Review: Import Evolution AFPR kit

I have a Walbro 190 fuel pump. Though many will tell you this pump will not overrun the stock fuel pressure regulator, my gas mileage has been pretty poor. This can be a symptom of fuel pressure regulator overrun so I decided to install an AFPR. I may need a higher flowing pump in the future so having an AFPR will be a requirement. The Import Evolution kit includes everything needed to install the Aeromotive AFPR except for a fuel pressure gauge. I bought a liquid filled Marshal gauge from IE along with the kit. The fittings needed for the gauge are included with AFPR kit.

Shipping and delivery was prompt. Packaging was sufficient and there was no damage. The install instructions are clear, thorough and illustrated. Taking my time and taking breaks to answer the phone and get refreshment, the install only took a couple of hours. Most of the time spent was taken up deciding how to mount the AFPR bracket and making it fit the spot I finally decided upon. The Aeromotive AFPR is much larger and heavier than the stock FPR so mounting it securely is important.

Since I have air conditioning I couldn't mount the included bracket to the brake reservoir clamp as suggested in the install instructions. The air conditioning hose occupied that area and using the brake reservoir clamp seemed too flimsy for the weight of the AFPR for me. I used the nearby bolt for the upper A-arm. There is almost enough threads on the end of the bolt for the AFPR bracket and another nut. I ground the top of the existing nut down until the combined height of this nut and nut I used to hold the bracket equaled the length of the bolt threads. This is a much stronger mounting point than the plastic brake reservoir and resulted in a clean looking install.

The engine wouldn't run initially because there wasn't enough fuel pressure. I added a couple of clockwise turns to the adjustment screw and it started right up. I had the base fuel pressure set in a matter of seconds. There were no leaks even though there are no clamps on the fuel line hose. The instructions are clear that no clamps are to be used with the type of fuel hose they provide. Strange, but it works.

There were a couple of little things I'm not happy with. The hose clamp provided for the return hose is cheap and too large for the stock hose and AFPR barb fitting. I substituted a better screw clamp. I'm also not happy with the size of the air bubble in the liquid filled Marshal FP Gauge. The bubble is half the size of the glass. I would expect a small bubble but this bubble is too big for my liking. I wrote to IE about the bubble and they replied that all the Marshal FP gauges are like that. It doesn't affect the operation of the gauge so it is just a cosmetic issue.

Considering everything, I'm happy with the product. I've checked the base fuel pressure a few times over the past few weeks and it hasn't varied. I would recommend this AFPR kit to anyone looking for a quality product at a fair price.

 

[toojung2die]

It's been installed for almost a year. I shortened the tubing from the rail to the AFPR by adding the 90 degree elbow that came with the kit. This eliminated the loop in the tubing seen in the pictures. I found that the base fuel pressure will change over time and when the engine is hot. Check the base fuel pressure again after the car has been driven and still idling hot. I found the base fuel pressure had dropped about >3 PSI and had to be readjusted. Check your base fuel pressure occasionally to be sure it's still where you last set it.