I am in the process of rebuilding my 71 Convertible big block.  I removed the original fuel tank and it was not worth saving.    Now, I am running a .040 over Mark IV block with an Isky Hyd/Rlr with Holley Avenger Alum Rect port heads.   It should be in the 550 hp range (somewhere around there).   Does anyone think that a high performance mech pump would work just fine?    Or would you go to a cell with an inline fuel pump.  
This is for a street application with a couple of shots down the strip just to check it out!
thanks in Advance
Ron

Welcome to the site!!
Fuel cells cost way more than a reproduction fuel tank, so it would depend on the amount-o-cash you want to spend on it.
I think, for your application, an electric pump, with an adjustable regulator, would be the hot ticket.
There are quite a few folks here that have hi-po engines, and I'm sure you'll get some solid recommendations/advice!!

I'd like to see a pic of your 'Vette!Adams' Apple38642.8713888889

Well I had a nice post for this, but it didn't take so rather then spend a bunch of time giving the technical engineering stuff I will cut to the chase.

A simple 110 gph mechanical fuel pump will be for then enough fuel.  The electric would be good if you are concerned about vapor lock in the fuel line.  You can also use a small electric, low pressure fuel pump to supply fuel to the mechanical fuel pump and this will cure vapor lock problems as well.

Typically, at wide open throttle, full power, an engine requires .5 lbs of fuel per HP every hour.  A gallon of gas weighs approx 6 lbs.  So an engine rated at 350HP will require about 175 lbs of fuel every hour or 29 gallons.

Formula:

(350HP x .5 lbs = 175 lbs of fuel     175 lbs/6 lbs = 29 gallons per hour)

Obviously your not driving around at wide open throttle all the time you only have to plan for it.  Remember fuel pressure causes flow or volume of a pump to go down.  Thats why we publish in our catalog what a pumps flow is under pressure.  Just so you know a 110 GPH pump supplies enough fuel for 800 HP.

Hope the info helps.

Thanks,  I purchased a mech pump (Hi-Perf) and will order a replacement tank for my 71.   It will be a lot easier to put back the stock tank.   Thanks a lot,  you guys are great. 

I'm sure I will keep ya busy when I really get into the 71.   I am dropping the frame as we speak for the lines and such.

thanks,

Ron 

Thanks again for all the help.
Ron