390 FE MECHANICAL FUEL PUMP

[1969_Mach1]

My other project, 1956 Ford F100 is getting closer to running and driving again after sitting since 1986.  Last few things are exhaust, radiator, and shifter assembly for the C6 trans.  After finishing the fuel system I am wondering if the stock fuel pump is sufficient.  So, I'm looking at mechanical fuel pumps for a 390.  The specs for stock pumps give a minimum flow rate of 25 GPH at 500 engine RPM.  Aftermarket performance pumps like Edelbrock or Holley only give a maximum flow rate spec.  So really, are they much better since you cannot get a direct comparison.


Before spending $160 and up for an aftermarket pump I have some questions.

1) Motor is mild and will make roughly 400 hp.  I know 25 GPH is too low for that, but that is an idle spec for the stock pump.  Will the stock pump flow much more at higher engine RPM?
2) Is there a stock pump that flows more than 25 gph?  If so what is the application?

Thanks, Mike

[JTS71 Mach1]

Mike all I can do is relate to you what I did with my Mach 1 with the 351C, and 500+hp. I had a electric Holley pump on it, as every one told me the stock pump wouldn't keep up. So after 2 years, one day the Holley shits the bed, and quits. Leaves me on the side of the road. Simple answer, all I could get on short notice was a stock replacement Carter pump. I did it out of necessity, and it was on there 4 years later when I traded the car for a pickup. I never had a fuel starvation problem. Now I wasn't drag racing the thing every week, but it never failed no matter how I ran it. So take it what it's worth. I believe the stock "High Quality" pump is more then up to the task. 

JTS

[1969_Mach1]

I'll probably leave what I currently installed which is just a stock Carter mechanical fuel pump.  I purchased it for a 1970 Mustang with a 428.  Odd that it's only rated at 25 gph and 6 psi.  But, that's at a 500 RPM idle.  The stock fuel pump for a 406 or 427 has a 40 gph rating.  But from the pictures it looks like it won't fit a 390, the lever looks different.  I don't know why, still FE series motors?  

When it comes to electric fuel pumps it seems you have to spend a lot of money, well over $200 to get something reliable.  The Holley Red and Blue electric pumps that are in the $150 range don't seem to last very long.