Rich-L79
Mar 3rd, 05, 5:05 PM
Here is my dilema: I can install a factory style steel fuel line in 7/16" tube and the install would be clean and easy. My engine will be a 427 with a 780cfm Holley and a 276/284 Ultradyne solid flat tappet cam. I plan to run a Carter 172gph mechanical pump. Lots of folks recommend I instead install a 1/2" fuel line. This would mean making a custom fuel line though with the cost of the materials the two methods would cost about the same or the custom job may cost a little more in the end since AN fittings are rather pricey.
Given that my car will be a street car I have to wonder if I will really see the need for the 1/2" vs. a 7/16" line. To make use of the 1/2" line to it's potential I suppose I should also modifiy my fuel gauge sending unit's pick up tube to also be 1/2" which will greatly increase the cost of going that route.
I know there is a yawning gap between using a 3/8" line vs. a 1/2" line, but I am seriously confused if a 7/16" line would provide enough flow for my purposes. I certainly want to have this figured out long before I get the body on the frame long before the car will ever be running. I am also concerned about the strength of the 1/2" aluminum tube I would end up having to use as this will be a street car and may encounter occassional road debris which could damage the line much easier than it could a steel line.
What would it take to modify the sending unit to have a 1/2" pipe? I also need to figure out if it would be better to install an in-line filter closer to the tank or somewhere in the pump-to-carb line. If so, what kind of filter would flow enough and do the job. If it comes down to an aftermarket filter I'd prefer to install a hidden in-line stainless steel filter unit somewhere along the frame than at the engine.
Given that my car will be a street car I have to wonder if I will really see the need for the 1/2" vs. a 7/16" line. To make use of the 1/2" line to it's potential I suppose I should also modifiy my fuel gauge sending unit's pick up tube to also be 1/2" which will greatly increase the cost of going that route.
I know there is a yawning gap between using a 3/8" line vs. a 1/2" line, but I am seriously confused if a 7/16" line would provide enough flow for my purposes. I certainly want to have this figured out long before I get the body on the frame long before the car will ever be running. I am also concerned about the strength of the 1/2" aluminum tube I would end up having to use as this will be a street car and may encounter occassional road debris which could damage the line much easier than it could a steel line.
What would it take to modify the sending unit to have a 1/2" pipe? I also need to figure out if it would be better to install an in-line filter closer to the tank or somewhere in the pump-to-carb line. If so, what kind of filter would flow enough and do the job. If it comes down to an aftermarket filter I'd prefer to install a hidden in-line stainless steel filter unit somewhere along the frame than at the engine.