Do I need to install an electric fuel pump

[ubtripn]

I am running a mechanical fuel pump right now with a Holly carb on an engine with 350 HP output. Do I NEED an electric fuel pump to improve performance? Thanks all.

[72c20customcamper]

No. I run a Holley mechanical in a 550 + 496 bb in my Chevelle never had a fuel starvation problem . I did however put larger fuel lines from the tank to the pump

[geezer#99]

What does improve mean?
Your motor only needs a little fuel. Higher pressure or more volume isn’t really needed.

[Rickysnickers]

My vote would be to save your money and stay with what you have.

[ubtripn]

Improve would mean make better in some way, thanks all for the advice, it seems to be just fine, 8lbs but the gauge I installed before carb bounces so there is that but it runs fine. Thanks again.

[geezer#99]

Have you tuned for altitude?
Jet leaner and optimize your timing?

[ubtripn]

oh yeah, just thought there might be other imperatives I was unaware of.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

Improve would mean make better in some way, thanks all for the advice, it seems to be just fine, 8lbs but the gauge I installed before carb bounces so there is that but it runs fine. Thanks again.

The fuel pump has poppet valves in it, so pulsing in the fuel pressure is to be expected.

[ubtripn]

Got it, thanks all!

[57larry]

nope

[Barnfind46]

The only time you need an electric fuel pump with a stock-ish carb setup would be with 10% ethanol fuel and hot weather. The ethanol makes the fuel tend to vapor lock. Even with only 7 psi the fuel is under pressure and helps protect against vapor lock. I lived in North Texas and would drive to work in the morning no problem. Headed home at 4 and the truck would quit half way home. Cooled down and started right up. Added the pump and covered the fuel lines and problem solved.