SBC mechanical fuel pumps

[another69]

I'm looking to upgrade my current fuel system with a mechanical pump capable of supporting 500- 550 HP. I have a -8 line from the tank to the pump now. Any advise on which pump to use? I was thinking Holley's 130 GPH.

[4086D9]

The best mech pump for that power level is the Carter 172. I am running this pump with a sumped tank and -8 line all the way. Works killer!

[another69]

Carter 172 never even crossed my mind- thanks for mentioning it. Seems like alot of GPH though, I wonder if it takes more power to pump it? Do you run a regulator? Also, what tires are you running 11s on?? Thats another upgrade I'm doing soon.

[minendrews68]

I have the Holley, seems to work ok. I've used one before. One thing about using a mechanical pump is that they are made to pump a certain pressure, you can adjust this pressure with a pressure regulator (duh!), but I've seen these pumps go out after a while, the thing to do is to use a regulator with a return. This eliminates the possibility of the pump building pressure before the regulator and pumping against itself, which will eventually do it in. I did this and it's no problem now...just my 2 cents.

[4086D9]

I dont use a regulator..it does not require one .

I was running 275/50/15 MT DR's when I hit the dragstrip.

[zerotofear]

Race Pumps has got any combination you need. www.racepumps.com

[CarlC]

I had the Carter street pump (-6AN) and never had a problem even on track days. The engine was making around 450hp.

[70camaro406]

I have the Carter GM4891, here is the description from Summit:

Higher volume for high-rpm driving.

When you need powerful and dependable fuel flow, look for it from Carter. These Carter Strip Super mechanical fuel pumps flow 120 gph from 6.9 to 9.5 psi. They contain heavy-duty diaphragms, high-speed "anti-float" springs, large "full flow" valves, and lightweight all-aluminum castings. As with all Carter fuel pumps, they feature a tough, heat-treated lever. The pumps are available in your choice of natural or polished finishes.

I've had it on 2 engines different engines since '01. On my 406, I was running my stock tank and fuel lines, no regulator, and no return line. I had zero problems with it. In fact, when the car gets put back together, I plan to use a fuel cell and new lines but keep my Carter mechanical pump. BTW, I'm making about 525+ HP and ran bottom 11's with it.

[another69]

I used a racepumps setup (pump & regulator) on a friend's mild BBC, and though I was way impressed with the fit & finish, the performance has been less than perfect.

[indyjps]

Chevy Hi-Performance Feb 2009 just did a mechanical and electric fuel pump article.

[fishtail8]

Race Pumps has got any combination you need. www.racepumps.com

I'm in the process of taking off my Racepump and pitching it. It's a nice product, however it's very sensitive to heat soak both with and without a return line. It stranded me in traffic more than once, which required me keeping several bottles of water in the car to cool the pump down.

A switch to an electric is in the works, I don't have frame clearance for any other mechanical pump.

[darkostoj]

after i went to electrical i'll never go back to a mechanical on something i play around with. I love being able to turn the pump off

[70camaro406]

I love being able to turn the pump off

Why is that such a good thing?

[Randy67]

Why is that such a good thing?

A couple of reasons
1. If the carb starts to flood you can turn off the pump and sometimes (if you are lucky) the carb will clear the trash and work again. On the downside, if you forget to turn it on it can be a bit embarrasing (been there, done that).
2. With the switch hidden, it makes it harder to steal the car or at least they won't get far. Randy