hi

how good is a stock replacement mechanical fuel pump for a BBC in terms of HP?
can it support around 400hp/450tq ?

if not
what do you suggest for a reasonably priced alternative ?

thanks

I used a stock pump on a 400 hp 454/Qjet with no issues. I don't know what its limits are, but 400 is fine on a good stock replacement.

thanks

but what intake manifold are you using on that engine ?

Edelbrock Performer. Its all done by 5700 rpms. 8.7:1 CR, 218/224 cam, 049 heads. I estimated 390hp, but using a G-tech meter it estimated about 400.

Yeah most stock mech fuel pumps are fine for that application, however if you are concerned, than most high flow (110 GPH) mech fuel pumps are reasonably priced.

It is not the HP but how much fuel you are using at high RPM's where stock units have trouble.

Very true. On the street, the nice thing about a carb is that it has some reserve capacity in the bowls. The short amount of time it spends at redline and full throttle are short. Even if a stock pump falls a little short at max effort you'll probably never notice it. As soon as you upshift and the RPMs drop, one good stroke of the pump will catch up the levels in the fuel bowl.

I would use a good stock pump. If it starves out at the top, go for a high volume (not high pressure) pump like one from Carter. They should be available at most parts stores as an upgraded replacement

Be careful which stock pump you use. Later model pumps are set up to run a return line to the tank. If you try to run this pump without a return line, it will make too much pressure at the carb. However, a fuel pressure regulator at the carb will fix that problem.

I use a edelbrock mechanical pump. It has been working great for the last 6 or 7 years.

thank you all
I appreciate your help