Can you use a mechanical fuel pump with Magnum front cover?

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MileHighDart

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Still considering a magnum swap and want to keep things as simple as possible. Probably going carbureted. Bot I would like to run the Magnum front cover and serpentine setup.
I know I'd have to change the cam, or get a snout extension, but does the Magnum front cover have provision for mounting a mechanical fuel pump?
 
I have one sitting outside and I'll have your answer in a second.

Nope, and not even so much as a boss to add one.
 
Ok guys, thanks. I've been reading up on Magnum swaps but never saw that question com up.

So even if I go carbureted, I still have to go electric fuel pump and of course some kind of pressure regulator to bring the psi down before the carb.

Just trying to find the cheapest way to do the swap. I have the.cash to pick up a nice 5.2 or 5.9, but it's the cost of all the extra stuff that's going to put me in the hole, or keep the car off the road longer
 
It's a help if you can get the balanced flexplate with it if you decide on the 5.9 because you can use that instead of having to buy one of those ones that are cut out for balancing. (and cost a bit) :D

I'm kind of in the middle of getting a naturally aspirated 5.9 Magnum ready right now.
 
I've converted my 318 Magnum to carb, put it in a '65 Valiant, running an electric fuel pump low psi, no regulator needed, they sell em on summit, believe it was MSD brand, seemed like around $40. But note, you MUST mount it about 10 vertical inches away from the fuel tank so it won't burn up, too much work for it to pull the fuel up in the engine bay, mounted mine on the frame rail close to tank, just used the self tapping bolts that came with the pump, not that hard to install. Using edelbrock 7577 airgap intake manifold as well w/1406 - 600cfm 4bbl carb, hauls A.
 

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If you live at 4800' elevation in Denver, wouldnt you want FI? The cost of the edelbrock intake and carb will almost equal the FI harness.
 
magnummopar said:
If you live at 4800' elevation in Denver, wouldnt you want FI? The cost of the edelbrock intake and carb will almost equal the FI harness.
Click to expand...

Well yes, that would be a good idea and its actually more like 5375' elevation where I'm at.
But then I'll want to buy the Tanks inc setup, and your harness and whatever other miscellaneous items I need.

If I carb it, I could use my current carb, and only have to buy a low pressure electric pump and the pricey edelbrock airgap.

Too many decisions, I really need to set down at the computer with pencil and paper and figure out the cost of doing it both ways. Of course the FI would be better. Just trying to decide between a mag swap or fixing up my current 318. I think I could do the swap just as cheaply as a rebuild on my current engine.
 
Cheaper probably, with the cost of machine shop and parts you are talking about $1500 rebuild minimum. Grab a magnum for under $500, $500 for tank/pump/sender, maybe I make you a smokin deal on a harness and fuel line kit then you get a 96-97 Ram 5.2 MT pcm for cheap that will work without a flash.
 
magnummopar said:
Cheaper probably, with the cost of machine shop and parts you are talking about $1500 rebuild minimum. Grab a magnum for under $500, $500 for tank/pump/sender, maybe I make you a smokin deal on a harness and fuel line kit then you get a 96-97 Ram 5.2 MT pcm for cheap that will work without a flash.
Click to expand...

Would I need to find a 96-97 engine, or could I grab any 5.2?
 
There are a few differences between years but nothing expensive. If you get an OBD II system(96+) then the only diff between them is injector plugs and maybe a sensor or two. They went from rectangular to oval injectors in 99 but as long as your harness matches your engine, then you should be ok. Evan if you had a 98+ you would be ok until about 00 as they started to put a lot more vapor recovery stuff on them then. That can all be fixed with a pcm flash but if you are on a budget, avoiding a flash will save you $400. PM me if you want my site address or phone #. Evan
 
MileHighDart said:
Ok guys, thanks. I've been reading up on Magnum swaps but never saw that question com up.

So even if I go carbureted, I still have to go electric fuel pump and of course some kind of pressure regulator to bring the psi down before the carb.

Just trying to find the cheapest way to do the swap. I have the.cash to pick up a nice 5.2 or 5.9, but it's the cost of all the extra stuff that's going to put me in the hole, or keep the car off the road longer
Click to expand...
It's not really going to add too much extra.
 
if you have the LA-Stuff (timing chain cover, waterpump etc) you can simply switch it from the LA-enginge to the magnum only need are new gaskets and the cam-snout-extension to run the mech fuel pump. just done it last week

if not ... i guess you can get all the stuff needed here on FABO for cheap
 
lilredridinghoo said:
if you have the LA-Stuff (timing chain cover, waterpump etc) you can simply switch it from the LA-enginge to the magnum only need are new gaskets and the cam-snout-extension to run the mech fuel pump. just done it last week

if not ... i guess you can get all the stuff needed here on FABO for cheap
Click to expand...

That's what I'm doing, and I run an electric pump anyway.
He wants to run the serpentine system though, which will require the Magnum timing cover and water pump.

Actually if it will help any I have some of the magnum stuff I won't be using.
Timing cover, water pump with pulley, AC bracket, AC compressor, OE intake with all the injectors, fuel rails and sensors, exhaust manifolds.
 
You can use an a carburated LA timing cover on a magnum block , works just fine
 
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