I am considering putting an electric fuel pump in. I don't have anything installed yet. But my question is if I go with an electric pump, where does it go? Are the fuel lines ran the same? Or do i need a return line to the tank? I know that the spot on the engine where the fuel pump is supposed to go would just be blanked off. I am looking at getting the lines ran and I need to know how to run them if I go electric. I will also need a fuel pressure regulator too right? Other than that, is that all I will need? It will be carburated.
Also, what are any advantages going electric vs. the standard mechanical type?
Posts: 3138
Joined: 1/18/2007 From: Las Cruces, NM Status: offline
I am going to start with your last question, while others will disagree, I see no advantage in using an electric fuel pump over a mechanical pump on a carburated car! I prefer mechanical!
The placement of an electric pump should be close to the tank, as close as practical. Yes you will need a pressure regulator with most pumps, but you do not need a return line.
Once the pump is removed, a block off plate just goes over the spot where the pump bolts onto the timing cover.
(what I don't like about electrics)
1. Can be noisy
2. need to run wires to back of car
3. additional electric load
4. Not as reliable, more to go wrong.
5. Not as safe, when the engine stops running, (like in an accident) the fuel pump may continue to pump fuel onto the ground unless an inertial safety switch is used.
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66 Coupe I-6 Conversion, 408 Windsor, Tremec TKO 600 Wilwood fronts, SSBC Rears 9" Track Loc.
I didn't really see the need for an electric pump either. I was curious to see if there were any advantages to an electric and I really can't think of any either. Seems like they can be more trouble than they are worth. If anyone else has comments, please feel free.
Posts: 3138
Joined: 1/18/2007 From: Las Cruces, NM Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: zmetalmilitia
I didn't really see the need for an electric pump either. I was curious to see if there were any advantages to an electric and I really can't think of any either. Seems like they can be more trouble than they are worth. If anyone else has comments, please feel free.
We ended up using an electric pump on the 66, but not because I wanted to. This was my first Ford build, as such, I did not know that I could not use the stock fuel pump eccentric.... well engine assembly day came and went with me not having the right part.... I regret not waiting on the part for a few days....
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66 Coupe I-6 Conversion, 408 Windsor, Tremec TKO 600 Wilwood fronts, SSBC Rears 9" Track Loc.
how often do you drive your car? if it sits a couple of weeks at a time an electric pump can fill the carb with gas each time before you crank it. other than that i see no advantage.
The major advantage to an electric fuel pump is reduced likelihood of vapor lock. The electric pump keeps the fuel line pressurized, and since increasing pressure also increases the boiling point of a liquid, you end up with less chance of vapor locking the fuel line.
That said, I completely agree with JMD. There's no real reason to switch away from a mechanical pump on a carbureted car. Too much of a pain for little benefit.
It seems like after reading this thread, the expense involved installing an electric fuel system is too great for the reduced chance of vapor lock. What's the deal with vapor lock, is it a big problem to worry about?
Posts: 2051
Joined: 11/9/2006 From: South Shores, CA Status: offline
FWIW, you do not necessarily need an external regulator with an electric pump. Check the specs to see the output pressure, e.g. Holley Red does not need a reg, Holley Blue does. The electric has its merits, but like others said, the benefits of it with a carb will probably be outweighed by the cost and installation effort (wiring). Oh yeah, you DO NOT need a fuel pump return line.
Stick to the mechanical, but if you do go electric, I have a Holley Red with about 200 miles on it and an unused Ron Morris Performance mounting bracket.
I am putting in a Barry Grant electric pump, filter, and pressure regulator, but I am also upgrading the fuel line to larger lines. This is to insure I have gas to the carb under heavy acceleration. If you do not upgrade the fuel lines, I would not go through the trouble of doing the other.
Hi, I did this once, but removed it and want back the mechanical.
Issues were noise and safety. Even with a manual kill switch, I never felt safe. I worried constantly that a rock or something my hit the thing where I had it mounted up under the rear end.
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Electric fuel pump, questions.... - 
I prefer mechanical! 
