Last minute tips before dropping in engine.

[Thecarfixerguy]

I bought my car disassembled and I’m new to DSM.

1) I’m getting ready to drop in my engine/trans assembly. Is there room in the bay to drop in the engine/trans assembly with the manifolds, turbo, and alternator bolted on? Or do I need to drop in the engine and install some stuff later?

2) Next step is fuel and the stock fuel filter looks like a pain to get to with engine in. I want to replace it now. Is a quality stock filter enough for a ~400HP build? What should I do instead of not.

Thanks, and other suggestions welcome.

 

[curt-s]

Yep, OEM stock filter is fine for 400
You can drop everything in at once, as long as your rad is removed.

Tip: make sure your rear motor mount is the right way up

But I would remove the alternator anyway just because it is tight and you don't want to ding things up.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Curt, if you mean the rear rollstop........I did that too and could not for the life of me figure out why the motor didn't quite fit.......Back rollstop was upside down...
Good point too, what a pain to get to!

 

[Thecarfixerguy]

Yep, OEM stock filter is fine for 400
You can drop everything in at once, as long as your rad is removed.

Tip: make sure your rear motor mount is the right way up

But I would remove the alternator anyway just because it is tight and you don't want to ding things up.

Follow up question, I finally found some time to work on the car. I picked up a Walbro 450 LPH fuel pump which might be overkill for 400HP. Can I run that through the stock fuel filter and lines with a regulator after the filter, or will the filter become a restriction and strain the pump?

 

[steve]

You wanted tips.

Before you start get yourself the Factory Service Manual for that car.
If you can get a copy of CAPS or ASA that will also be a great resource.
Make sure you know exactly what all the parts are from and that they fit together.

The FPR goes after the fuel rail before the return to the tank.

 

[Thecarfixerguy]

You wanted tips.

Before you start get yourself the Factory Service Manual for that car.
If you can get a copy of CAPS or ASA that will also be a great resource.
Make sure you know exactly what all the parts are from and that they fit together.

The FPR goes after the fuel rail before the return to the tank.

I got ya. I’m a career ASE certified auto tech and shop owner. I have all the factory service info for most cars. There’s nothing in the factory manual about high flow fuel pumps though because that’s an upgrade. The factory manual does not say how many liter per hour the fuel lines or filter can pass before maxing out.

My concern was that with a 450 Lph pump the stock filter may not be able to pass that much fuel and over pressurize behind the filter. I’m new to performance mods, but general automotive knowledge and factory recommended repair is what I’ve done for most of my working life.

 

[steve]

Haven't done that myself so I didn't comment. These might help but don't answer you specific question. I do know that people have had problems on 2G's with the return lines and ports in the tank handling the flow and causing the regulator to not regulate.

2G - Walbro 450 fuel pump install w/ bulkhead fitting

Here I’m going to show you how to install a Walbro 450 fuel pump with an STM bulkhead fitting.Reason: The 450 has trouble with the feed o-ring seating when installing which causes lean condition at WOT, this eliminates that issue.Product links: Walbro 450: You must be registered to see...

www.dsmtuners.com

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/a-primer-on-upgrading-your-fuel-system.232171/

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/aeromotive-afpr-install-with-install-kit.338084/

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/installing-aftermarket-fuel-filter-fuel-feed.216886/

 

[Chiefsublime]

400hp is basically the cut off for the stock fuel lines/filter. So depending on the condition it might not be a bad idea to upgrade. Especially since these cars are getting up there in age and it is potentially a safety issue. It isn't going to be any easier to upgrade them down the road.

 

[99dsmer4g63]

If you are going to install a 450 do the right way IMO.

A rewired 255 walbro will get you to your 400hp on your stock lines and filter.

If you want to install the 450 here are my suggestions.

1. Upgrade feed and return lines along with new fuel filter

2. Add bulkheads to the top of the sending unit along with evo8 siphon drilled out to an 1/8”

3. I would buy a wiring bulkhead for the sending unit and run my own power and ground to the fuel pump directly from the rewire kit. The 450 will melt your factory sending unit connection

4. I would use ptfe fittings and fuel line along with a stainless steel filter element so you have the ability to run ethanol without eating things up.

A afpr is a must for walbro 450. Although I ran with a 255 walbro on a stock regulator for a year and I personally never noticed any issues but I would not recommend it.

-Daniel

 

[curt-s]

This guy walbros.

 

[Thecarfixerguy]

Thanks for the tips everybody. I’m thinking I’ll probably just look for a 255 since it will do everything I need with minimal system upgrades. I still have a ton of work to do on this car, adding fuel lines to the list just sets me further behind than I already am.

Anyone need a lightly used 450? Haha.