Electric Fuel pump in ERA

SSSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2002, 06:54 PM

Has anyone out there mounted an electric fuel pump in an ERA car? What location would be best for maintenance purposes? Also, can anyone recommend a pump? Engine is a 302/317 stroker with ported and polished world products heads and the X cam from ford.

Thanks,
Glenn

mr0077 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 05:26 AM

I don't have an electric pump on this one, but on my Shell Valley, and all the other applications I've done, I mounted the pump as close to the tank as possible. Put a filter between the tank and the pump.
FWIW, I would recommend a mechanical pump instead of the electric, if you have room; I've had NO END of problems (hate getting stranded!) with electric pumps on hotrods, rarely have problems with mech. pumps. I like the Holley red (street) pump, if it flows enough for your application.

cobrajeff · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 07:16 AM

I mounted mine (Holley red) in the left fenderwell behind the left rear tire. I figured it would be noisy in the trunk.

I installed an inline filter between the tank and the pump, and I kept the mechanical pump hooked up, too. I am pushing thru the mechanical pump with the electric.

This has worked well for me. I still need to install an inertia switch (highly recommended) inline with the fuel pump wiring. Because I haven't yet wired in the switch, I normally only use my electric pump for starting or high rpm bursts.

Regards,

Jeff Burgy

Lloyd GT40 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 04:33 PM

So whats the latest theory on electric vs mechanical. Everyone has a opinion. Electric highest fuel pressure at idle when not needed. Mechanical is engine speed sensitive.

LLoyd

Bob Putnam · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 04:53 PM

In practical terms, I see no advantage to an electric pump. I think they got to be used on performance cars because the OEM mechanical pumps were marginal on modified engines. Aftermarket mechanical pumps are now more than adequate for up to 500 bhp.

I don't like that, if the electric pump is mounted in the rear, the entire fuel line is pressurized. Plus, they are usually noisy.

SSSnake · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 07:09 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. Now all i gotta try to do convince my dad that a mechanical pump is good enough. I don't know why, but he is hell bent on using an electric.

Thanks for the picture cobrajeff. That's where he said he wanted to put it. we were going to make a piece like the battery box cover for the other side to put over it.

Thanks
Glenn

Jim Holden · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 07:22 PM

On my ERAFIA I have an electric pump mounted in the left rear fender well. Era has the wiring in the harness for the pump. Be sure and put a shield between the tire and the pump. My Goodyears throw gravel up at the pump...

Inertia switch is a good idea.

Jim

SSSnake · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 07:37 PM

What exactly is the purpose of an inertia switch?

Thanks,
Glenn

mr0077 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 08:36 PM

Glenn, if you have an upset (accident or rollover), the enertia switch will cut power to the pump...imagine an accident with someone pinned in the car, the fuel line torn apart, and the fuel pump running from a direct connect to the battery...
not a good situation.