I have a 2000 mustang with a 3.8 in it. I want to put a 5.0 in it but I'm stumped. Is it possible to put a carburated motor in that car and use the stock fuel system by putting a fuel pressure regulator on it without burning up the pump in the tank? I know I can hook up the inlet lines and make the outlet lines go back to the tank but is there any other way to do it?

 

With a regular EFI pump you will blow out the seals in the regulator after time. Your best bet would be to get a pick up like this one
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRN-GM-TI7998/
Then run an inline pump such as a Holley Blue or just use a mechanical pump that bolts onto the timing cover.

 

When my friend put his 20 dollar dead head regulator on his, it built four pounds of pressure from the fuel cycling back in the tank. We came up with several ideas to do it right. One would be putting a nitrous jet in the return line until it we got the right one that would deliver 7 pounds to the carb. Another was buying a fuel log with a bypass, which is what a lot of race cars use with a return. The bypass is basically the same thing as using as the nitrous jet idea. They work the same way really. A fuel log would be better because the fuel could gravity feed from it before you got down the track. Hopefully anyways. I recommend a fuel pressure gauge if you do it. We are using my wideband on his.

 

If you are going to spring for the engine swap, why skimp on such an important part? Do it right the first time and you won't get stuck on the side of the road when whatever method you used to 'rig' the fuel system fails. Buy a pump meant to feed a carb whether it is internal or external.

 

I forgot to mention, the pump we are using hasn't been ran in 8 years. So, the pump maybe be bad and the stuff I mentioned earlier may not be necessary. I don't figure it will last long if it is still good.

The reason for not running a different pump is, you don't have to get a fuel cell and it is quiet. And cost of course. The factory pump should last longer than an external pump too because, it is under gas and will run cooler. If all it is going to be is a 302, why get crazy with it?

 

Thanks guys, for all your help. I'm sure this will get me going. If I have any other problems I will be sure to ask. I will try to keep updates of how this project goes. I think I may go ahead and build a 306 to put in it. I have a brand new cam sitting in my living room lookin pretty. Think it's time to put it to use. Along with a few other parts I've gathered over time. Think I pretty much have everything to build it.