Fuel pump requirement?

[riverguy]

What aftermarket fuel pump can I use when installing a LT1 with MPI in a 1979 Elcamino? Does it need a regulator?

[Ragtop_Renegade]

If your running the stock fuel injection, A mallory model 60 FI or an Aeromotive A1000 would do nicely. The aeromotive pump costs over twice as much, but will support your future engine mods up to 800hp with forced induction, 1000 without. For a plain old stock LT1, the mallory offers quality and value.
The stock GM bypass regulator should do fine (if you don't make any major upgrades at this time.)

If your going to a carb setup, a holley "blue" 14 psi pump is a good value and even comes with a regulator. It's good for a stock motor or a few mild improvements.

[Ragtop_Renegade]

Originally Posted by riverguy

installing a LT1 with MPI

oops! ignore the part about carbs!!


DUH!!!

[UncleBob]

would depend heavily on whether this is an external or internal tank pump

[Ragtop_Renegade]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

would depend heavily on whether this is an external or internal tank pump

Looking at it from both a buget and performance standpoint, I can't see the benefit of converting to a in-tank pump. Maufacturers use in tank pumps mostly for space reasons, as well as the ease of assembly that comes from a modular pump-pickup-level sender unit. It's true that in-tank pumps provide consistent flow and less pressure variance, but if the tank in the 'camino is good it seems a waste to try and retrofit a fuel module. Plus having an in-line pump makes it easier later on if one wishes to go racing and therfore add a feul cell in place of the factory tank.

This brings up another good topic - safety. I recommend replacing every inch of fuel line with new stuff. A weak line that held just fine under a low pressure carb setup can burst under the 35+ PSI in a EFI system. I prefer stainless steel brainded hose myself(its lasts nearly forever and will hold up to just about anything shy of dipping them in hydrocholic acid) , but will agree the modern elastomer and aluminum hoses/lines are of exceptional qualiy at a fair price. AN fittings are the way to go - hose barbs and compression fittings just aren't reliable enough.