Upgrading fuel system

[fastfocus]

ok, so my new setup is going to be a 42R or similar setup, and i'm doing my fuel system so that i'll never have to upgrade it later, whether i run E85 or C16.
The car is a 96 AWD Auto.

Anyway, the setup i'm putting together is as follows:

two -8 off the fuel cell, into a -12 Y, this is then going directly into my Aeromotive pro-series fuel pump. Then i'm running a -8 off the fuel pump into my fuel filter, and continuing a -8 line into the rail.

However, my main question is the return side. My cell has a -8 return, but all the fuel regulators i've looked up are -6 out. Should i run an adapter to run -8 return line, or is a -6 return line enough, then a -6 to -8 adapter to screw into the cell?

another question i have is, how many feet of -8 (if i do a -8 return) or -8 and -6(if i do a -6 line) line do i need?

my last question is that i remember looking on extreme psi a long while back and finding a fitting for the stock fuel rail to AN fitting adapter for the return side of the rail. I already have the -8 adapter for the inlet side of the rail. Does that fit the return side as well? Or am i just missing the adapter for the return side?

thanks in advance!

 

[fastfocus]

no one has any answers for me?

 

[Paul@RTM]

I already have the -8 adapter for the inlet side of the rail. Does that fit the return side as well? Or am i just missing the adapter for the return side?

Yes, the same fitting can be used at either the inlet or outlet, but of course, you still need two fittings (one for each end of the rail). You're question was a bit confusing, the part about "am I just missing the adapter for the return side". Well, if you've only got one fitting at present, then yes, you ARE missing the adapter for the return side.

 

[fastfocus]

i apologize, i meant to word it differently. that answers my question about the fitting. Thank you

What about the rest of the fuel system? should i run a -8 or -6 return line back to the cell?

and, last question. do i need a filter before the pump as well as the 10 micron filter before the rail? or is it not completely necessary?

 

[n0de]

you can do a -6AN on the return side of the fuel rail, Map performance sell one here. Map performance seems to cost $35 + $10 shipping, so unless you have other things you need to order that would bring your amount above $100 to qualify for free shipping then I would probably buy it from STM here. Make sure you get the "short" one, the "long" version has a longer flange which is designed to bolt to the stock FPR which is bolted on the end of the rail, and no longer and issue for you. Purchasing it from STM with shipping should bring you to no more than $35 if you're within the lower 48 states.

I would do an adapter from -6AN to -8AN. You can get that here at jegs.

Other options:

You could run -8AN as a return, but a -6AN line is WAY MORE than enough to return fuel, I couldnt imagine a need to run -6AN line, BUT if it will somehow save you money to run a -8AN then I would buy this adaptor (x2) for the FPR.

There, now you have a few options to go with.

 

[fastfocus]

ok, perfect. thank you! -6 return it is.

what about the pre-pump filter? is it necessary, or something i can skip?

 

[Jon91TSi]

ok, perfect. thank you! -6 return it is.

what about the pre-pump filter? is it necessary, or something i can skip?

If you are talking about aeromotive regulators, they say -6an outlet, but in reality it is -6 ORB which is the same size as -8an. Aeromotive has a -6 ORB x-8an fitting. Here's what you need : AEI-15649

To answer other questions:

Yes you need a pre pump filter

Instead of adapting your stock rail, why not upgrade to an aeromotive rail, fic, or magnus rail?

Why not run a single -10 off the cell to a -12x-10 reducer to pre filter to the pump? There really isnt a whole lot of room to run a y block, a 90 fitting, the pre filter, and the pump back there.

A 15' or 20' section of each type of hose will be more than enough.

 

[n0de]

ok, perfect. thank you! -6 return it is.

what about the pre-pump filter? is it necessary, or something i can skip?

UPDATE: John91TSI is correct about the ORB fitting, so i've changed one of my previous post links to reflect the correct fitting.

I HIGHLY recommend getting a pre-pump filter, especially if you have more than just a "Track Only" car. Running without a prepump filter is the equivalent of installing an in-tank pump without the filter sock installed (think about that for a moment).


Most people recommend running a low micron pre pump filter, the idea is that fuel pumps were designed to push even with high pressure resistance, not pull with resistance. Not to mention, if the pump has a hard time pulling fuel then it will not be as efficient at pushing fuel which is normally why you want the pump to sit below the tank for a "gravity feed" effect. Most recommend using 10-15 micron filters.

The problem with 10-15 micron filters is that most seem to be designed with paper filters. Some people (tuners wisemen) have had doubts that paper filters would be able to last without degrading and ultimately having the paper break apart and $%@% the fuel pump. One wiseman suggested using this jegs 40 micron pre-filter, and claims he has been using it for more than 2 years with no issues.

So the next time you have to ask if you should run a pre-pump filter, take a look at the image below, then the subject shouldn't be a question of "if you should run a pre-pump filter" but "what micron pre-pump filter should i run"

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Instead of adapting your stock rail, why not upgrade to an aeromotive rail, fic, or magnus rail?

Unless he is planning to make around 600awhp very soon then he wont need it. Besides, its a very simple part to upgrade once he wants to upgrade it.

Why not run a single -10 off the cell to a -12x-10 reducer to pre filter to the pump?

There are probably two -8AN bulkheads running off of the fuel cell, it most likely makes for a cleaner looking install, but i see what you're saying.

 

[fastfocus]

ok, i only have one filter right now because i was using a walboro 255 intank pump before. After seeing your picture, you're right. i'm going to order a pro series aeromotive fuel filter so it will just go straight from my -12 Y to the filter, then to the pump, then a -12 to -8 adapter out of the pump to the line to the rail.

the car is going to be mostly a track car, however i'll occasionally drive on the street. there is a gas station kind of local to me that sells 110 race fuel at the pump. i'll likely be running that on the street, and C16 at the track.

since the aeromotive regulator is a -6 ORB, then should i run -8 line back to the cell and forget the -6 line? My cell has 2 -8 outlets, 1 -8 vent, and 1 -8 return fitting.

i'm assuming the aeromotive regulator i need is the part #18304 with -8 to -10 adapter for the inlet, then the adapter AEI-15649 going from the regulator back to the cell.. since the #17336 only has -6 inlets.

as for the rail, i didn't see a need to upgrade it. i'm only going to be pushing 430ish awhp with the stock 7 bolt right now. But once i get the new 6 bolt finished, i'll be planning on running around 700+ awhp, at which time i'll upgrade the rail obviously.

also, as for room. i'm cutting out the rear spare tire well and welding in a flat piece to sit the cell on, this will give me tons of room under the car for the Y setup i currently have with the filter and pump.


you all have been an awesome help, thanks a lot!

 

[n0de]

The afpr & Return line:

If you already have -6 line then run -6 all the way back, and use a -6 ORB to -6an adapter. If you already have -8an line then do -8an + the -6 ORB to -8 AN adaptor.

I'll say it once more, -6 AN for a return line is WAY more than enough to accomplish your ultimate goal of 800+ awhp. Put it this way, there will always be less fuel in your return line than there is in your feed line after it passes through the fuel rail. Here is another example, another tuners wiseman giving advice on a 700+hp build thread, and he was going under the assumption that E85 should be the fuel of choice (which would require even more fuel to be used).

 

[fastfocus]

i don't have any fuel line at all, so i'm probably just going to buy a 20' roll and use it for the feed and return.

thanks again!