Fuel system upgrading

[eagleone1983]

I got my short block back from the engine builder over the weekend. My question is I orginally had a 5/16" fuel set up would it be beneficial for me to upgrade to a 3/8" setup. If so besides getting a 3/8" sending unit and obviously the line what else would I need? I've heard the 3/8" had a return line? Also would a stock fuel pump be ok?

Here are the specs on my build so you know if this upgrade would help or not
- 383 bored .030" over, Comp cams XE275-HL (.525 lift, duration 275/287), Stealth heads, Edelbrock RPM intake, Comp Magnum roller rockers, I don't have them yet but I'll be going with Doug's 1.75" headers, and the rotating assembly has been balanced.

 

[Revhendo]

Street car? It will be fine with the 3/8" line.

 

[eagleone1983]

Yeah it's just going to be a street car. I might take it to the track just to see what she can do.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I ran my 68 RR with the original 5/16" line years ago and didn't seem to have any issues with a mild 383. Others I knew had similar experience. You would have to drain the float bowls faster than you can fill them to have a problem, plus to fill the bowls the fuel has to go through the needle and seats with about a .100" opening each. I seriously doubt you will have an issue with 5/16" on gas and a good pump.

 

[eagleone1983]

Ok. I'll just keep the stock lines so that way I don't have to worry about a return line. What pump in your eyes is a "good pump?"

 

[69 Runner]

My 69 Bee ran [email protected] with a 5/16 line and mechanical pump

 

[64 Post]

Street car? It will be fine with the 3/8" line.

Agreed. Guys run 10's with 5/16" line. 3/8" will be plenty for your car.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Ok. I'll just keep the stock lines so that way I don't have to worry about a return line. What pump in your eyes is a "good pump?"

Something that is not high pressure (~4 PSI) but can pull or push as much fuel through a 5/16" line as possible. I'd look for something that's comparable to the stock HEMI delivery rate. Summit has some Edelbrock units that look pretty good or you can go with the street version of the Holley electric pump.