Mechanical Or Electric Fuel Pump

[JMF]

I've got a worn fuel pump pushrod in my 383 which was causing problems, just wondering what everyone prefers because i'm debating over whether to replace the pushrod or just change over to an electric fuel pump ? The pushrod was worn by about 1/4 inch so not sure why it has worn down so much, thanks

[Ghoste]

I've always been quite happy with the Carter mechanical pumps.

[myk]

I run an electrical fuel pump but quite honestly, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a mechanical one.  In fact, if I wasn't such a paranoid individual I'd just run with a mechanical.  

Electric pumps are great because they allow your car to start up right away, anytime, every time, assuming of course the rest of the starting systems are in good shape.  No more pumping the pedal and turning the key forever, hoping that the car starts.  BUT.... Just like any electronic device they're probably made in China and are doomed to fail; I'm on my second pump in about 4 years and they both failed just when I needed them.  My old Carter hi flow unit ran for decades and worked great up until I yanked it out of the block and threw it in the trash.  Keep in mind too, that if you want your pump to last it has to be PERFECTLY mounted: beneath the lowest part of the tank, inlet side up, as close to the tank as possible, away from the exhaust, filter before the pump, filter after the pump, etc, etc, etc.  and the noise?  You can hear the pump grumbling the whole time it's on-it's louder than my engine/exhaust combination for god's sake.

Again, I only use an e-pump for an anti-theft option.  Asides from that I'd stick with a mechanical pump...

[firefighter3931]

The carter 120 gph "street pump" is what I would use....they are excellent !  

http://www.manciniracing.com/cabheen5psis.html

Is this an aftermarket pushrod or factory piece ?  Awhile back there was a bad batch of fuel pump pushrods that hit the market. They weren't properly heat treated and are subject to premature wear.  

Another thing to consider is the oil you are using in the engine. A good quality oil with lots of zinc/phos is essential for high pressure points like cams/lifters and fuel pump pushrods.  


Ron

[toocheaptosmoke]

So far I've had good luck with the Carter p4070 electric pump, and they seem to have good reviews.  Cost about $60, and made in usa.  Just installed another one on my diesel truck as a helper lift pump. 

[Paul G]

I have removed several electric pumps on different cars I have owned and gone back to mechanical pumps. Electric pumps just dont last and they are noisy. Electric pumps require a stable power system as well. Low voltage to the pump and you get a low output from the pump.

[Challenger340]

Mechanical pumps are just fine for almost all street hotrod applications with a 3/8"line and 3/8" tank sending unit.

But then the question begs, at what "point" should a guy consider more pump ? 
My point being,
even the best 120 gph mechanical pumps are challenged at "sucking", all the way back through 14 ft of line to the tank ?
Then add to that,
the fact that the "mass" of the total fuel volume contained in that 14 ft of line is subject to "inertia" rearward under hard acceleration, and... well... you get my point that IMO, somewhere "approaching" 500hp a guy should look at backing the mechanical up with a small electric at the rear ?

[XH29N0G]

Do you have a recommendation for the small electric at the rear

[billssuperbird]

Mechanical for me.

[1974dodgecharger]

500HP is the magical number in your opinion?  Would that Carter pump 120gph that firefighter be suitable for a 700HP one with a blower in your opinion?

Mechanical pumps are just fine for almost all street hotrod applications with a 3/8"line and 3/8" tank sending unit.

But then the question begs, at what "point" should a guy consider more pump ? 
My point being,
even the best 120 gph mechanical pumps are challenged at "sucking", all the way back through 14 ft of line to the tank ?
Then add to that,
the fact that the "mass" of the total fuel volume contained in that 14 ft of line is subject to "inertia" rearward under hard acceleration, and... well... you get my point that IMO, somewhere "approaching" 500hp a guy should look at backing the mechanical up with a small electric at the rear ?