Fuel Pump of Choice.

Prestidigitator · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 07:16 PM

Almost time to install a fuel pump on my project, I have a choice between mechanical or electric, what’s your favorite and why?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Your favorite brand (Carter, Holley, Edelbrock, etc etc.)?

Any other tips or tricks to consider?

Thanks.

Tommy · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 07:38 PM

IMHO, mechanical is simpler and more reliable. Electric lets you refill your carburetor if your car has been sitting for a few months. That way you don't have to crank the engine just to run the fuel pump. If you go electric, I recommend a fuel pressure regulator with a return line back to the fuel tank. It will allow fuel to flow through the pump continuously and help with cooling.

DAVID GAGNARD · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 08:55 PM

I have a Carter mechanical pump on both my Mustangs, the 65 Fastback is a street car and has had the Carter pump on it for about 10 years now,the 65 coupe is an all out road race car, very same carter pump on it and have had absolutley NO problems with either pump since day one.......
Neighbor has had 2 Holley mechanical pumps on his 65 Fastback and one leaked liked a seive and the other "rattled" all the time, he now runs a Carter pump.........

BTW: they are priced very competitavely with other brands/models.....

David

Rick Parker · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 10:21 PM

Carter mechanical installed in 1990, still working as required. Never a problem.

undy · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 10:32 AM

Holley Black, return type fuel system with Jegs' own bypass type fuel pressure regulator.

Note: The old single pipe system almost cost me my $20K aluminum side oiler (washed cylinder walls and gas contaminated oil). I never will run another single line system with a HP fuel system or engine..

Jim Kellogg · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 11:56 AM

David and Rick,
What model Carter mechanical pump are you running? Are you running a fuel pressure regulator with it?

I have run Holley Blue electric pumps on my SPF (351W) since it was new. I am on my second pump (first one started leaking at the pump body at approx 4 years/25K miles) and also use the supplied Holley pressure regulator. The new pump is already getting pretty noisy - much louder than when it was first installed last fall.

Without an o/p cutoff switch (I don't have one on my setup), an electric pump 'could' get you into trouble at the wrong time.

It's time for me to change to mechanical. Just want to get the right setup the first time around :-)

Jim Kellogg
Breesport, NY