Mechanical or electric fuel pump?

[jcode68]

You will probably start seeing more posts from me now that my 347/T-5 upgrade project is underway This forum is extremely helpful to us weekend mechanics, I really appreciate and value everyone's knowledge, help and experience. That said, I am looking at using this March serpentine pulley setup for my 347 with power steering (no AC) but found that this and apparently all other March systems are not compatible with mechanical fuel pumps with a power steering setup. Apparently there is an intereference with the pump and PS brackets. My question is, is it a big deal to convert to using an electric fuel pump? What are the advantages/disadvantages? What kind of plumbing is involved? I will be running a Holley carb, looking at the 670CFM Street Avenger, any issues here? Do I also need to get a fuel regulator? Thanks in advance for everyone's help and opinions.

 

[67GTA-FB429]

Electrics can be noisy. But you know when they are working.

You need to get a block off plate for the mechanical pump opening, and then mount the electric as close to the tank as possible (you want to push the fuel not pull). And then you have to run wires for it. Also, for plumbing use steel braided hose when ever possible.

Only need a fuel regulator if you get a GIANT pump and need to step down the pressure.

Here is one similar to what I have. At summit, p/n HLY-12-801-1

 

[Hissing Cobra]

I use the March underdrive pulleys on my 306 powered '79 Cobra that was previously equipped with a Turbo 4-cylinder and 4 speed with multiple fan belts. I switched it over to the '87-'93 Mustang GT setup that has the serpentine setup. It has power steering, AC, crank, water pump and alternator pulleys. If you switch everything over to late model brackets, you'll probably be able to use their pulleys. I did have to buy 3 to 4 different belt sizes to find one that fit. The ones that didn't fit I just returned.

None of this posed a problem with my Carter mechanical fuel pump. Just a thought.......

 

[jcode68]

Thanks for the responses. Are some electric fuel pumps quieter than others? Do you need to run a return line to the tank and if so, what's involved with this? I like the looks of the March setup. I realize I could convert to late model serpentine belt setup, but I don't think it would have the right look. Anyone else running this March setup have input?

 

[5.0ina66]

Are some electric fuel pumps quieter than others?

Yes! Modern OEM electric fuel pump setups are nearly silent, but one car comes to mind whenever I think about loud fuel pumps.

I was drooling over a PERFECT black 65GT FB with a Shelby decklid, Shelby hood, Cragars, black interior and red GT stripes. I just couldn't get over how cool it was! When the guy popped the hood, and a polished GT40 intake appeared, I had one question "Does it run good?" He turned the key on, and all I heard was "WAAAA!". Sounded like a clothes dryer buzzer on steroids. Then he fired it up, and you couldn't hear over the 40 Series Flows anyway. Sorry if I rambled, but you get the point.
HTH
--Kyle
PS: If you're running a carb, you don't need a return line.
PPS: The Mallory Gerotor pumps are supposed to be quiet

 

[jerry S]

Thanks for the responses. Are some electric fuel pumps quieter than others? Do you need to run a return line to the tank and if so, what's involved with this? I like the looks of the March setup. I realize I could convert to late model serpentine belt setup, but I don't think it would have the right look. Anyone else running this March setup have input?

the blue is sposed to be noisy but I cannot hear mine above the sound of engine. I will just say this about electrics and it is that they can be more troublesome than mechanicals. The shop working on my car has its own racing team. They were racing at a 24 hour race at Zaandvoort with two new Aeromotive electrical fuel pumps. These cost $400 each and both failed. They went into a box of old parts and pulled out a 5 year old Holley with many races under its belt and it finished the race.

 

[Hissing Cobra]

the blue is sposed to be noisy but I cannot hear mine above the sound of engine. I will just say this about electrics and it is that they can be more troublesome than mechanicals. The shop working on my car has its own racing team. They were racing at a 24 hour race at Zaandvoort with two new Aeromotive electrical fuel pumps. These cost $400 each and both failed. They went into a box of old parts and pulled out a 5 year old Holley with many races under its belt and it finished the race.

I agree with the reliability statement. I had the Holley Blue pump (noisy as hell, especially at idle) with the regulator on my last buildup and it failed twice in one year. That was enough to make me switch over to a mechanical unit for my latest buildup. I've had no problems with it for the past 11,000 miles and it feeds both of my carburetors without a problem. I do recommend a fuel pressure guage for monitoring pressure as you drive.

 

[jcode68]

Can you suggest another pulley system?

I would rather stay with mechanical since I can't really see any advantages to the electric. My problem is finding a good looking and reasonably priced belt and pulley system to work together. I haven't called March yet, but the sales guy at Summit said all their kits require electric fuel pumps when running power steering. Anyone have alternate suggestions

 

[Hissing Cobra]

I believe that the guy at Summit is incorrect. Like I stated above, I run power steering and I've got their pulleys. I don't know if their V-groove pulleys are like that though. I'm sure you could contact March directly and talk to their personnel.

 

[iskwezm]

there is nothing wrong with the Holley pumps,I had a blue for about 7 years and my neighbor has a red on his car for the past 14 years.I think the problem is when they get wired up,they dotn use a relay,or the right GA. wire and it makes the pump get hot and build up resistance in the motor.

 

[mustangdave]

I would call March and ask if you can use a mechanical pump with their setup. I have never heard of this before.

 

[jcode68]

I called March - it's confirmed

Spoke with a tech at March and confirmed that you cannot use a mechanical fuel pump with any of their serpentine kist for small block Ford. So now my choices are:

1. March serpentine kit with electric fuel pump (noisy, extra plumbing, extra wiring, did I mention the noise?)
2. March V-Groove kit with mechanical fuel pump. (prone to belt slips, belt jumps, less reliable and just doesn't look as nice as serpentine setup).
3. Look for alternative vendor solution. I have look at some, but could not find anything in a ready to go kit. Anyone know of a good alternative?

I will probably go with option #2, but am less than enthusiastic about it.

 

[candyapple]

I'm running march pulleys and don't have an issue with PS and fuel pump.

 

[mustangdave]

candyapple, he is not talking just about pullies but the brackets too.
The nice thing about March, (besides looks), is the elimination of belt slipping and jumping through use of their adjustment rods. Besides, on a v-belt setup, you can limp home if one breaks; with a serpentine, you're stranded.

 

[jcode68]

Are you running regular groove pulleys or Serpentine?

 

[mustangdave]

Wait a minute...if you are just talking about pullies, how could they interfere??? They are on the front of the p.s. pump.

 

[iskwezm]

[*]March V-Groove kit with mechanical fuel pump. (prone to belt slips, belt jumps, less reliable and just doesn't look as nice as serpentine setup).

I dont know who is giving you this information,but I thinks its false.I have NEVER had a belt jump or what makes it unreliable?????If it adjusted properly,it shouldnt slip at all.

 

[jcode68]

Yeah, good question. These are comments made from March in their product info. I can't recall any of my v-belt systems jumping belts previously either, so I'm sure this is just marketing and product positioning. I am leaning on staying with v-belt pulley system mainly because I don't want to switch to electric fuel pump. Thanks for all the feedback on this thread.

 

[jbuening]

Wait a minute...if you are just talking about pullies, how could they interfere??? They are on the front of the p.s. pump.

The link he provided for the pullies includes the power steering pump bracket. If you scroll down on that page it lists what is all included in the kit. Its more than just pulleys, and for $600 i would hope so

 

[mustangdave]

O.k., I see that the bracket looks like it sets the pump back so it could cause interference. Not that I have the money but I wonder if it would work with a KRC pump with remote reservoir.