BBC - Carb Fuel System suggestions

[1969CamaroRS]

I'm currently trying to figure out my fuel system before I drop the motor in. The motor is a carbureted 489 BBC with around 550-600hp going in a 69 Camaro (Resto-Mod, PT car). It is 90% a street car, that I want to be fun and reliable to drive but will see some occasion track use (both drag and roundy-round).

The motor has a carb now but in the future would like to convert to an aftermarket EFI system which is why I went with an external pump. Currently I have a Rick's sumped tank with stainless -8 an feed and return lines, I'd like to keep my options open for E85 (so close already with the tank and lines), but its not a hard requirement.

I am thinking of going with a Aeromotive A1000 pump. -10an from the tank to a 100 micron filter (-10an) to the pump to a 10 micron filter (again still -10an) to their check valve (to help buffer the fuel pump pulses and aid in starting the motor since it will keep pressure and prevent drain back). After the check valve switching to -8an all the way to the regulator and -8an all the way back to the tank. Dual -6an to feed the Holly 770cfm Carb.

The other option was pretty much the same plumbing but with Aeromotive's SS series. Just wondering if the A1000 is overkill or not (Aeromotive recommended the A1000 over the SS series for my application).



Done a bunch of searches, tried reading up on as much as I could. I am wondering what others have run in the 600hp range. Any comments or suggested changes or other suggested pumps/setups are certainly welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[Shawn MacAnanny]

I'm running a Holley Red 97gph with 3/8" lines and about 550hp right now. I am using a wideband though to monitor AFR to make sure it never leans out. No problems so far. This is ofcourse on stock cylinder heads though. I expect 600-650 with a nice set of heads and i still think the pump will be fine.

[1969CamaroRS]

I'm running a Holley Red 97gph with 3/8" lines and about 550hp right now. I am using a wideband though to monitor AFR to make sure it never leans out. No problems so far. This is ofcourse on stock cylinder heads though. I expect 600-650 with a nice set of heads and i still think the pump will be fine.

Shawn thanks for the info. Yeah I have a Fast AFR meter as well I plan on using. Pretty much redoing the car (had a really old small carter pump on it.

[Vegas69]

Sounds like a good plan to me......have heard some issues with that pump but who knows if it was the pump or the installers. Everyone seems to love the Mallory 140 which I now have. So far so good. I don't know about the check ball. With an electric pump you have pressure instantly. I went with 8an out of the pump. I liked the idea of pulling on 10an and pushing on 8an at the pump. Your not supposed to use pipe tape either. I ended up having to on the pump inlet. After a couple hundred miles it began to leak sitting in the garage. The rest of the system is teflon paste. The Mallory 140 is right at 110gph at 6 or 7 psi which is perfect for 600hp.

[Gordz32]

I'm running a Holley HP150 with a Aeromotive 100micron, 10micron XRP filter, and a Racepumps regulator, Xrp dual feed line at the carb and 1/2 stainless throughout the whole system. Works well and the fuel pump isn't really loud. The a1000 is a nice unit and I was orginally going to use one but It needed the return line and I did want that. If your planning on going to EFI later on, it would suit ya just fine. It is loud though.This is one the chevelle powered by a 540, and I have no issues with fuel. G/L

[1969CamaroRS]

Thanks for the feedback.

Also been looking at a fuel cooler:
http://www.barrygrant.com/bgfuel/default.aspx?page=53

As well as possibly the Aeromotive controller:
http://www.aeromotiveinc.com/products.php?prod=31

Reason being that the A1000 flows a lot of volume at idle thru the return. Seems from what I have read that can lead to some fuel heating / vapor lock issues especially if the regulator is mounted up by the carb. Reducing the volume at idle and adding a cooler seems to help big time.

Trying to figure out if that is overkill at my HP level or not. Or simply good insurance so I'm not stranded out in the boonies somewhere with vapor lock.

[Vegas69]

I think the a1000 is overkill for 600 hp on the street. How many gph does it flow at 7psi? I have 1/2 aluminum line most of the length of the car feed and return with short 8an hoses. I have them on the outside of the frame from just in front of the tire to the engine compartment. It should help cool the fuel. I have run it as far as 70 miles and had 6.5 when I left and 6.5 when I returned. I checked the pump temperature with my infared temp gun and it was 113 degrees. Being it was 90-95 degrees that day I think that's pretty good. My return is in the top of the tank and I am right at 110-120gph.

[gmjj13]

i went with the a1000 for the simple fact that now i'm runnin a carb, but would like to eventually run EFI with turbos. my thinkin is that the a1000 would hold up well for the efi and turbos, and would feed my motor now with a carb. atleast when i want to switch over to efi, all i have to do is buy a regulator instead of a new pump and regulator...just my .02

[1969CamaroRS]

When looking at their application guide:
http://www.aeromotiveinc.com/d_syste...emdisplay=carb

I seemed I am right between their SS series and A1000. When I called Aeromotive they seemed to indicate I'd be happier with their A1000 (perhaps it was just an upsell).

Using the formula of BSFC .5 per hp (that I see tossed all over), I come up with 300 lbs/hr which is about 50gph (6 lbs / gal for gas). Doubled is 100gph.

I know the A1000 is 600lbs an hour at 45psi (roughly that 100gph just at 45psi). Can't seem to find the flow at 7psi.

[Vegas69]

Then it will flow substantially more GPH at 7psi. Maybe 160,180 etc gallons. I don't see how you are in between pumps according to Aeromotive. A1000 is for 1250hp in a carb setup. You are in the 500's on the street. You will be cruising and idling more than you will be at wide open throttle. The more fuel you pump the more heat it will generate. When I talked to Mallory about my setup, fuel actually grabs the walls of the tubing and hose and that is what causes the resistance and heat. I understand not wanting to buy two pumps but I would hate to see you have problems setting up a system that is really meant for an application that may never happen, or down the road when some things may need updated or replaced anyway. I'd go with the SS system, mallory 140, or equivalent.