What were the symptoms of a weak or failing fuel pump?
I'm having similar problems with my 216. It happens lately only when I'm going uphill. It coughs, sputters and then dies. If I turn it around and head down hill or level it seems to run okay.
It's full of gas. My engine also has to have the choke partially out to run at both start up and while driving. Plugs are dry black. Fuel pump appears to be relatively new and the bowl is full. No inline filter.

Thanks,
Spot

Chuck
1950 Chevy 1/2 ton (all original)
1951 Chevy 1/2 ton (future streetrod)
1941 Chevy coupe
1938 Chevy coupe streetrod