Convert fuel pump over to electric from mechanical

[lightningrod]

Hello All,
My 1988 is a hybrid deal, it's a 2.3l with a Weber 32/36 and a mechanical fuel pump.
I'm considering converting to an electric fuel pump.
Wondering what folks have used for electric pumps for a carb, which is low pressure, something like 4~~6 psi.
If it's outside the fuel tank I would try to mount it as low as possible, for priming.
I would be interested in a low pressure, in-tank pump, if there was one.
Thanks much

 

[superj]

You can use a holley low pressure electric pump with a regulator to reduce it more, since holley carbs run higher psi than webers. That what I had to do

 

[lightningrod]

Super J, what pump did you use ?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I've used Holley blue pumps but you can use a Holley red pump also. You will want a regulator with either.

I would not cheap out on the regulator...

 

[lightningrod]

I figured the Holley "race" pumps were all way too much pump for a 2.3.
I do agree about the regulator. I believe in Aeromotive.
I thought Carter made some smaller pumps.

 

[superj]

I always used holley for the pump and regulator. I don't remember which model though.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Why not a stock in tank lift pump from an 86 or 87 ranger? I thought 88 had them too....

 

[lightningrod]

Lift pumps were for EFI, I think I read they're not really robust enough as a stand alone carb pump.

 

[superj]

Not a lift pump. They will go out fairly quick, generally, if used as the primary pump

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Interesting, never read that before, but never needed to use a carb either.

 

[RonD]

Mechanical pump run $30-$40, and is very reliable, also fairly easy to change

So question is WHY?
Would you want to change to electric?

Costs more and adds at least 2 more wires to the system
AND can be a safety concern unless you add inertia switch and/or oil pressure switch

In an accident, no one plans it, which is why it is called an accident and not an "on purpose", lol
So in an accident if a fuel line should break an electric pump just keeps on pumping until battery dies, which could/would feed a fire
Which is why there are inertia switches and 0 RPM shut off for all fuel injected vehicles

In the older carb vehicles with electric pumps they used oil pressure switch as the ground for electric fuel pump
Simple setup, and if engine has 0 oil pressure then pumps shuts off
Broken fuel line means engine shuts off, so 0 oil pressure

 

[Bronco648]

I was contemplating an electric pump for my '85 RCLB Duraspark conversion. The people that rebuilt the carb for me recommend 3 psi fuel pressure.

Mechanical pump run $30-$40, and is very reliable, also fairly easy to change

So question is WHY?
Would you want to change to electric?

Costs more and adds at least 2 more wires to the system
AND can be a safety concern unless you add inertia switch and/or oil pressure switch

In an accident, no one plans it, which is why it is called an accident and not an "on purpose", lol
So in an accident if a fuel line should break an electric pump just keeps on pumping until battery dies, which could/would feed a fire
Which is why there are inertia switches and 0 RPM shut off for all fuel injected vehicles

In the older carb vehicles with electric pumps they used oil pressure switch as the ground for electric fuel pump
Simple setup, and if engine has 0 oil pressure then pumps shuts off
Broken fuel line means engine shuts off, so 0 oil pressure

You bring up excellent points and I may stick with the mechanical pump. Does anyone know the psi output of a mechanical pump? And, where to mount the regulator?