Mechanical or Electric Fuel Pump?

[cv2065]

My Roush 427 is all set and ready to go ahead of schedule. Engine dyno'd at 561HP and 554TQ. Just noticed that it has a mechanical fuel pump. I haven't run one of those since my 67 Camaro. I was wanting to run one on my last Blueprint 427 for simplicity but couldn't as the power steering pump created interference. Looks like its close here but guess Roush worked all of that out. I can still change it if needed for an Aeromotive in-tank solution. Any thoughts around one or the other? We're not racing here, generally speaking, but I don't want to be cranking incessantly if the bowls run dry from a day of sitting. Is that not an issue? Looks like an Edelbrock unit.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/c310/cv2065/Engine_3.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/c310/cv2065/Engine_3.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[Jim1855]

I run an Edelbrock Performer mechanical on my 427. Lots of miles on it, no issues, always works. This same system will go into the current but slow build.

AN-6 lines, Canton fuel filter. Easily supported 550hp. I do run an Aeromotive bypass regulator although Eldebrock says it's not needed. I wouldn't run without.

And about your concerns. Never had bowls dry up. If I had to crank for any extended period, I did something wrong. Ran a vac & choke carb for the first two years, wisely gave up on that, never looked back, mechanical double pumper works. I'm sure the Roush supplied pump will be just fine, if not it's an easy change.

I like the simplicity of the mechanical pumps. The electrics are great just not for me.

Jim

[cv2065]

I run an Edelbrock Performer mechanical on my 427. Lots of miles on it, no issues, always works. This same system will go into the current but slow build.

AN-6 lines, Canton fuel filter. Easily supported 550hp. I do run an Aeromotive bypass regulator although Eldebrock says it's not needed. I wouldn't run without.

And about your concerns. Never had bowls dry up. If I had to crank for any extended period, I did something wrong. Ran a vac & choke carb for the first two years, wisely gave up on that, never looked back, mechanical double pumper works. I'm sure the Roush supplied pump will be just fine, if not it's an easy change.

I like the simplicity of the mechanical pumps. The electrics are great just not for me.

Jim

Thanks Jim. The Quickfuel has mechanical secondaries. I’ve always preferred over vacuum.

[Jeff Kleiner]

KISS. Leave it.

Jeff

[cv2065]

KISS. Leave it.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. If I went mechanical, can I take the pump out of the Aeromotive hanger and just use the hose?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Complete kit includes a non-EFI fuel tank pickup for use with an external/mechanical pump.

Jeff

[cv2065]

Complete kit includes a non-EFI fuel tank pickup for use with an external/mechanical pump.

Jeff

Ah, forgot about that. Thanks Jeff

[GoDadGo]

Mechanical all the way with a Baker Pump Pro-Cam pump.

[cv2065]

Mechanical all the way with a Baker Pump Pro-Cam pump.

Those Pro Cam pumps look stout! Great reviews as well. From the looks of it, Roush uses a Edelbrock Victor pump, but I'll verify next week.

[edwardb]

I can't even imagine how many millions of cars have been built and driven over the past decades with mechanical fuel pumps. My first two Roadster builds had mechanical fuel pumps. They are simple and they work great if your installation (e.g. using a carb) supports it. So I'd highly recommend staying with what you have. You will need a non-pump pickup for the tank. The stock one supplied by Factory Five might work as Jeff mentioned. I'm just not clear if the tube size would be compatible with the 561 HP Roush beast you're installing. Something to confirm. My only caveat to this advice is if you ever plan to switch to EFI. Obviously that would require higher pressure, an electric pump, and a return line.

[cv2065]

I can't even imagine how many millions of cars have been built and driven over the past decades with mechanical fuel pumps. My first two Roadster builds had mechanical fuel pumps. They are simple and they work great if your installation (e.g. using a carb) supports it. So I'd highly recommend staying with what you have. You will need a non-pump pickup for the tank. The stock one supplied by Factory Five might work as Jeff mentioned. I'm just not clear if the tube size would be compatible with the 561 HP Roush beast you're installing. Something to confirm. My only caveat to this advice is if you ever plan to switch to EFI. Obviously that would require higher pressure, an electric pump, and a return line.

You make a good point Paul. I'll have to check what actual pump they put on the engine and its inlet/outlet size. I had planned to plumb with 8AN flexible lines but I'll have to look around to see what pickups are available with that sized fitting (if any). I don't think EFI for me would be an option, BUT, whenever I part ways down the road, a prospective buyer might want the option. I plumbed the last car with that in mind, so something to think about there.

[rich grsc]

Can you explain the 8 AN fuel hose, you have a 2000hp engine?

[Jim1855]

I'm running AN-8 PTFE. Simply because there's no good reason not to.
Probably overkill as 3/8" hard lines and AN-6 braided worked well.
Not trying to be argumentative, just trying to support cv2065. He's not crazy but I might be.
Jim

[cv2065]

Can you explain the 8 AN fuel hose, you have a 2000hp engine?

Couple of sources:

https://help.summitracing.com/knowledgebase/article/SR-04879/en-us
https://www.snakeeaterperformance.com/blogs/tech-help/fuel-line-size-how-to-determine-your-fuel-systems-needs
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/all-cobra-talk/109432-fuel-line-size-big-horsepower.html

Are these not correct?

[Its Bruce]

Couple of sources:

https://help.summitracing.com/knowledgebase/article/SR-04879/en-us
https://www.snakeeaterperformance.com/blogs/tech-help/fuel-line-size-how-to-determine-your-fuel-systems-needs
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/all-cobra-talk/109432-fuel-line-size-big-horsepower.html

Are these not correct?

I won't say they're wrong, but I would consider them highly conservative. I run -6AN on a boost referenced supercharged C5Z06 w/ 650rwhp without issue, and it's running out of 60 lb/hr injectors at redline. I haven't pushed my Roadster engine yet, but I have a FP gauge on the dash (along with WB) and haven't seen any issues with -6AN on it either.

[CraigS]

Mechanicals are fine. When I did my irs retrofit I drained the gas line from the pump to the tank, removed the rear mounted filter, and removed the tank. When I hooked it all back up again, I was thinking about whether the mechanical pump would need some help sucking gas out of the tank to fill the pickup tube, the filter, and that 9ft or so of empty fuel line. Huuum, maybe I should figure a way to fill that line w/ gas. Ah, that is going to be some work. Forget it. Hit the key and see what happens. There was gas in the carb so it fired right up. OK good, but will it keep running? I was amazed, there was never a sputter or a bobble, it just ran like I had never taken anything apart.

[GoDadGo]

Those Pro Cam pumps look stout! Great reviews as well. From the looks of it, Roush uses a Edelbrock Victor pump, but I'll verify next week.

I did some digging and they no longer make them for Fords.
Previously I had an Edelbrock on the car.