Choosing the correct Fuel pump. We Cover Function & Performance.

Choosing Your Next EFI Fuel Pump

By Evan Perkins – Photography by the Author

Fuel pumps used to be simple. They bolted to the side of your engine, were 100 percent mechanical in nature, and usually had enough capacity built in to handle some basic engine upgrades. Plus, they were cheap, simple, and easy to replace. As the induction systems that power our rides have evolved, so have the fuel systems required to power them. With modern EFI, choosing the right fuel pump is more critical than ever to longevity and power.

001-EFI conversion mechanical pumps — If you’ve been tinkering with muscle cars and trucks, this is likely the fuel pump that comes to mind. However, when an EFI conversion is in the picture, mechanical pumps such as this are simply not up to the task.

Fuel Pump Sizing

Choosing the right size fuel pump not only ensures your engine will be fed the quantity of fuel it requires, but it should also be a consideration for any future modifications you have planned. Let’s face it, no one enjoys crawling under their car, inevitably spilling fuel–which is worth its weight in gold these days–and swapping out a new-ish fuel pump for a larger one. That’s why it’s always advisable to assess any planned upgrades and build out the fuel system accordingly. For example, a pump that flows 255-LPH (liters per hour) will support roughly 550 fuel-injected horsepower. However, there are a few things that can affect that rating. If the engine uses E85 or other alcohol-based fuels (assuming the pump is rated to tolerate them), they burn at different stoichiometric ratios than gasoline and will require more fuel per unit of air. That means the pump must work harder and flow more when using these fuels and the supported horsepower will be lower. Engines with power adders tend to burn more fuel than a comparable naturally aspirated engine of similar displacement, and hence will also require a larger pump.

002-Muscle Car Diecast EFI Module — Here is an example of a Muscle Car Diecast EFI Module. They can be sized to fit tanks between 7-12 inches in depth and are available in return or return-less styles. This example is being installed in a factory-replacement Nova tank.

Also, fuel pumps are typically able to flow a greater volume of fuel at lower pressures. A pump might flow one volume at 43 psi and a lesser volume at 60 psi. Knowing what pressure your fuel injection will operate at is key to evaluating if a particular fuel pump will deliver sufficient flow.

If your engine was run on an engine dyno before being installed in a car, knowing the BSFC (brake specific fuel consumption) is the best way to accurately size your fuel pump. The math problem works out like this:

Peak Horsepower x BSFC = Max Fuel Required (typically measured in lb/hr)

Pumps are typically rated in gallons per hour (gph) so some additional conversion will be needed, i.e., dividing by the specific weight of the fuel you’re using, about 6 pounds for gasoline and about 6.59 pounds for ethanol and methanol to get to gallons per hour. If you’re shopping for pumps rated in the metric equivalent of liters per hour, which many pump manufactures now use, you’ll need to convert gallons per hour to liters per hour. It’s important to make sure the units of measure are equal for accurate comparison.

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003-aluminum cams — Note the aluminum cams and thick, neoprene gasket. The cams swing out as the bolts are tightened to rigidly clamp to the tank.

Fuel Pump Styles

First and foremost, an EFI fuel pump is required to deliver significantly more fuel pressure than a comparable carbureted pump. Multi-port fuel injection (one injector per cylinder) typically runs between 40-60 psi, though some race systems can operate even higher.

004- RetroFit Fuel Module — This RetroFit Fuel Module is similar to the Diecast Models, however it features twin, 450-LPH pumps and a billet hat. This combo is good for a whopping 1,700 hp on EFI and also installs in just about any tank.

The most important consideration for your new fuel pump will be how it’s mounted. In the early days of fuel injection, it was common to mount the pump along the framerail, where it could be easily reached. While this was great for maintenance purposes, manufacturers soon realized that this made for a pump that was both loud in operation and prone to overheating and vapor lock. To combat those issues, fuel pumps started to be installed inside the fuel tank. The volume of fuel in the tank helped to quiet the pump’s operation, and act as a coolant to help regulate the pump’s operating temperature. The result was a quieter, longer lasting pump.

005-Muscle Car EFI Module — This Muscle Car EFI Module is designed to install in a factory tank and utilizes the OEM sender port to package a fuel pump and new sender. This is a great option for cars making roughly 500 hp or less and that retain a factory or factory-style tank.

In-Tank Options

Depending on the make and model of vehicle you’re building, the aftermarket has a host of in-tank fuel pump options that deliver modern reliability. For common applications, Holley’s Muscle Car EFI Modules are a great option. These drop into your factory tank in place of the fuel level sending unit and combine a new level sender and pump into an easy-to-install unit. They also feature an internal fuel pressure regulator that directs excess fuel flow right back into the tank. These are a great option if you’re building one of GM’s common models, such as a Camaro, Corvette, or Chevelle, however if you’ve got something a little off the beaten path in the works, there is a better option just for you.

Holley’s In-tank Muscle Car Diecast EFI Modules are the hot ticket for just about any fuel tank between 7 and 12 inches deep. They are offered in return-style and return-less configurations and install simply by drilling a hole in the top of the tank. Once the hole is drilled, the module drops into place and small cams swing out while the pump is tightened down. These cams grab the sheetmetal of the tank and pull it flush while sandwiching a thick gasket.

006-In-line (external) pumps — In-line (external) pumps such as this one should be considered the most entry-level pump. They tend to run hotter and louder than in-tank pumps and typically don’t last as long. On unique fuel tank shapes, or for low-buck installations, they can still be a viable option.

External Pump Options

While an internal pump is the best option for a street-driven vehicle, Holley also offers dedicated race pumps as well as some entry-level external pumps that are still great options. In some situations, where the tank is of an odd shape, it stands vertical, such as in many classic trucks, or any other scenario where an in-tank pump is not an option, in-line pumps will get the job done. There are several options available, and they are a great solution for cars that have been converted to EFI, such as Holley Sniper, but the original tank, originally intended for a carbureted engine, is maintained.

007-Holley Dominator — Pumps such as the Holley Dominator line are a staple in racing. They can be mounted in-tank or externally and are available in flow rates from 65 gph up to 200 gph. The dual pumps can also be run in a staged setup. Be careful to note the units when sizing fuel pumps as they can be rated in either metric liters per hour or imperial gallons per hour.

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Pumps such as the Holley Dominator in-line series are available in twin and single configurations and are compatible with nearly all fuel types. They are a staple in the racing world and can even be mounted in-tank if a custom tank/cell is being fabricated. The dual pump variants (such as PN 12-1800) are designed to run off one pump, but a pressure switch or other switching means can be used to turn on the second pump. This is especially useful for boosted or nitrous-assisted cars and helps to keep fuel temperatures lower when power demands are low.