Fuel System Advice

[Rocketninja16]

Hello all,

I'm in the process of planning out a build and am seriously considering running E85, well, I pretty much have already decided that I will run it, but it's a matter of parts and initial cost right now for me.

Long term I'll be running a 455 Olds pushing roughly 600hp, maybe higher than that on the E85.

So my question is, based on the standard .5 lbs of fuel per 1hp of gasoline equation, I need about 100gph of flow. Now, If I add the "rule of thumb" 30% increase for e85, that puts me around 130gph.

Does any of that sound about right based on what you folks with around the same horsepower are running?

Also, I was thinking of running -10an, regardless of the pump, is that a good idea/bad idea?

Unless the initial cost is substantial, I don't see myself ever running anything other than the E85.

Cheers!

[triplenickel]

Well rocket, I'm not sure about the equation, but I would use at least a 250gph pump. The number 10 line from pump to regulator is definitely a good idea. You may be able to get away with less pump, but why cause yourself a potential headache.

[triplenickel]

do you still have to buy everything for your fuel system, or were you trying to use existing parts? If you still have to buy everything, your initial investment won't be very much more.

[Rocketninja16]

I've got a Holley Blue pump right now and a regulator, as well as a bit of -8AN line and a few fittings, but the pump and regulator have sat around for some time and need to be rebuilt anyway.

I was trying to save some bucks by re-using some of that stuff but, I have to buy practically the whole system anyhow.

I've got a fuel cell already, does the foam need to be changed or can it be run without issue?

Also, do the same principles of running a return style regulator apply with E85?

[butterbean]

you could rebuild your blue pump with a black pump kit, I use #8 line on mine and on my old car as well so I would try it first and if its not big enough then go bigger, JMO!!!!!!!!!!

[Rocketninja16]

That's an idea I hadn't thought of butterbean.

Only thing though is if it isn't big enough then I have to buy line and parts again, it might end up being the same as just buying a bigger pump and line off the bat..

Something else to ponder haha.

[bigdaddy198]

I have a 1980 Cutlass 461" BB olds I just put on e85 its strictly a Drag car. I have a Magna Fuel 500 with Filter I run all 10 AN line to the regulator and 8AN from the Regulator to each bowl its got a big 2 port Magna Fuel Regulator it was that way when it was on gas too had a 1050 Dominator now its a 1050 QFT center on a 4150 flange has a Edelbrock Torker intake that was set up as a spread bore or square flange carb pattern so I put a spread bore to square flange adapter then a 2" high square bore riser on it. The motor was built by Rocket Racing and it was really consistant the 1st time out. But I should have went thru the carb before running it as it was on another motor before I got it and needed a few parts updated. I have gone thru it and the motor is really happy on the e85. I run Renegade Race Fuels E85R but its just a more consistant blend and I can keep it by the drum in my garage. I am Hoping to get the car to the track this weekend and make a few hits on the e85 the very first pass I made on it ran a 11 flat in the 1/4 off the trailer without any jetting for speed. The best I ran on 110 was 10.85 in really good air. This is a 3800 lb car so I am sure its going to get better once I get it calmed down and my temps are staying at under 170 on my passes which has really helped out alot. On my 1st four passes it ran a 7.084. 7.085 7.084 7.079 so its very consistant and I didnt even start jetting it down yet. The car runs so much cooler I can hotlap it and never use my fan on the 1st pass but it really does cool down quicker if I run single passes in the pits with my fan and water pump on its back to 140 in about 4/5 minutes thats great for a big Iron block iron headed motor. Good luck I know mine seems alot happier on the E as long as the fuel system is clean thats a major thing as the E will bring up anything thats in the cell or the lines so make sure you use a good filter stainless seems to be the way to go. Also the guys on this site have been very helpful as far as pointing me in the right direction as I am sure they will you too. Let us know how it goes I hope your 455 likes it as mine does

[butterbean]

well I'm glad you have got it sorted out now you can go test and jet it up until it slows down (MPH) then you can play with the timing a little to get the best ET, so with that said good luck tuning and have fun. Keep us posted