braided or hard line?

[Hogshooter]

I am getting ready to replumb my fuel system. Right now I have 3/8 Alum. line with rubber and clamps, I am going for better function/looks and plan on using#8 braided line, is it okay to run this from the sending unit to the fuel pump? I am running a mechanical pump and plan on installing a larger pickup tube in the sending unit for less restriction.

[Vegas69]

I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I like to run hardline as far as possible in the event of road debris. I use 1/2 aluminum hardline from moroso and Jegs AN fitting that take you from hard to 8 AN. It's easy to bend by hand and will help cool the fuel.

[parsonsj]

Before you use braided line for fuel, see this. (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44184&highlight=failure)

jp

[protour73]

general question, when assembling AN fittings, how tight should you get them?

I am about to fire (no pun intended!!) my car up for the first time, as my build is almost complete, and a fuel leak is one of my biggest concerns.

[mongoose]

snug should be fine... just be sure that you check every connection when you first start it up.... or if you're running an electric pump... turn it on for a bit and look for some leaks... don't need to be super super tight..


for the op.. im using -8 line from cell to carb without any problem so far.. hard line will be lighter though...

[Hogshooter]

I was wondering about the prefferences of others, I have used braided all the way on a 63 Nova running on methanol -10 to the pump line is about 10 years old and is due for replacement this winter. The aluminum is so soft I think the braided line is more durable to impact and abraision from road debris. If I run hard line where can I get stainless in -10 size?

[chicane67]

I have always been a proponent for running hardline where you can and then completing the connection with a short run of flexable line, as JP pointed out... for flex around high vibration components like the engine and powertrain.

Very similar to this picture, showing the oil lines under the left side rail:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/ctrp_0801_01_zdriveshaft_102_classroompo-1.jpg

Where to purchase ?? Well... I can only suggest... industrial supply houses, Grainger, Aircraft Spruce, Cust-o-bend in Tulsa, Custom Stainless in OK City, Midwest in OK City... Webco in San Springs... and a whole bunch of places on line.

[Hogshooter]

Thanks for the replies, I have been looking and I think it will definatly be worth the effort to bend up stainless and use short lenths of braided line.

[Gordz32]

We bend up Stainless hardline for every car we build. The only time we use braided stuff is at the end of the run so there is room for movement between motor and chassis. See if you can get anealed stainless as its easier to bend.

[Hogshooter]

I looked at several sites, Classic Tube looks to be the best price so far. What is a source for annealed tube? I am going to have to put sub-frame connecters in first. This is the second time to build the car I have had it since 88'. I just want to build it so I can have fun and maybe go to the drags upon occasion, I also want the fuel system to support future upgrades.

[HarleyR]

Brown and Miller racing soultions here in Concord make all of the hardlines you see in those pictures... Although not cheap they are without a doubt the nicest around... Their Braded and cloth lines are industry leading... They have all but completly taken over racecar plumbing... The car pictured is either an Evernham or Ganassi Dodge....

[1969CamaroRS]

The Right Stuff Detailing made my Stainless Annealed seamless 1/2 fuel line and return. You might check them out:
http://www.rightstuffdetailing.com/about_us.htm

They made it cheaper than I could buy the Stainless line and bend it myself.

[Hogshooter]

Talked with folks at TRS the guy couldn't tell me much about the tubing and it was 2.00 more a foot than classic tube and the sales staff said theirs is annealed.

[1969CamaroRS]

I just had them make me a 1/2" line bent the same as the stock 3/8" line, it was I believe $130.00 for the 1st Gen Camaro version. Stainless annealed seamless.

[Bruning Auto Design]

Tube Service is another place to check (if there is a location near you)

[Hogshooter]

The Right Stuff folks aid they could bend it up like the stock line but couldn't help put ends on, they could only roll a bead on the end for a hose clamp. I am weldind in sub frame connectors and was concerned about the stock bends and the look/fit. I also want male AN fittings on the ends, not flared and tube nuts so with these requirements I decided that I should bend my own Tig weld -8 bungs on the ends and hopfully get a custom fit and finish. The tubing cost $65 dollars and the bungs cost $25, the budget was blown when I bought a high quality manual bender for $130, but I will be using it on customer cars so it is an investment. I thank you all for the input and direction this will look better that braided line running under the car, but it will be more work.