I ran a Holley blue pump for years, 3/8 line. The pump was mounted in front of the axle where the floorboard kicks up behind the back seat. Never had any issues with it dead headed. Right or wrong? I don't know but it worked great.
Btw make sure to use a relay and large enough wire to the pump. I always run a ground wire along with the power wire, don't care for chassis grounds.
