Sylvie Willis
It is possible to replace a mechanical fuel pump with an electric one, but it's not a simple case of converting the existing pump. You'll need to buy an electric pump, a mechanical pump blocking plate and gasket, and some electrical wire. You'll also need to select the right parts for your vehicle. In-tank fuel pumps tend to stay cooler, last longer, and run quieter than an external pump.
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of an in-tank fuel pump
It is possible to replace a mechanical fuel pump with an electric one, but you will need to buy an electric pump, a mechanical pump blocking plate and gasket, and some electrical wire. You will also need an external regulator, additional plumbing, a fuel pressure gauge, an appropriate switch, and in many cases, a relay.
- It stays cooler, lasts longer, and runs quieter than an external pump.
- It won't run dry under hard acceleration.
- It provides a consistent flow of fuel to the engine, even when the fuel level in the tank is low.
- It operates quietly and efficiently.
- It delivers fuel at a constant rate, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
- It acts as a coolant for the electric motor, so the pump motor does not need to be as large.
- It is less likely to start a fire.
- It is feasible to locate the pump anywhere between the engine and the fuel tank.
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The parts you'll need to make the switch
Yes, you can replace a mechanical fuel pump with an electric one. However, you cannot convert a mechanical fuel pump into an electric fuel pump, so you will need to buy an electric pump.
You will need an electric fuel pump and, in most cases, an external regulator, additional plumbing, a fuel pressure gauge, an appropriate switch, and in many cases, a relay. You will also need a mechanical pump blocking plate and gasket (or you can leave the mechanical one in place but disconnected) and some electrical wire.
In the writer’s case, I also fabricated a backing plate for the pump mount and made up a bracket for the pressure regulator. For the basis of the system, I used a Weldon electric pump, a by-passing Weldon fuel pressure regulator, Earl’s hose, fittings and pressure gauge, a heavy-duty Quick Car Racing switch, as well as a relay from Magnafuel.
Keep in mind that every swap will be slightly different depending on the vehicle and the parts you select for your application.
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How to approach the swap
You can replace a mechanical fuel pump with an electric one, but you'll need to buy an electric pump, a mechanical pump blocking plate and gasket, and some electrical wire. You'll also need an external regulator, additional plumbing, a fuel pressure gauge, an appropriate switch, and in many cases, a relay.
Veteran race car builder Wayne Scraba has explained how to upgrade your fuel system with a high-performance electric fuel pump. In-tank fuel pumps tend to stay cooler, last longer, and run quieter than an external pump. They also won't run dry under hard acceleration.
Every swap will be slightly different depending on the vehicle and the parts you select for your application. For example, in one case, the writer fabricated a backing plate for the pump mount and made up a bracket for the pressure regulator.
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The best solution for a stock in-tank pump
You can replace a mechanical fuel pump with an electric one, but you will need to buy an electric pump, a mechanical pump blocking plate and gasket, and some electrical wire. You will also need an external regulator, additional plumbing, a fuel pressure gauge, an appropriate switch, and in many cases, a relay.
If you have a stock in-tank pump, the best solution is to simply replace it with a stock equivalent. In-tank fuel pumps tend to stay cooler, last longer, and run quieter than an external pump. They also won't run dry under hard acceleration.
Veteran race car builder Wayne Scraba has explained how to upgrade your fuel system with a high-performance electric fuel pump.
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Why you might want to make the change
You might want to make the change from a mechanical fuel pump to an electric one because in-tank fuel pumps tend to stay cooler, last longer, and run quieter than an external pump. They also won't run dry under hard acceleration.
If you have an issue with your stock in-tank pump, then it's likely that the best solution is to simply replace your pump with a stock equivalent. However, if you're looking to upgrade your fuel system, an electric fuel pump is a good option.
To make the switch, you'll need an electric fuel pump and, in most cases, an external regulator, additional plumbing, a fuel pressure gauge, an appropriate switch, and in many cases, a relay.
Every swap will be slightly different depending on the vehicle and the parts you select.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to replace a mechanical fuel pump with an electric one.
You will need an electric fuel pump, an external regulator, additional plumbing, a fuel pressure gauge, an appropriate switch, and in many cases, a relay.
In-tank electric fuel pumps tend to stay cooler, last longer, and run quieter than an external pump. They also won't run dry under hard acceleration.
You can keep the mechanical pump in place but disconnected, or you can buy a blocking plate and gasket to block the pump.
