blue82_z28

I have a Mark V 454, so I need an electric fuel pump and regulator. I was wondering what size pump would be adequate for my motor, and what brand is a good choice to go with.

F-BIRD'88

http://www.centuryperformance.com/fuel.asp

blue82_z28

Thanks for the info. But, I'm still confused. The motor is going to be carbed and running more than 300 horse but less than 400. I don't know exactly what the power output of this motor is, so it makes those formulas a little hard to use.

AlkyIROC

A Holley red or blue pump will be more than enough.

A street engine doesn't need a high demand for fuel because it normally operates at lower rpms but fuel requirements for a race car are different.

A good race engine normally requires 1/2 pound of fuel per HP per hour. Gasoline is 6 pounds per gallon.

A 400 HP engine would require 200 pounds of fuel per hour. That's 33-1/3 gallons per hour. Pumps are rated at gallons per hour free flow. Since you use a pressure regulator, the amount of fuel going through the regulator will be less.

With a dead head style regulator you take the HP and multiply it by 0.23 to get a free flow requirement
400 x .23 = 92 GPH pump.

With a bypass regulator you take HP and multiply it by 0.17
400 x .17 = 68 GPH pump.

A Holley red or a blue pump would be enough for both style regulators. The red pump is rated at 97 GPH and is regulated to 7 psi. The blue pump is rated at 110 GPH and needs a pressure regulator.

blue82_z28

Thanks. I spose I'd be best to go with the red pump, since it doesn't require a regulator. Seems like a cheaper way to go then getting the blue pump.

AlkyIROC

Buying a new blue pump comes with a regulator.

blue82_z28

I actually did notice that. But, in your honest opinion, which would make the most sense to get?

F-BIRD'88

The Holley read and blue pump are not designed for continuous use.
They are fine for a drag car but do not last too long on the street.
They either fail or start to leak.
Get a fuel pump that is designed for continuous use.

I prefer the Carter/Federal Mogul pumps.
Continuous duty design yet affordable.

1 carter P4600 {100gph} or two-twined P4594 {72GPH each}pumps.(dual 3/8" fuel lines) No regulator required.

How do you build a 454 that makes less than 400hp?

blue82_z28

Well like i said before, i have no idea how much power i'll be pushing. The motor came out of a 3/4 ton truck as far as i know.

F-BIRD'88

Will it be installed in stock form? If so, 1 carter P4594 (72GPH 7psi)fuel pump should be fine using 3/8" fuel line. no regulator is required.
Mount the pump at the back of the car near the fuel tank.
There is room over the rear axle on the drivers side to make up a mounting bracket to mount this pump.

blue82_z28

The only difference from stock, is that it is being converted to carb instead of the stock fuel injection. Where to find the carter pump?

F-BIRD'88

Summit and Jegs sell them Any Pep boys or Autozone store sells them also.

blue82_z28

Alrighty, thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it.

AlkyIROC

Since when are the red and blue pumps not designed for continuous use? The red pump is classified a street pump and the blue pump is similar but isn't self regulated.

F-BIRD'88

Not a matter of how they are "classified" It's how they are designed.
They have a cheap pump seal that soon starts leaking. The magnets in the pump motor housing often become dislodged.
If you can get a year of use out of them on a street car, consider yourself lucky. I have gone thru many over the years. They do move a lot of fuel for the price but they do not last in a continuous use street environment. Ok for a drag car but not a good choice for the street.

The Carter pumps are OEM/Military spec and designed for continuous heavy duty use. The fuel cools the motor internally. There is no pump shaft seal to leak like on a Holley red or blue pump.

Two Carter #P4594 pumps will feed a 650hp motor with capacity to spare thru twin 3/8 fuel lines, require no regulator and will out live you.
Because the fuel cools the motor on these pumps (like other good but more expensive pumps) they can run "deadhead" continuous duty without overheating the motor. There are other very good fuel pumps to buy. All cost more.

All electric fuel pumps work the best and will last the longest when set up with a return style regulator to and fuel return line.