how many feet would i need from tank to tbi. return line and feed line. should i get 1/4 and 3/8" or go larger?

what do inline pumps usually run $? which is good?

this is for a 1st gen btw.

 

1/4 is not big enough. Go at least 5/16" and you're good. IMO, braided looks cool, but you don't really NEED it. Just run HP fuel injection rubber hose (65psi) even though there should be minimal/no pressure in the reutrn line. It will be overkill and last a LONG time, both of which are good things. It's actually not cheap but easy to work with.

EDIT; You're gonna have to measure and install the line yourself. Run string or rope along the path you will use and then remove the rope and measure it for length. I only use Airtex pumps, you can get a good one at Poop boys but they all need regulators but last forever and are overkill for carb engines. You are running carb, right, and probably do not want a reg, so go Carter $55 ish pump or go holley Blue. email me for more, if you need it.

[This message has been edited by FastBroker (edited June 03, 2001).]

 

3/8 steel is fine for what I think you're planning on doing. As for a fuel pump, my friend is running a mechanical pump so I'm not the best source but I'd just look for something with lots of gph and low fuel pressure designed for carbs and TBI not TPI.

------------------
, Jon (350 TBI!)
91 Red My website

 

Most race sanctioning bodies will not allow that much rubber hose. NHRA rules, and most others don't allow more than 6 inches of rubber fuel line. Braided is also needlessly expensive, it doesn't need to flex. Steel tubing is the way to go.

 

Yeah, if you have to go by drag rules, go with 5/16" min on the return lin, 3/8" min on the supply lines and use steel or stainless steel. just be careful with stainless, it doesn't like to be flared or worked much without cracking. and use a nice tube bender when laying the lines out.

 

what about aluminum?
summit has a little pipe bender
i can get factory spec stainless lines for 90 per line. 180 for fuel lines? or bend my own? which do you think?
braided is out of the picture now.


IM GOING TO CONVERT IT TO TBI, in case you missed that. im not going to be running carb.

 

For a $buck-eighty, I think I'd like the piece of mind and buy them but you surely could do better yourself. Just a safety thing. Trust me, bending and flaring stainless tubing is an art in itself and I, personally, would not attempt it. Plus, the time and frustration you'd spend has to be factored in there monetarily, too. What's that worth to you, hundred bucks to just do a NICE bolt-in??? Any lost revenue from taking the time yourself? etc

I guess Al is an option, too. winter salt does a number on Al, though, so I would not unless not a Winter car...

[This message has been edited by FastBroker (edited June 04, 2001).]

 

ah, didnt know the salt factor, well ideally it wont be driven in winter. but... i may, dont know. sooo, i guess im dropping the big $$ 180 > thanks

 

I would go with 3/8 steel line, 5/16 or 3/8 return line, and stay away from aluminum line, it cracks too easy.

[This message has been edited by DartByU (edited June 04, 2001).]

 

ok, thanks.

well, now im thinking. steel sounds like the best choice. do i have to worry about rust?
the tank was rusted. do i necessarily need to replace the original steel tank to pump line? could i just flush it out really well. is there a chance its rusted badly enough to crack and break etc..? i guess ill have to look at it.

im replacing the tank, and sending unit. because the tank was so rusted it sounded and felt like there was a few pounds of sand in the bottom. rust debri. a new fuel filter clogged in 3 seconds of cranking enough to starve the engine so it couldnt run, because i was sucking crap off the bottom of the tank, when it was full, it ran great. do i need to worry about replacing the fuel pump too? somebody told me the diaphram could be torn since there were large hunks of rust coming thru the line into the filter.

i plan on getting an electric pump. but with $ right now, it will stay carbed for at least a few more months. i would like to get it running so i can tinker with the engine.

once agian, what do ya think?



[This message has been edited by snflupigus (edited June 04, 2001).]

 

Buy the pre-fabbed stainless. Last longer than we will and will be done right the first (and LAST!) time.

 

so what about the pump?

 

Get a holley inline pump, they seem to have a good rap and aren't crazy expensive.

------------------
, Jon (350 TBI!)
91 Red My website

 

ok, i can do full braided for 140, plus fittings about 40 total tops, and that would be -6 feed line, and -4 return. -6 is larger than our stock tbi feed, and -4 is smaller that our return. what problems if any does anybody thinkthis will cause, fuel pressure going to be a problem ???????

should i just re thread my pod to accept the fittings or get adapters?

your opinions please.

 

FYI, I use the Holley ProJection 2D fittings on my GM TBI pod. they are 3/8 inlet and 5/16 outlet BARBED CONNECTIONS so that you can just hook up rubber hose and are true bolt-in's with the same flimsy plastic round ring gasket. I know that this is not what you want need but could be helpful info to you/someone else, ie data point.

 

i have a pair of those already.

can i use the same hose for those barbed fittings and the compression fittings?