Electric to Mechanical Fuel Pump??

[ratty 46]

OK ....

I'm removing my tbi from my '87 Crew Cab (454 engine) .... & will be replacing the complete unit with a:

Carb, Intake, new HEI & MSD box

My question is ........ I'd rather go mechanical fuel pump & not have to run a in line regulator. I want to know if I really have to remove the in tank pump to run the mechanical unit.

Will the mechanical pump draw the fuel through the in tank pump? Or will I need to remove the in tank unit. Why?

I'd prefer an answer that is not subjective but actual.

Any related info is appreciated.

Ratty 46

[ghettoluxury]

Yes it will pull through the old pump.

[ratty 46]

Thank you ..... that saves me one step & finding/buying other parts for the tank.

I appreciate your info. Now I can get bizzy!

Ratty 46

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by ratty 46

Thank you ..... that saves me one step & finding/buying other parts for the tank.

I appreciate your info. Now I can get bizzy!

Ratty 46

I understand tbi's are 9-13 psi you will probably need a regulator.

[SBTork]

Im not downing you for you wanting to go carb instead of tbi, but I am curious. Why the decision?

[kelsfine69]

Just wondering....didnt they cast over the fuel pump mounting on a TBI engine? I know it was done later like 90ish

[piecesparts]

This is kind of funny! I have been considering going the opposite. I want the electric fuel pump vice the mechanical for a couple reasons:

1. To get away from the drain down issue of a mechanical pump when the truck sits for a period.

2. To stop the issue of heat soak in the fuel lines and have that fuel ready and on tap when needed..



You may want to think a little further and consider the use of a regulator--it is not that complicated. Just my .02 worth.

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

1. To get away from the drain down issue of a mechanical pump when the truck sits for a period.

2. To stop the issue of heat soak in the fuel lines and have that fuel ready and on tap when needed..

Yep. The in-tank pump return style setup that TBI trucks have is a good one too. All he needs is a Holley 12-803BP return style regulator to get the pressure down the to proper level.

[Desert1957]

FYI

Just something to check , Some but not all engines around this time DO NOT have a camshaft with a fuel pump lobe , If the block casting is open , you might have to install a fuel pump pushrod , hold it in the bore with your finger and bump the motor over. If it doesn't move there is no lobe on the cam for the fuel pump.

Desert

[asphaltburner]

Yo! These are the very reasons I like to install e-pumps. Unfortunately, my '78 does not have internal pumps, and the external e-pump that I bought failed in less than a year, so I went back to the mechanical, leaving a replacement e-pump and it's supply/return plumbing for backup. And, like most externals, it was a little noisy.
Luckily, I was able to route new hard lines to the mechanical in a manner to help reduce the possibility of vaporlock.
The e-pumps' ability to get an engine started in the first revolution is sure nice in the dead of winter when you're trying to start an engine that's COLD as hell! And extends starter/battery lives too.
Anybody placed in-tank pumps in old trucks? Might pursue that possibility in the future.
Todd.

[ratty 46]

Thanks for everyone thoughts ..... it helps.

Ratty 46

[454Headache]

BBC's had mechanical fuel pump mounting bosses until 1990 (when the horrid GEN 5 came about). Some GEN 6 (96+) have them and some do not. The stock pump belongs on a 2.8 V6 at best. Its flow rate is terrible and if you do anything performance to your truck in the future, you will find the 454 starving for fuel at anything above 4,000 rpm in 2nd and 3rd gear. Ask me how I know,lol.