuel lines near the pump. Do all this before you consider an electric pump.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
stock replacement pump would not keep up on either of my 355's once they got up to ~385hp. Now have GMPP pump on my 72, works great.
And an elec on my 61. It has a prime button so it fills the carb when needed for easy starts. neither stall down to 38F no choke, but i do work the pedal as i back out. I get moving before the pump shot dries out(within 2 seconds) needs 1000-1200 rpm to pull out and not stall. This is with a 4 hole thick base gasket and a fully divided dual plane. With an open center gasket it needed to warm up at 2000-2500 for 2 minutes. WHAT a difference details make.
And an elec on my 61. It has a prime button so it fills the carb when needed for easy starts. neither stall down to 38F no choke, but i do work the pedal as i back out. I get moving before the pump shot dries out(within 2 seconds) needs 1000-1200 rpm to pull out and not stall. This is with a 4 hole thick base gasket and a fully divided dual plane. With an open center gasket it needed to warm up at 2000-2500 for 2 minutes. WHAT a difference details make.
Last edited by Matt Gruber; Mar 1, 2013 at 11:59 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Before tearing into the pump or carb I would get a fuel pressure gauge and see if you're loosing pressure at wot and then an air/fuel ratio gauge or sniffer will let you know if you're running lean. It's cheaper than throwing parts at it and gauges are always nice to have 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Before tearing into the pump or carb I would get a fuel pressure gauge and see if you're loosing pressure at wot and then an air/fuel ratio gauge or sniffer will let you know if you're running lean. It's cheaper than throwing parts at it and gauges are always nice to have