Hardline and PTFE Braided vs All PTFE Braided

[andrewwoz]

Curious to hear people's opinions here, I have an Aeromotive in tank pump and an Aeromotive EFI to Carb FPR located up on the passenger side inner fender. I have -8an PTFE (fragola steel braided) and I have 1/2" nicopp tubing. I was originally planning to do -8an PTFE from the tank to hardlines mounted to the inside of the passenger frame rail that would run along the rail and frame connector, through holes in the torsion bar crossmember and then transition back to -8an PTFE up to the regulator, but now I am leaning toward just running -8an PTFE all the way, to avoid unneeded connections.

This is a street car that might seen a little track time, from what I can tell both options should fit within NHRA rules.

Feel free to share reasoning for the setup with the hardline if that is what you think would be better.

 

[coloradodave]

I have my pressure and return PTFE hose run from my intank pump to my regulator on the upper firewall. Mine are secured to the frame connectors/frame up high, next to the floor, where they are protected. An advantage is that my 10 micron filter can be accessed and cleaned/replaced easier than if hardline were used, and, as you said, less fittings to deal with. No downside for me...

 

[33 IMP]

I run hardline for as much length of the car is convenient, and ptfe for connections on both ends . A couple extra fittings, eh!
Reason is: hardline is cheaper/lasts longer, and if my ptfe starts leaking I only have to replace a foot or two, not the length of the car.
(Learned the hard way to use ptfe. Replaced a LOT of leaking rubber braided stainless line!)

 

[andrewwoz]

I run hardline for as much length of the car is convenient, and ptfe for connections on both ends . A couple extra fittings, eh!
Reason is: hardline is cheaper/lasts longer, and if my ptfe starts leaking I only have to replace a foot or two, not the length of the car.
(Learned the hard way to use ptfe. Replaced a LOT of leaking rubber braided stainless line!)

I already have enough of both to do either option so cost isnt really a factor for me. Curious on the lifespan of PTFE vs nicopp though

 

[493 Mike]

I did the same routing on my 65 on both sides, fuel and transmission cooler lines. Photos were taken at different stages of the build.
Mike

 

[Runner 68]

Hard or PTFE definitely for fuel lines. Modern fuels eat the hell out of rubber. Agree with the above. Run hard lines as far as as you can and are comfortable bending. Go to PTFE in the tight spots.
As always stainless hard line is best but a bitch to work with. Copper-nickel will do.

 

[j-c-c-62]

My first thinking was SS hardline as much as possible. I use an inertia cut off crash relay no matter which solution is chosen. The Ptfe lines can get pricey, but my latest thinking is in event of a hard crash, they are more survivable than hardline, and if the need be in the future, more reusable or reconfigurable.

Mike. your execution and attention to detail is admirable. I only saw one very minor detail I would do different and will reframe from publicly noting it in deference to a job well done.

 

[ckessel]

For either system, hardline or flex, keep in mind that every fitting in the system is a restriction. You may be running a 3/8" line but if the fittings you use have a 1/4" inner opening, for example, that could lessen the pressure/volume at the needed end. Like points of resistance in an electrical system. You may have 12v at the beginning of the run but resistance issues along the way drop you to 8v or less. One of the things I'll be keeping in mind when its plumbing/electrical time for my 65.

 

[j-c-c-62]

For either system, hardline or flex, keep in mind that every fitting in the system is a restriction. You may be running a 3/8" line but if the fittings you use have a 1/4" inner opening, for example, that could lessen the pressure/volume at the needed end. Like points of resistance in an electrical system. You may have 12v at the beginning of the run but resistance issues along the way drop you to 8v or less. One of the things I'll be keeping in mind when its plumbing/electrical time for my 65.

I agree with your logic/statement, and that it would seem a single continuous PTFE solution could be utilized with only two total fittings and have the fewest/gentlest bends vs most hardline solutions.