Fuel Lines

When the steering rack was completed, more
we noticed that we could not tighten the tie rods enough on the threaded rod ends of the steering rack to get the front end close to being aligned.  So, we had to remove the tie rods so we could cut off a piece from each threaded rod.  I needed to purchase a tie rod removing pry tool to do this, which made the job pretty easy.  Unfortunately, it also damaged the grease boots, so I had to also purchase a new pair of those.  Once we cut off ~1″ of the threaded rods there was enough adjustment to get the front aligned.  The parts were then reassembled.


When the steering rack was completed, more
we noticed that we could not tighten the tie rods enough on the threaded rod ends of the steering rack to get the front end close to being aligned.  So, we had to remove the tie rods so we could cut off a piece from each threaded rod.  I needed to purchase a tie rod removing pry tool to do this, which made the job pretty easy.  Unfortunately, it also damaged the grease boots, so I had to also purchase a new pair of those.  Once we cut off ~1″ of the threaded rods there was enough adjustment to get the front aligned.  The parts were then reassembled.


Now it was time to move into the installation of the fuel lines.  I read up on the information that came with my EFI system, information pills
and had to do some follow-up to determine the correct way to proceed.  First, erectile
I had to determine if I needed a pre-filter.  After talking with Professional Products, I determined I did not need the pre-filter.  I also learned some specifics of how and where to mount the fuel pump, and determined that I needed to use 3/8″ fuel lines, at least on the delivery side.  The kit came with 5/16″ as the largest tube size.  Plus, the fittings on the EFI supplied fuel pump and fuel filter were different than those that came with the kit.

I did a lot of research and went to parts stores and spent a lot of thought trying to figure out which way to go.  Because of the specifics of the parts supplied with the EFI, which included NPT threads I chose to purchase a fuel line and return line kit from Summit Racing.  This is also made by Professional Products and supplies enough braided 3/8″ fuel line and fittings to get me supply and return lines and the needed hook-ups.  I did have to also purchase two additional fittings for the fuel tank pick-up, since they are “fuel-rail” type fittings.

Next came the process of determining where to mount the fuel pump and filter. I needed to have the fuel pump below and within ~2 feet of the fuel tank, so I was limited to where I could put this.  I chose to put it alongside the 4″ round main frame, right beneath the seat/floor structure.  I also needed to fabricate a mounting plate for this.  I purchased some 1/8″ steel plate, and cut, drilled and painted a mounting plate to fit where I needed it.  I attached the plate to the frame and then fastened the pump.  Because the plate is cantilevered quite a bit, I also decided to add a sheet metal bracket to the unsupported end of the mounting plate to make it a bit more secure.

I also needed to then fab a mounting bracket for the fuel filter.  This went a little further up towards the front of the chassis, right below the seat plate. After these were completed and installed, I started making the fuel lines to length and installing.

This was not too difficult to do.  Unfortunately, when I tried to attach the fuel line fitting to the output end of the pump, it would not fit.  There was interference from the mounting bolt for the rear control arm.  So, I had to remove the pump, and re-drill mounting holes a bit further back.  This still fit the bracket, and gave enough room for the fittings to attach.

Unfortunately, I also found a similar problem with the input to the fuel filter.  I fabricated an extension for the mounting bracket, installed this, and then the fuel lines fit nicely with the filter.  I then ran a fuel line from the filter to the engine compartmnt.  I left this long and did not attach a fitting yet.  I will finish this and cut to length once the engine is installed.

Lastly, I ran a return line from the engine compartment back to the fuel tank and connected it to the fuel pick-up return.  This line is also longer than needed and will be finished when the engine is installed.  I also used a tie-wrap to hold the two lines together at the rear above the axle.  My only concern is that there is enough length on the delivery line when the car is on the ground and the axle is at ride height.  I can lengthen the retun line easily – if the delivery line is too short I will need to remove it and make a longer one.

More pictures of this work are in the Gallery.

EFI, Fuel Filter, Fuel Pump, fuel pump pick-up, Fuel tank

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