Need a fuel pump, can I use use non OEM, I don't need Concours just want to drive Options

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Like the title says, I am wondering if anyone has ever just used an aftermarket inline fuel pump rather than one of the crazy expensive ones that are made for these cars. I have helped friends put together hot rods and they used a regular inline pump with a regulator. Can this be done with our cars? If so, can anyone tell me what the specs are so I can get the correct regulator for a 73 1.7?

I know this may be considered blasphemy by some, but I just want my car on the road, I can make it more like stock later, and my funds are becoming more and more limited with this thing. Every time I turn around I am back at the parts store or looking for another replacement part... sheesh, how do you guys do this without going nuts?

P.S. Some of you might remember me from earlier posts. Just so you know, I am still parting out that first car, but I have since bought 1 great roller, 2 more parts cars, and someone let me strip another one for free (got some awesome stuff from that one, pics to come once I am done). So I am sorry that I have not sold any of the parts off of the first car, but I am waiting now to see what I might need and what I have extras of, sorry for the irritation this may have caused some. But, once I am done, I will have LOTS of extra parts in extremely nice shape, so I'll share then.

P.P.S. If there is anyone in Ohio that needs some sheet metal, I might be able to help out, I have one that needs to be cut up since it won't roll without wheels (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Gigamight]

Seriously... you guys rock. I am so glad I am on a site with guys who can think outside the box. I have been on some boards before with guys who actually had the mind-set "if it doesn't say to do that in the owner's manual, it might be too scary."

Anyways, I will admit, I am still in over my head with some of this stuff, so I may come back to you again with another question or 2, but thank you so much for your answers.


As for:

For the earlier cars, the ones with the fuel pump in the rear, the return tee needs to be replaced with an 8mm straight piece of pipe. Actually, it's probably best to replace the whole rubber return line from one plastic tube to the other with a single piece. You'll also have to remove the electrical connectors from their plastic housing, a simple task requiring a tiny flat blade screwdriver and about 30 seconds. Just push the 2 little locking tabs out of the way and pull the wires out.

That's the problem... there are no connectors, and there is very little in the way of anything running into the engine bay, I will be creating harnesses as I go.

Good thing is, I have a friend who owns a harness manufacturing company, and he is dieing to get his hands on a body harness, so he can "make a better one." And I have a couple friends who have worked for Microsoft who want to make me a BCM. So who knows, by the time it's all over, I might have some interesting stuff for you guys to return all the favors.