Hey guys:

The engine builder for my new project recommends an electric fuel pump over a mechanical to avoid vapor lock. The motor is a 540 Dart block and heads, solid roller rocker with AED 850 carb, runs about 682 hp on pump gas. No nos or anything. All compoments are brand new. I looked into the cost of an electric fuel pump set up from Aeromotive http://www.aeromotiveinc.com/ and WOW, I didn't expect that cost. It will be about $1,300 before I am done.

I don't want to go against what the engine builder says but am asking for knowledgeable second (and third and fourth...) opinions. What do y'all think? Can I use a mechanical pump and not have vapo lock issues?

Thanks

You may not have Vapor lock issues but I don't think there's many mechanical pump out there that can support nearly 700hp.
This one say's it will handle up to 2000hp click (http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_757835_-1_10305) Its still $570 for the kit. And you'll still need larger fuel lines to support it.

I'm curious. How does the engine builder recommend shutting off the electric pump in the event of an accident? Last thing you want is to be pumping gasoline on hot, broken parts - especially if the driver's unconscienous.

Is there some sort of shut-off or override that would kill the pump as soon as the motor shuts off, even if the electrical system is still working, as a safety precaution?

I believe you wire the pump into the ignition so that when the power is cut to the motor it cuts off the fuel pump too.

in my 59
in tank Ford pump
FP relay wired to ignition buss----and then thru a Ford inertia switch (crash switch)

pump is off in Acc or Off
Pump is on in Run and Start

You can also wire a relay thru a Vega oil pressure switch-----This will kill the pump when there is no oil pressure (engine has stopped running)

I'm using a Racepump, once you get the fuel pressure right on them, they work great... oh, and if you can live with the ticking noise, sometimes it's worse than others, but most of the time the 3.5" exhaust drowns it out. But still, with a Racepump setup, you're going to be dropping coin too, with 300 for the pump and 100 for the regulator. Just the joys of making lots of power... gotta pay up!

I'm using a Racepump, once you get the fuel pressure right on them, they work great... oh, and if you can live with the ticking noise, sometimes it's worse than others, but most of the time the 3.5" exhaust drowns it out. But still, with a Racepump setup, you're going to be dropping coin too, with 300 for the pump and 100 for the regulator. Just the joys of making lots of power... gotta pay up!

I got one of those pumps with a Racempump regulator, but it doesn't look like that. Mine is a deadhead regulator. Is Stewart only selling bypass regs now? Btw, it seems that to get the fuel pressure to stay where you put it you need huge line to the pump. I went from 3/8's to #10, and most problems were gone. Save money, use Aeroquip fittings and line, and you are also alcohol ready as a bonus.

in my 59
in tank Ford pump
FP relay wired to ignition buss----and then thru a Ford inertia switch (crash switch)

pump is off in Acc or Off
Pump is on in Run and Start

You can also wire a relay thru a Vega oil pressure switch-----This will kill the pump when there is no oil pressure (engine has stopped running)

Thanks! :thumbsup: I knew there had to be a way around the primary electrical system.

Is there some sort of shut-off or override that would kill the pump as soon as the motor shuts off, even if the electrical system is still working, as a safety precaution?

You can get an inexpensive oil pressure switch to run the pump relay off of. When the oil pressure drops below 7 psi or so, it shuts the pump off.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG1438&N=700+302432+115&autoview=sku

I have the relay for my MSD and the relay for my fuel pump run though one of these. The only drawback, is nothing works until you build pressure. I have an ign bypass switch to start instantly. Without it, the engine would have to crank a little until the pressure switch would alow the ign to run.