[tom_scott]

I have an 89 350 that was a TBI engine but I have converted over to a carb. I havent started it yet due to other problems but I have a question.

My question is... on this motor that was previously fuel injected, it did have the outlet for the mechanical pump with the hole to the cam. I installed the pushrod from my other motor but Im not sure if it's going to work. If the engine had the hole for the mech. pump, would it also have the lobe on the cam to actuate it? Do 350's have different stock cams with and without the lobes to actuate the pump? If anyone has any knowledge of this....I would appreciate your imput....thanks.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

just because there is a hole there doesn't mean there is an excentric on the cam, most of the roller cams don't have a fuel pump excentric.

[twistedtrik]

this was one lesson i had to learn the hard way. the 87 and up small blocks have the area for the mechanical pump and the hole for the rod. i actually got my pump and everything installed and the damn thing wouldnt start. thought ok pump is bad. put a holley blue on it, no start no fuel. apparently the hole for the mechanical pump rod does NOT go all of the way through to the cam. the rod will slide all the way in but the hole doesnt go all the way through. so i ended up making a late night trip to autozone and picked up an electric pump rated at 4-7 psi and put it on. you guessed it, fired up and havent nhad a problem yet. just remember get the pump as close to the tank as you can. they push better than they pull. the electric pump with a liftime warranty ran me a little over 40.00.

[Toyguyz]

I agree with twistedtrik, an electric pump would be the way to go. Several options are available at most auto parts stores and easily adaptable. I'd also suggest a pressure regulator in-line so you can have the ability to adjust the PSI up at a later date if any future mods. require a little more juice.