Gravity fed fuel system

While discussing the engine options for the Sonerai recently the topic of fuel pumps came up, hence the creation of this important subject.

Having looked through the Great Plains catalog I found that a mechanical fuel pump was available for the 2180 VW engine. It says:  The Mechanical Fuel Pump attaches directly to the VW engine case. Stands about 3.5" tall. Kit contains fuel pump, pushrod, pushrod housing. Note: you need a distributor drive pinion gear kit and distributor housing to use this.

OK, yes this sounded a little complex for my, only basic understanding of engines at this point in time, so I went searching and found an EAA article which explains that the gravity feed system is a worthy system. As worthy as say a mechanical fuel pump on a low wing aircraft where fuel is drawn up from fuel tank(s) in the wings. 

Now since there is such a great difference in height between the fuel tank and the carburettor then I take it that the gravity feed system will be my primary pressure source (no mechanical pump necessary). My secondary backup system will be an electric fuel pump.

For more information you can visit the EAA site which has an article writter by Tony Bingelis in Sport Aviation 8/87 called Basic Fuel Pump System or visit the Google cached version.