Fuel Pump relocation

[hdavis]

My PO relocated the electric fuel pump of my 68 S from the engine compartment to the front of the car, lower than the gas tank, near the gas heater exhaust.

Does this provide a real advantage? In theory it will be easier on the pump, since it's taking in gas through gravity. But I would like to return it to it's original place in the engine compartment.

Opinions please

[Richard]

My '67S has the same set up. Fuel pump in the front done by a PO. My gas heater isn't installed so there is no conflict. I don't think the advantages or disadvantages of mounting it up front by the tank or back in the engine compartment amount to much. The only advantage I can think of is that most electrical fuel pumps are "pushers" not "pullers", so it's best when they are installed near the tank and can push the fuel the length of the car back to the motor. (Maybe the original stock electric pump is different..maybe it's a "puller" type pump.) The only disadvantage I can see is that it's not "stock" (if that's important to you) and also that it's not as accessible when problems arise as it is when mounted in the engine compartment.

[Eric911S]

Hello: Leave the pump in the front! It is easier on the pump and is safer under the car away from a hot engine. It also works better when you use the car for track events. Thanks Eric

[tfiv]

If you are looking for a correct appearance, Facet sells a pump that is identical to the original Bendix except that it is solid state. To take it one step further you can then remove their decal. Gary Emory sold me a repro Bendix one. I can't speak to which location is superior, I can only tell you that mine works fine in the engine compartment, for what I do with the car.

[hdavis]

Thanks for you points of view. No definite answer but confirms some of my initial thoughts.

[ValveFloat]

I moved my pump from the rear to the front in an attempt to alleviate a hot start problem. It did help, but did not eliminate the problem.

With that, I agree with what's been said already, if you aren't concerned about strict originality, leave it in the front. And, by the way, if its not an original style pump, check to see that there is a pressure regulator, and that the carbs are getting the proper pressure.

[hdavis]

My pump works very well, my question was more geared towards if there is a clead advantage (which apparently there is). My thinking was that if there was NO performace advantage at all, I would return it to the original configuration, but after reading all the responses, I might just leave as it is and be glad it works so well.

[roblav]

Gasoline, like any liquid, will boil at a lower temperature under a vacuum. By moving the fuel pump forward, you are ensuring the the liquid is under pressure, not vacuum. This will help prevent fuel boiling in the lines.

[37yrold911]

How much does a fuel pump weigh?

You're moving it from the heavy rear to the light front of the car...

[kenikh]

Gasoline, like any liquid, will boil at a lower temperature under a vacuum. By moving the fuel pump forward, you are ensuring the the liquid is under pressure, not vacuum. This will help prevent fuel boiling in the lines.

Very, very good observation.