Performance Fuel Pump Setup Recommendations Please
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Performance Fuel Pump Setup Recommendations Please
I need your advice for a reliable street/strip performance fuel pump setup for a SBC. What are the pro's & con's of mechanical vs. electric pumps? All replies appreciated.
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79 L48, 222@50 .447" 114 LSA, Rhoads lifters, B&M HoleShot 2000, 3.55 rear, Sportsman II, Qjet, Performer, MSD6a, 14.19@97.3 w/single exhaust, 13.946@98.73 w/hedders & 2.5 true duals
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79 L48, 222@50 .447" 114 LSA, Rhoads lifters, B&M HoleShot 2000, 3.55 rear, Sportsman II, Qjet, Performer, MSD6a, 14.19@97.3 w/single exhaust, 13.946@98.73 w/hedders & 2.5 true duals
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,353
From: Santa Ana CA
Re: Performance Fuel Pump Setup Recommendations Please (nunus79)
Based on YOUR SET-UP, any quality, high volume, mechanical pump will work just fine.
Advantage of Mechanical Pump:
Advantages are not having to install an electric pump (usually in or under the tank), buy and install a pressure regulator, fabricate new lines, run electricity and a relay to the pump, install block-off plate over existing mount hole, safety (if a line should break a mechanical pump will kill engine and flow but electrical pump would kill engine and continue to pump raw fuel to the coil,header, fire, etc. etc. etc. unless safety switch installed.
Advantage of electric pump:
Snob appeal and bragging rights
Looks pretty clear to me.
Advantage of Mechanical Pump:
Advantages are not having to install an electric pump (usually in or under the tank), buy and install a pressure regulator, fabricate new lines, run electricity and a relay to the pump, install block-off plate over existing mount hole, safety (if a line should break a mechanical pump will kill engine and flow but electrical pump would kill engine and continue to pump raw fuel to the coil,header, fire, etc. etc. etc. unless safety switch installed.
Advantage of electric pump:
Snob appeal and bragging rights
Looks pretty clear to me.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 683
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Re: Performance Fuel Pump Setup Recommendations Please (nunus79)
I agree with toddalin. Unless your car pulls some major g's off the line, a mechanical pump should have no problem supplying fuel. An electrical pump is only required when high off the line acceleration forces and the long distance from tank to mechanical pump combine to make the pump's suction ability weaken.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,353
From: Santa Ana CA
Re: Performance Fuel Pump Setup Recommendations Please (toddalin)
Like valves, the pump arm can "float" at excessive rpm, but a quality mechanical pump will exceed 7,000 rpm, plenty for your application. If "arm float" is an issue, there are "lighter" "pushrods" to activate the pump that can extend the rpm range. For your set-up, this is not a problem. Based on your cam profile, I would expect your redline to be on the order of 5,200-5,700 rpm with valve float at about 6,500 rpm. (I have the same cam in my '64 and this is what the cam specs out at.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From: Lewisberry PA
Re: Performance Fuel Pump Setup Recommendations Please (nunus79)
I installed an low pressure electrical fuel pump on my 68 with little problem. Two years ago my 69 pickup's machanical fuel pump's rubber diaphram sprung a leak and sprayed fuel on the cam shaft. The cam shaft, of course, worn down pretty quick. The engine ran like sh**! I wish I saved the cam, it was pretty funny looking! I'll never run a mechancal pump again for that reason. I've never heard it happening bofore, but if I can prevent it by running electrical, I will.
Jeff Reed
Jeff Reed
Racer
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 458
Likes: 7
From: Cheshire ORE
Re: Performance Fuel Pump Setup Recommendations Please (nunus79)
Delco competition small block mechanical fuel pump # 12355613. Pump has 9 psi--115 gal per hour.
Street preformance pump # 12355612. 7 psi --110 gal per hour
Good luck. Billy
Street preformance pump # 12355612. 7 psi --110 gal per hour
Good luck. Billy
