Electric Fuel Pumps

How to Choose an Electric Fuel Pump

Choose an electric fuel pump by matching its flow at your operating pressure to your engine's horsepower and fuel type. Flow is rated in gallons per hour (GPH) or liters per hour (LPH), and one gallon equals about 3.8 liters.

Free-flow ratings are measured with no restriction, so real output drops as pressure rises. That's why an EFI pump needs more headroom than a carbureted pump supporting the same power. E85 and methanol also need much more volume than gasoline, so size up and confirm fuel compatibility if you're running alcohol.

Leave a margin above your target horsepower so the pump isn't working at its limit. Race builds may need a dedicated pump like the Aeromotive A2000 Drag Race Fuel Pump. For a deeper look at flow math, read our fuel pump selection guide for LS engines and EFI conversions. When you're ready, shop the full lineup of fuel pumps, regulators and filters.

Electric Fuel Pump for Carburetor Applications

An electric fuel pump for carburetor applications should deliver low pressure, usually in the single-digit psi range at the carb inlet. Too much pressure can force the needle and seat open, which causes flooding and a rich condition.

A low-pressure electric fuel pump is the simplest choice for most street engines running high-performance carburetors. You'll find options like the Earl's 97 gph low-pressure fuel pump and universal electric fuel pumps rated at 4-7 psi. These pumps feed a carb without overpowering the needle and seat.

If your pump makes more pressure than your carb needs, add one of our fuel pressure regulators to set it precisely. A Mallory 12 psi high-performance electric pump paired with a regulator gives bigger combinations extra volume while keeping pressure in check. Install a gauge so you can confirm pressure at idle and under load.

Inline Fuel Pump vs. In-Tank Fuel Pump

An inline fuel pump mounts outside the tank along the fuel line, while an in-tank fuel pump sits inside the tank, submerged in fuel. Each layout has strengths depending on your vehicle, budget and power goals.

Here's how the main pump layouts compare:

• Inline pumps are easier to install and service on carbureted and retrofit setups.
• In-tank pumps run cooler and quieter because fuel surrounds them.
• Hanger assemblies drop into the tank as one unit with the pump and pickup.
• OE-style fuel feed units restore factory-correct fit on stock-appearing builds.

Mount inline pumps low and close to the tank, and protect the inlet with one of our fuel filters. Inline options include the Aeromotive High-Output Fuel Pump with 3/8" NPT ports. For a bolt-in in-tank pump, Aeromotive also offers the 340 LPH Stealth Fuel Pump & Hanger Assembly for 1982-1992 Camaro applications.

Diesel owners can also shop lift pumps that keep fuel flowing steadily to the injection pump.

EFI Fuel Pumps for Fuel Injection Swaps

An EFI fuel pump delivers the high, steady pressure that injectors need, well above what a carburetor can handle. A carbureted low-pressure pump can't support an injected engine, so plan on a high-pressure pump built for continuous duty.

If you're swapping to one of our fuel injection systems, plan the pump, regulator, plumbing and filtration together. Matching these parts up front prevents lean conditions and pressure swings once the engine is running.

FAST offers inline EFI fuel pumps along with electronic fuel pressure sensor kits that let you monitor pressure in real time. For a simpler conversion, the Edelbrock EFI Fuel Pump & Regulator Kit combines the pump and regulator in one package. In-tank and hanger-style pumps are also a smart fit for EFI because they're quieter and less prone to vapor lock.

Electric Fuel Pump Wiring, Relay and Rebuild Components

A dedicated wiring and relay kit keeps your electric fuel pump fed with full voltage. Running a pump off a factory circuit can cause voltage drop, which cuts flow and shortens pump life.

A fuel pump relay kit powers the pump through its own fused circuit, triggered by a switched ignition source. Options include Aeromotive 30 amp fuel pump wiring kits, MagnaFuel relay harnesses and universal relay and wiring kits. Add vibration damper mounting kits and T-bolt clamps to quiet the pump and secure your lines.

When a pump starts to wear, you can often rebuild it instead of replacing it. Edelbrock Quiet-Flo rebuild kits fit 120 GPH series pumps, Mallory seal kits refresh worn seals, and MagnaFuel cam ring assemblies service internal wear. Keep your system healthy with these carburetor and fuel system maintenance and tuning tips.