Motown 454
02-23-2009, 07:14 PM
Hi Guys I'm planning my fuel system for my Camaro. My motor is a World Product's 454 sbc 600 hp/ 575 tq , it has a 1050 Dominator on it . What I have so far is a factory style tank with the front corners angle cut to fit my 3" exhaust. I am going to try to get a intank sump put in it if my builder has time. I'm using a RobbMc 1/2 " sending unit . Its equiped with a return line 1/2" . I'm going to use 1/2' stainless hard lines from front to back, accept where they connect to the tank and pump. That will be braided line. I have a CV product billet mechanical pump with the blue spring that puts out 120 gal with an idle pressure of 10-10.5 psi . I figure I need a fuel pressure regulator, but I'm not sure if I should use a dead head or return regulator?
What is the most pressure I should have at idle with a carbed engine ? any help is appreciated Thanks Wayne
1969CamaroRS
02-23-2009, 08:00 PM
Your setup is pretty close to mine. I'm going with a full return, with the regulator up front in the engine bay on the fire wall.
I have seen a number of threads debating dead-head vs return. And it always seems to come down to heat vs a more constant fuel pressure. Dead head has less of an issue with heat being introduced into the fuel system, while the return seems to result in a better constant fuel pressure.
I think with a properly sized pump (so that you aren't over pumping fuel around) and a fuel cooler (check out a BG cooler, which I am going to run), you should be to get a return system to work better. You still have to fit the return which at 1/2 isn't that easy especially on the same side but can be done.
Right now I am in the process of mocking up my fuel system which is -10 AN from the tank (since these types of pumps do not pull fuel well)to a 100 micron filter -10 to the pump, -8 to the fuel cooler, to a 10 micron filter and drainback value, -8 to the regulator, dual -6 to the carb and -8 return into the tank. Planning on using hardline (stainless annealed seamless; make sure you get the same or you are going to have issues with flaring) as much as I can and then using braided to isolate and allow for disassembly as required (filter changes). I have a Rick's sumped, baffled notched tank to fit my 3" exhaust as well. I don't have pics yet but should soon once I get it all in.
Idle fuel pressure should be about 6-7.5 and no more or you risk flooding the carb.
Check out Aeromotive's guides on the different configurations (using their equipment but might give you some ideas):
http://www.aeromotiveinc.com/d_systems.php?systemdisplay=carb
I'm sure others will jump in.