I have a 496ci BBC with 305 AFR heads, solid roller cam(.252I .256E and .714 lift I and E and 112 LSA). I want to use a Carter 172 and would rather not use a regulator. I would like to use my stock fuel tank. Any suggestions for my pump and plumbing are appreciated. Running out of fuel is a bummer!

Will

I don't have the definitive answer, but just don't skimp.
Modern fuel system technology would dictate that you run the numbers, then build accordingly.
Modern systems are also full return systems.
You can do this with the stock tank.......
I run a Comp 140 pump...it's an old design, but it "seems" to be adequate. I use the return style regulator and -10 line, both for the feed and return.
Overkill is ok, but you don't need to overkill your wallet!
Ron

Well, Howard Stewart pumps don't need a regulator, they are mechanical, and it will be the last pump you'll ever buy, because it will do gas, or put twenty bucks worth of parts in and go alcohol, or a few bucks and do fuel injection. No kidding. I bought one. www.racepumps.com

I run a Carter 172 without a regulator on my 496 that is pretty close in spec to your 496. My chassis has not been well dialed in to use all the power - it laid down 564 rear wheel hp and 562 rear wheel tq. Smallish tires with 8.9" of tread width dont help any.

*Note* unless you are using -10 line from the tank to the pump a Carter 172 will NOT flow 172 gph. I haven't seen any testing confirmations, but it is my belief that with 1/2" or -8 (I'm using 1/2") into the pump that max flow probably drops to about 130 gph.

The RacePumps floating piston design works. If I were buying a new pump I would probably pony up the money on this one.

Thomas

I thought the racepump linked above REQUIRED a regulator?? NICE pump for certain.

I read a little on the link and I think it does require a regulator. It sure looks sweet though!

I have never used any braided fuel lines or AN fittings before. If I get the Carter 172 and enough line and fittings to run from my stock tank to the fuel pump and to the carb, how does that type of line connect to my stock tank? Do you just clamp it like a regular hose? Thanks!


:clonk:

They make an adapter to go from the stock tubing to an AN fitting.

Yes, you need a regulator. Now, if I could find one that bloody well works!

Not sure why you are shying away from regulators. With a set-up like you have you don't want to skimp here. .... but here are pictures of my system with a Comp 140 pump, filter, and a return line using the stock tank....

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120375

Ok, plumbing the pump and regulator is not the issue for me. What are you connecting to the gas tank with? Adapter on a stock 3/8" line? Replacing the pickup tube with 1/2" and deleting the sock? Which regulator are you using?

Stupid question, but what is an "AN" fiting anyway? Is it just a different unit of measure? What does the AN stand for?

I modified the stock pick-up by adding a 1/2" tube and using AN sleeves and nuts which allow you to connect hard lines to AN fittings. You will need a 37 deg. flaring tool for the fittings (Summit). A standard flaring tool is 45 deg. and will not do the job for AN style fittings. I kept the 3/8s tube and plan on using that as my return. The regulator is a Mallory #4309 return style.

Here is my modified pick-up:
http://home.comcast.net/~conn118/wsb/media/409712/site1016.JPG

AN stands for Army/Navy. They were originally military fittings but now can be had commercially. The main difference is that the AN uses a 37* flare while standard automotive fittings are 45*

I believe the reason for the AN fittings was to prevent the use of automotive fittings on military aircraft. I think.

The sizes are based on 1/16. Example: -8 AN = 8/16" which reduces to 1/2".

what exactly is the flare you are speaking of?

I would just like to have a mechanical pump setup that will cure my fuel starvation problem to feel my engines full potential! I really do not want to go into my fuel tank and start modifying my pickup and tubes. I'm not trying to skimp on my fuel system, I just think there has to be an easier way!

Jim,

That is one fine looking 67. My favorite, due to it being my first car. But I love my 69. What color is that on there? Nassau Blue?

396,
Understood. Whatever you go with don't let a regulator be the deciding factor. In my humble opinion, using a dead head regulator requires no return line or modifications and is a snap to install and will allow you to have some fine tuning.

wildman, thanks! It is supposed to be '67 Marina Blue but after it was painted I think it is a tad lighter than what I wanted. But I still like it, it was originally Nantucket Blue.