I am considering removing the mechanical fuel pump and going to an electrical rotary vane pump from Carter. Is the removal of the pump a noticeable difference in drag on the cam? What type of plate would replace the mechanical pump? Does anyone has any experience with this mod?

I suspect the drag on the cam is so little as to be un-noticeable.

Try this for the block-off plate:

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/PP1/10-2081

That should be perfect. Any experience with the reliability and noise level of the rotary vane pumps? They are supposed to run quieter but I have seen some posts that suggest otherwise.