Fuel Pump in modified motors

[BullittStangV8]

Guys, I'm looking for a good fuel pump for my 331. The motor is getting the early style timing cover (65 style). The motor is pretty well modified, as it should put out 420 flywheel hp or so. What would be a good fuel pump for this set up? Mechanical? 110 gph? 130 gph?
I think mechanical would be the simplest..will it work just as well as an electric? Stock fuel lines as of now, and stock fuel tank. Sorry to ask such a simple question, but I searched and could only find threads about fuel pumps on nitrous motors.

 

[D.Hearne]

If it's carbed you don't need anywhere near that amount of flow. I've fed a three carb 331 on a 30 gal/hr electric at WOT for several minutes (ain't gonna say where that was) and it never starved for fuel.

 

[67Dylan]

I like the electric pumps myself; the holley or even the summit brand are good. I know some ppl may like mechanical pumps and they are less expensive, but the summit pump took me to mid 11's NA w/no problems: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM-G3136&N=700+115&autoview=sku
In support of D.Hearne, a 30gph pump can supply a 450fwhp motor all the fuel it needs in NA form. I don't know if you plan on using a return line, I recmnd one, but the main line can be used as a return line if needed. If you are going to squirt, then plan for it. You don't want fuel starvation while leaning on it...

 

[BullittStangV8]

Thanks for the feedback guys. What about fuel regulators? any need on an na motor?

 

[67Dylan]

Thanks for the feedback guys. What about fuel regulators? any need on an na motor?

It's nice to control pressure, but not necessary. You're gonna need a gauge if you get one, remember it has to be mounted OUTSIDE the car. It's nice to have it where you can see it while you drive; kinda hard to read FP on the top end if the gauge is under the hood. Personally, I use 2. One under the hood and one on the cowl section.

Plus, if you're gonna run a return line it's nice to have it come from the FP regulator back to the tank. I recmnd a return line instead of running it dead head style.
Also, those fuel lines will need to be upgraded or a larger GPH pump will be needed to meet the demands of the motor.

I'd like to make one thing clear tho: you mentioned 110gph & 130gph pumps. Those are rated at free flow which means 0 pressure. Pumps NEVER run at 0 pressure. You can purchase a 110gph pump, use a FPR, run a return line and you'll be good. Any excess fuel will be pumped back to the tank, keeping the gas cool.

 

[LMan]

I'm a mechanical FP fan. An electric is just another motor to fail, IMO.

YMMV.

 

[jasonn]

I have a 408 with 519 hp. I run a street/strip carter mechanical and it hasn't run out of fuel yet !

 

[BullittStangV8]

Whats to flow rating on the carter?

 

[D.Hearne]

ALWAYS run a regulator with an electric pump. As for their reliability, that 30 gal/hr electric I have in my Ranger has done it's job now for almost 5 years without failure. This is a Purolator low pressure electric bought new from Advance Auto Parts. ($25) I run a std Holley regulator with it, no retrun line. I also have three filters in the system, one between the tank and pump, another between the pump and regulator and the last between the reg. and carb.

 

[67Dylan]

I run a std Holley regulator with it, no retrun line. I also have three filters in the system, one between the tank and pump, another between the pump and regulator and the last between the reg. and carb.

Damn 3 filters!! I've only run one and have yet to have a problem, but as long as it works who cares.

Just curious, you haven't had any problems w/not running a return? I know a lot of ppl that have and only a few that don't encounter problems.

 

[D.Hearne]

There's not enough extra flow to need a return line. As for the why of three filters? The first protects the pump and the two times it came close to plugging, the motor let me know, that's the only time there wasn't enough fuel for the three carbs. The second is a filter/water separator, the last is simply insurance. And I never have problems with dirty fuel in the carb. Water and dirt are the two things that will cause a Holley to screw up. Keep the fuel clean and water free and the only thing that will wear out is the throttle shaft bushings