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My engine is a 350 bored and stroked to a 383. It has a Holley 670 street avenger carb. Right now I have a good opportunity to replace my mechanical pump to an electric pump.

What are the pros and cons of both and what brand/model should I go with?

The fuel pump that’s on it now has had some problems so it will be getting replaced anyway.

Thanks in advance!

Matt

There is nothing wrong with the tried and true mechanical fuel pump. If you required high pressure and volume then the electronic is best. Some have setup both and like the combo also. If you remove the rod from the standard pump and use an electric unit in the rear, you can use the same fuel lines and it will look stock under the hood.


Kev

Agree with Kev. Any engine satisfied with a holley 670 will be completely happy with a mechanical pump. They are reliable as dirt, and cheap too.

I dont know for sure that the engine is satisfied with the 670. The engine has not been running like it should since it was put in but will be getting tuned correctly in the near future. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to either or does it just come down to cost? It seems to be about a $40 difference between the two.

Thanks again for your help.

Matt

Matt, it's not just a forty dollar difference. That electric pump has to be mounted, back by the fuel pump and low. Plumbing has to be changed to accomodate it.
Power has to be run back there, a relay wired in, ignition power to trigger the relay.
The pump will need a continuous 10 amps or so, which may required upgrading your charging system if you're running the original 37 amp unit.

The guy who would be installing it has to install a new fuel tank and sending unit anyway and was going to include all of that (not sure about the charging system, I think its good but dont know) if I switched to an electric pump. It was his idea to start with and I have heard its nicer (dont know why) to have an electric pump over teh mechanical. So what I understand is the cost of installing an electric pump is not worth the benefit. Is that correct?

If he is willing to do it the right way, for a small difference in price, and you have thoughts of a future EFI anywhere in your mind, just do it now. Otherwise any good mech pump should be plenty for that engine/carb. I've had good luck with the Edelbrock pump and it's clockable so the inlet/outlet can be moved around. It was a tight fit compared to the stocker it replaced, but has been trouble free.

I'm running a Carter 172gph mechanical pump and it feeds my 600hp 383 with no problem. Depending on the power level your 383 is at you may not need a pump with this output. Which ever system you go with pay attention to your fuel line sizing, I would suggest running 1/2" lines from tank forward especially if your 383 makes 500hp or more or you plan on those power levels in the future...........do it once, do it right. Also consider the inherent safety feature of the mechanical fuel pump, if the engine shuts down the fuel stops flowing!

I like the Holley blue pump for your setup. I dont like dead head pumps. Pressures seem to creap up. I like the return setup and the pump runs cooler. But you have to have a return line to your tank.

Checkout barrygrant.com on there 220hr pump fuel line diagrapm. I used it on my 406 before I put the blower motor in. I would not buy that pump though. It has leaked on me twice and sits in my attic now. You can do the same setup with a Holley blue pump and alot cheaper.

Thanks guys!

My engine is not at those levels but maybe someday. It looks like the better choice for my set up is the mechanical pump. Any suggestions on brand/model?

Matt