Welding the pickup tube into the pump body is the preferred method used by most all performance race shops and better engine builders all over the country, and has been for over 30+ years. It is easily Tig welded to the cast iron pump body by any competent welder using the correct tools of the trade. Unfortunately, most people go to Home Depot or Harbor Freight and buy a cheap welder, and after sticking two pieces of sheetmetal together they think they are a professional. But like any other machine used by unqualified or incompetent hands, the results wont be desirable and then starts the urban legends of the process or method, oblivious that they the person are the problem and not the method. There are many things within the hot rod community that are just not within the grasp of the do-it-yourselfer to attempt or tackle because they often require much more skill or knowledge than they possess.
