Flexible lines to engine, and Fuel-filter for high-pressure fuel system? - Lateral-g Forums

Derek69SS · #1 02-07-2006, 12:31 PM

I'm putting a '95 LT1 in my '69 Chevelle, and I'm new at this whole Fuel Injection thing.

I've bent up 3/8" supply and 1/4" return steel lines to run along the frame rail, but I don't know what to do when I get to the engine. It's pretty high pressure, compared to a carbed car, so I assume I can't just stick a neoprene hose with a clamp on each end... or would that be kosher?

Also, what can I use for a fuel filter if I can't use hoses and clamps?

Speedster · #2 02-07-2006, 12:43 PM

You DON'T want to use hose clamps with high pressure fuel injection. It's not that it can't be done, but if they ever leak, or the hose gets brittle and cracks...major meltdown. You will have to flare the tube ends and use the proper fittings. You can get a threaded fuel filter at any auto parts store. Just get one for a late model factory fuel injected vehicle.

Derek69SS · #3 02-07-2006, 01:36 PM

Can I run a solid line to the engine? or do I need something flexible? It will be a few feet of lines with several bends from the frame to the fuel-rail, so I think it will flex enough, but I'd like to do it right if there's a better way.

Speedster · #4 02-07-2006, 03:21 PM

There should be enough flex in the line as long as it not secured too close together. It goes without saying your motor mounts have to be in good shape too.

Derek69SS · #5 02-07-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedster

It goes without saying your motor mounts have to be in good shape too.

Brand new Polyurethane mounts

Thanks for the help, I was afraid I'd have to buy some expensive braided lines, and my budget can't take much more abuse

race-rodz · #6 02-07-2006, 07:47 PM

AN fittings are your friend in this case, just remember that they use a single 37* flare. dont cheap out on the hose either, good steel braid hose is rated at 300psi min, not a problem with your 60 or so psi from the efi pump

Musclerodz · #7 02-07-2006, 07:57 PM

If you run hard line to the engine, put a coil in the line. The extra line gives it some flexibilty. We have done this for years on vintage aircraft. The other thing to do is to make up steel braided lines with high pressure fittings on each end.

Mike

907rs · #8 02-07-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

If you run hard line to the engine, put a coil in the line. The extra line gives it some flexibilty. We have done this for years on vintage aircraft. The other thing to do is to make up steel braided lines with high pressure fittings on each end.

Mike

Yep, what Mike said. I don't care how stout your motor mounts are, without some room in the lines for deflection you're asking for trouble sometime down the road, Derek.

Derek69SS · #9 02-08-2006, 06:12 AM

Thanks for the help.

What cars had a filter I could use? All the later model cars have the plastic lines that clip together, so I'd assume I need to look for something in the 80s that would have still used steel lines, and had fuel-injection.

**130fe** · #10 02-08-2006, 07:36 AM

Derek, you can use a LT1 F-body fuel filter. All you need is AN6-16mm oring adapters (2) to plumb it into your system like these #5100 http://www.performanceplumbing.com/FuelPieces.html . I have also seen them locally at a napa autoparts store. If you are looking for some bling, S&P has a nice filter bracket setup. For a more cost effective route, just get one from your local parts store and fab some brackets. I have mine mounted near the gas tank. Hope this helps you.