Full Answer
What size fuel pump do I need for 350 hp?
For example, if you have a stock engine that makes 350 horsepower, your equation will look like this: In our example, you’d need a fuel pump that delivers 29 GPH of fuel.
Why does my fuel line fill up so fast?
The pump has to suck fuel up the line and once your positive suction head drops sufficiently, you start boiling the fluid in the line and you 'max out' your line capacity. This is even more an issue with impeller (electric) type pumps, but it's true of mechanical ones too.
How to install a mechanical fuel pump on a Ford small block?
Installing the mechanical fuel pump on a small block ford is a very easy and straight forward process. Begin with a clean surface on the timing cover. Make sure you have quality hardware and the gasket is clean. Depress the fuel pump activation arm slightly to clear the eccentric and install the bolts.
How does the size of the fuel line affect the pressure?
The larger the line, the lower the pressure drop at a given flow rate, and the longer the line, the higher the pressure drop at any flow rate. The pump has to suck fuel up the line and once your positive suction head drops sufficiently, you start boiling the fluid in the line and you 'max out' your line capacity.
What is the thread on a pump?
The thread on the pump is pipe thread. The line you will use is a 3/8 line with a flare fitting. So the fitting you need is pipe thread to 3/8th inverted flare.
Can you use Teflon tape on petroleum products?
DO NOT use teflon tape on threads exposed to petroleum products. Use a fuel-safe brush-on pipe dope. You can get some at Home Depot or your hardware stores....for use with fuel oil and LPG fittings. @ Home Depot.
Does Ford use a pipe flare?
Yes, Ford used on later and performance engines a pipe/inverted flare fitting to connect the steel line to the carb, and a pipe/barbed fitting for the rubber hose from the long supply line. Early pumps needed no adapter, and had provision for the inverted flare on the pump.
What year did Ford use a Carter fuel pump?
Fuel Pump. All small-block Fords of the period were fitted with Carter fuel pumps. From 1964 to 1965, it was a screw-together Carter pump with the fuel filter. From 1966 to 1967, Ford used a sealed Carter pump without the filter canister.
What is 1/4 NPT?
A couple points you may not be aware of - 1/4" NPT is a large fitting with a small name. The body of that size fitting is acutally over 1/2", and fittings are available for hoses from tiny to 1/2" (AN -8) hose. So, 1/4" NPT is not a performance limiter you need to be concerned about, and does not relate to the line size.
Do pump heads suck fuel up?
The pump has to suck fuel up the line and once your positive suction head drops sufficiently, you start boiling the fluid in the line and you 'max out' your line capacity. This is even more an issue with impeller (electric) type pumps, but it's true of mechanical ones too.
Dayco 80407 - Dayco Molded Heater Hoses
Heater Hose, Molded, EPDM, Black, 5/8 in. Ends, Chevy, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Ford, Mercury, Each
Continental Belts and Hoses 61301 - Continental Molded Radiator Hoses
Radiator Hose, Molded, Direct Fit, Rubber, Black, 1 3/4 in. I.D. Ends, 21 in. Length, Each
Edelbrock 8124 - Edelbrock Stainless Steel Braided Fuel Lines
Fuel Pump to Carb Hose, -6 AN Braided Stainless Hose, AMC, Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, Each
Edelmann 70551 - Edelmann Power Steering Return Hoses
Power Steering Hose, Return, Low-pressure, Rubber, Black, 39 in. Length, AMC, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, Each
Dayco 80402 - Dayco Molded Heater Hoses
Heater Hose, Molded, EPDM, Black, 5/8 in. Ends, 18 in. Length, AMC, Chevy, Chrysler, Ford, Mitsubishi, Each
What size fuel line does a 351 have?
Up to 302, all had 5/16 fuel lines. 351s had the 3/8 as standard. As far as I know all pickups are the same size but will stand corrected. If you have the 351 do not dick around with a smaller line, better yet, being a modified engine go the 1/2 inch line, better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.
What happens when a fuel line is too big?
What happens is when the line is too big, the fuel travels too slowly and picks up too much heat. This, coupled with the fact that the line is under partial vacuum from the pump can cause vapour to form in the line, killing fuel supply, in high fuel demand situations.
How small should an electric pump line be?
If you are running a pump up the front of the car, you need to keep the line as small as possible without restricting flow, normally 3/8 is fine.
How do I know what flow rate I need?
Minimum flow rate needs can be calculated by multiplying peak horsepower by BSFC. This will give you fuel usage in lbs./hr. For example:
Flow Rate vs. Pressure
Fuel pumps are usually advertised by their free flow rate. This is the flow rate with no pressure. As pressure goes up, flow rate goes down. The best way to find the flow rate at a given pressure is to check a fuel pump’s curve chart.
Electrical Considerations
The chart above shows a couple important things about an electric fuel pump. Flow rate increases with voltage and amp draw increases with pressure.
Making the Choice
A fuel system with a Return Style Regulator or a Non-Return Style Regulator can use a bigger fuel pump than you actually need with no problem.
Fuel pump fitting
What size is the thread on the fuel pump fitting? Its a mechanical pump. I honestly do not know. Never had to plumb fuel lines before.
Fuel pump fitting
What size is the thread on the fuel pump fitting? Its a mechanical pump. I honestly do not know. Never had to plumb fuel lines before.
