I got the tax refund today, and am looking for ways to spend it on my 1974 Duster. First on the list is a Summit 12 gallon drag race fuel cell and a 25 foot roll of 3/8" steel fuel line.

I already have a big block fuel pump (mechanical) in the /6, but the inlet is only 5/16", and the outlet is even smaller. So I'm thinking of the Carter high volume 120 gph and high pressure ( 7.5 to 8 ) psi mechanical fuel pump, again with a /6 lever swapped in. From the Summit 35th anniversary catalog.

This should be adequate, right? Would 8 psi of fuel pressure be too much for Holley 450 mechanical secondary float bowls to handle without a pressure regulator? I want to run 3/8" fuel line the whole way, plus a high flow fuel filter or 2.

Tim, if your car is going to be more race only, I'd use only an electric pump. One benefit is it's easier when doing carb tuning. Shut pump off before getting back to the pits and there's little gas to drain. Also turn pump on to fill fuel bowels for float check, motor doesn't have to be fired first. If it's going to see street use, check out the Hemi type fuel pump. This may be the same as the Carter you speced out, they do make one. The Hemi pump has 3/8" in and out, the bottom cover can be rotated to adjust in and out position. This pump looks nothing like a 383/440 pump but interchanges with them. 8 lbs of pressure is a bit much for a Holley. I usually run 6-7 lbs. The size of your needle and seat determine how much pressure a Holley can take. A larger needle and seat flows more volume at equal pressure but also can't take as much pressure before the float is overpowered. Also Summit has the 3/8 fuel line in stainless or aluminum. Stainless would be harder to bend and install but it's more ding resistent when getting bumped latter on.

Cecil

The car will be raced on the street and dragstrip, but will also be doing some regular driving to work. I wanted an electric pump, but have to think about cost, plus the extra wiring and switches and so forth involved in that. In the Summit catalog, Holley has a $23 fuel pressure regulator that I think would be a good idea. I'd also consider getting the in line adapter and a fuel pressure gauge for it.

Most of the 3/8" in and out racing fuel filters in the Summit catalog say they flow 90 gph, but the pump will move 120. Any problem there? I don't think so, since the engine won't actually use 120 gallons of fuel per hour. I hope.

And most of them say pump gas only. Does that mean I can't use high octane leaded or unleaded Turbo Blue or Cam2 racing fuel in them?

I could get the 6 psi version of that fuel pump, but am worried about it not flowing well enough with the lower pressure. It probably won't be an issue, but I want to do this once and right.

I'm thinking of getting the stainless steel fuel line. Would it be any harder to flare or get to seal at the connectors than a regular steel fuel line?

Also, I'm thinking of getting a roll of 1/8"to 3/16" stainless line to completely redo the brake system. Same question - any difficulty in flaring and sealing the stainless line to the fittings?

I think stainless is prone to cracking when you flare it.

8 psi is too much pressure on the street. 5 is adequate. Volume is much more important than pressure. Fortunately, any Slant that can be street driven will not require a lot of volume. I'm running high 14's with a stock fuel pump and lines, and I think Lou has gone even faster than that.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

14:30s at 95 MPH in my '64 Dart with Edelbrock 600 Carb, stock pump and 5/16" line and a cheap filter, shifting at 5800...

This does not seem like a good place to spend money to me. Maybe a high-stall TC, or an Ultradyne cam would be more fun??

Have fun shopping - I always do!

Lou

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