Thread: Figuring out fuel line size?

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Hi guys, need to plumb the fuel from the fuel cell to the carb. was going to use aluminum line most of the way. Also need a fuel pump. Here is what I'm looking at

Fuel cell in Trunk
427 in the front, 450-500hp, 750 edelbrock carburetor.

It looks like the Holley Blue electric fuel pump is what I should get. is there a lower price pump just as good that anybody recmomends? is the holley blue the right one?

the big question, what size line? 3/8 or 1/2" Anybody have any idea on fittings I'll need? I can wait till the car gets here but was going to order some of the stuff ahead of time.

have already come up with about 370 of the 1k I think it's gonna take me to get it on the road

pics in case that helps

While you probably would be ok with 3/8 it would probably be better to step up to1/2 while you were at it.......especially if you are going to add nitros. With the cell in the trunk and that long run, plus a BBC appetite at full tilt, why not add the extra insurance.

Don

I'd also recommend 1/2 inch line, but wouldn't use alum---it work hardens real bad and you are looking at a future failure at a bend or flare---use steel or stainless tube--

I'd also need to recommend that you use an engine mounted mech pump--works when engine is running, no pressure regulator needed

Ditto on the 1/2" - I also concur w/Jerry, aluminum would not be my choice. The extra $'s for stainless steel will buy a lot of long term insurance in that it will outlast the car..

Looks like a fun project. Keep the pictures coming.

Merry Christmas!
Glenn

I don't need a pressure regulator if I go mechanical? We have a mechanical on the 429 in the other hotrod and put a pressure regulator to make sure it didn't push higher than what the holley was supposed to be getting. of course I don't know how much it actually needed to restrict it.

thanks guys. stainless has to still be cheaper than braided, which was my original idea but uncle suggested not spending so much money and only using braided in the shorter runs.

Braided is great for the short runs or where you need some extra flex. The Holley Blue is probably a good bet from a flow standpoint but make sure the inlet pressure is 5-6psi or you'll have serious problems with the carb.

Have fun,
Glenn

Are we talking about the same thing guys? Nobody, at least nobody I've checked, (summit, jegs, two local speed shops) has 1/2" steel, let alone stainless steel. biggest summit has is 3/8". aluminum in 1/2 yes, braided in 1/2 yes. that's it though. braided is 4x as much money, but if that is the best way to go I'd rather do it now than down the line.

unless you gents have a lead on where to get the steel from?

Red

I like stainless but Russel or Earl's aluminum line will work fine. After all it's SAE approved and you're not going to be messing around with the fuel line that much so work hardening/galling issues are secondary. BTW most all the braided hose fittings are aluminum as well.

Kitz

1/2" is what you need, Nothing wrong with aluminium line if its supported with good clips every 15", it will only fracture if its not supported and allowed to vibrate.
My personal fave is stainless, you need to look for double annealed stainless as its bendable.

please post the SAE stuff on the aluminum tubing!!!!

I get mine from Russells http://www.russellperformance.com/mc/fuel/lines.shtml , used it for 30 years now without any problems

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

please post the SAE stuff on the aluminum tubing!!!!

I also ran aluminum line on my Mustang drag/street car. Like Steve says, it has to be supported with clamps every so often (preferably rubber coated adel clamps) and you have to watch where it passes through things, but I see no difference between the life of aluminum and steel IMO.

Don

Yes Don i forgot to say the clips should be rubber lined, i use Adel clamps.

all the drag cars here use ally line.

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I also ran aluminum line on my Mustang drag/street car. Like Steve says, it has to be supported with clamps every so often (preferably rubber coated adel clamps) and you have to watch where it passes through things, but I see no difference between the life of aluminum and steel IMO.

Don

Stainless would be more fatigue and abasion resistant then aluminum. I've used both, never had problems with either... Did have an instance of an aluminum line leaking, looked like a piece of debris off the track had bounce up and hit it or something.... Most important issue with either is good mounting of the line, keeping it away from an place where exhaust heat could become an issue. I use the hard line along the frame rails, and a piece of braided wherever flex or movment could be an issue....

I get stainless from a company called Cool Tubes, or similar--don't remember, the invoices are filed away out in the garage someplace.... The upkeep and appearance is sure easy with stainless!

I've also seen a lot of guys using the push-lok hoses instead of braided....probably a bit less money, but I just don't like rubber hoses under the car on anything....

Never had any luck with Holley pumps. Had several of them, none lasted six months. One caught fire!