Hot Rods Question about TBI to Carb

Hey guys I'm building a 46 Ford pickup hot rod. I have a 305 Chevy TBI. I have it all switched over to old school stuff. Carb, intake, pulleys, etc. It does not have the lobe on the cam for a mechanical fuel pump. I do have an electric pump on the shelf, and I know I will need a fuel pressure regulator to drop it to 5-7psi. My question is this...Do I need a return style? Everyone says you need a return line, but I can't figure out why. Thanks!

 

I think it has more to do with horsepower and the carb/regulator/pump setup. It will keep the fuel cooler by having a return line, but then you have to run the return line!!

 

what kind of electric fuel pump do you have? Many do not require a separate regulator, some do.

A return line is optional...whether or not you need or want it, depends on some variables that you didn't really tell us about yet.

 

I have a Mr. Gasket 42S (121608) The specs on it say it pushes 2-3.5 psi, 28 gallons per hour.

 

ok, why would you need a regulator?

(your pump makes less pressure than the regulator you are thinking of installing, would knock it down to)

 

It's a stock 305/700R4.

 

With that pump I don't think you'll need a regulator or return line, might not even be a big enough pump?

 

Well the specs on my Edelbrock 1405 Carb says it needs 5-7psi. So I thought I would get a new pump that will give me more and regulate it down. The other thing I read was that a return was easier on the pump.

 

When you shop for a pump, look for one that will give you the pressure you want.

As for the return line...I've found that it is helpful if you have issues with heat related fuel starvation or flooding. It doesn't matter as much what engine it is, as how the fuel line is routed, where you live, how open the engine compartment is, etc.

 

Thanks Jim. I found the right pump to match my carb. I'm running the exact same set up as all of my builds, and I've never used a return, so I think I can do without it.

 

If I knew what cam to get, I could get one with the eccentric to operate a mechanical pump, and I would just do a cam swap. Maybe even upgrade a little for a little lope. But all I know is I have a bone stock 305 from 87-95. It does have the provision and plunger hole. I put a plunger in it and turned the engine by hand, but it didn't move.

 

those mr gasket pumps are ****, i wouldn't take one if you gave it to me. we warranty them all the time

check out a carter 4070 pump....4 to 6 psi

http://www.jegs.com/i/Carter/180/P4070/10002/-1

 

Thanks! And I was already thinking this isn't a part I wanna skimp on. better get a quality pump.