I did a test with an electric fuel pump on my 782 and left the old pump where it is. I don't have a cube like Steve suggested but am getting one. You don't want a hole in the block, it just begs for some kind of problem to happen. The old pump will be great block off plate, and using the hose routing both sides of the old pump together will keep it contained, not letting anything in or out of the block. It's also simplistic instead of making a block off plate.
Verify the float in the carb is working, route new fuel lines from tank to pump to carb and you should be back in business!
Verify the float in the carb is working, route new fuel lines from tank to pump to carb and you should be back in business!