Katerina Swanson
When it comes to fuel lines, the size does matter. The AN (Army-Navy) sizing standard is used to measure fuel lines in 1/16th-inch increments, with -6AN and -8AN being two of the most common sizes. -6AN fuel lines are typically 3/8-inch in diameter, while -8AN fuel lines measure 1/2-inch. The choice between the two sizes depends on various factors, including the engine's horsepower requirements, the fuel pump's capacity, and the number of fuel lines used. While -6AN lines are generally sufficient for most applications, some high-performance engines may require the increased flow capacity of -8AN lines to meet their fuel demands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| 6AN Hose Size | 0.34 or 11/32" |
| 8AN Hose Size | 0.44 or 7/16" |
| 6AN Line | 3/8" |
| 8AN Line | 1/2" |
| 6AN Feed | 560whp |
| 8AN Feed | Too big for this setup |
| 6AN Return | Stock return line |
| 8AN Return | Requires more than 1000cc injectors for 600whp |
| 6AN Fittings | Cheaper than 8AN |
| 8AN Fittings | Tendency to leak |
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What You'll Learn
- The -6AN fuel line is cheaper and easier to run than the -8AN fuel line
- The -8AN fuel line may not fit under the car without being squished
- The -6AN fuel line is big enough to feed a Quick Fuel 650 carb
- The -8AN fuel line requires an aftermarket fuel cell or a welded fuel drop box
- The -6AN fuel line is capable of supporting 499 HP
The -6AN fuel line is cheaper and easier to run than the -8AN fuel line
The -6AN fuel line is a more cost-effective option than the -8AN fuel line. The fittings for the -6AN line are cheaper, and the line is also easier to run. For instance, the -6AN line is easier to fit in the cover for the fuel pump in the hatch, whereas the -8AN line is larger and may not fit.
The -6AN line is also easier to install. For example, if you opt for the -8AN line, you will need to buy an aftermarket fuel cell or weld on a fuel drop box with an 8AN fitting to the factory tank. This is not necessary with the -6AN line. Additionally, the -8AN line requires Y-shaped connectors, which are prone to leaking if not cleaned thoroughly.
The -6AN line is also a more straightforward option if you are planning to use a Nitrodave quick disconnect fitting, as this fitting is only available in -6AN. If you opt for the -8AN line, you will need to convert the -6AN fitting, which can be problematic.
Furthermore, the -6AN line is sufficient for most applications. As long as your fuel pump can supply the volume of fuel needed to feed your motor, the -6AN line will be fine. A 3/8" ID fuel line can easily support 600 HP given sufficient "pump head". In fact, a 3/8" steel line with a large enough pump could support up to 1000 HP. Therefore, unless you are planning to push your car past 800 HP, the -6AN line is a more than adequate choice.
Overall, the -6AN fuel line is a more affordable and convenient option than the -8AN fuel line, and it is capable of meeting the fuel demands of most vehicles.
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The -8AN fuel line may not fit under the car without being squished
The size of a fuel line does matter, and there are a few things to consider when deciding between a 6AN and an 8AN fuel line. The 8AN fuel line has a larger diameter than the 6AN, which means it can carry more fuel. This is important if you have a high-performance engine that requires a large volume of fuel. However, there are also potential drawbacks to using an 8AN fuel line.
First, as the 8AN fuel line is larger, it may not fit in the same spaces as a 6AN fuel line. This is especially true if you are trying to route the fuel line under the car, where there is limited space. In some cases, people have reported that the 8AN fuel line was too large and would be squished or crushed when installed under the car. This is a problem because it can restrict fuel flow and cause damage to the fuel line over time.
To avoid this issue, some people have chosen to run the 8AN fuel line outside the car, where it is easier to access and there is more room for the larger diameter. However, this may not be ideal from a safety perspective, as it could leave the fuel line exposed and vulnerable to damage. It may also not be allowed in certain racing contexts, where having the fuel lines inside the boundaries of the roll cage is required for safety reasons.
Another option is to use a combination of 6AN and 8AN fuel lines, with the 8AN line feeding into two 6AN lines for the fuel delivery. This can provide enough fuel flow for high-performance engines while still allowing the fuel lines to fit in the tight spaces under the car. However, this setup can be more complex and may require additional fittings and reducers.
In conclusion, while the 8AN fuel line has the advantage of increased fuel flow, its larger diameter can make it difficult to install in certain spaces, especially under the car. Careful consideration of the available space and the specific requirements of the engine is necessary to determine whether a 6AN or 8AN fuel line is the best choice.
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The -6AN fuel line is big enough to feed a Quick Fuel 650 carb
The general rule of thumb for flow systems is that the system will only flow as much as the smallest opening. Therefore, a 3/8" fuel line can easily support 600 HP, and given a large enough pump, it could even support 1000 HP.
In the case of a Quick Fuel 650 carb, a -6AN fuel line is sufficient. However, it is important to consider the overall fuel system and ensure that the fuel pump can supply the necessary volume of fuel to the engine. As long as the pump is adequate, a -6AN fuel line will be suitable for a Quick Fuel 650 carb.
Additionally, the -6AN fuel line is compatible with various carburetor setups, including those with dual metering blocks and 7/8"-20 threaded fuel bowls. It is also worth noting that the -6AN setup is generally easier to work with than the -8AN setup, as the latter requires additional fittings and conversions, which can be more complex and time-consuming.
Therefore, for a Quick Fuel 650 carb, a -6AN fuel line is adequate in terms of size and compatibility, and it offers a simpler installation process compared to the -8AN alternative.
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The -8AN fuel line requires an aftermarket fuel cell or a welded fuel drop box
Fuel line size can have an impact on performance, and choosing the right size is important to ensure optimal fuel flow. A -6AN fuel line is a 3/8 line, while a -8AN is a 1/2 line. The -8AN fuel line is larger and can provide a greater volume of fuel, but it requires a larger fuel pump to supply this volume.
If you are considering upgrading to a -8AN fuel line, it is important to note that it requires a larger fuel pump to supply the increased volume of fuel. Additionally, the -8AN fuel line may not provide significant benefits if the fuel pump cannot supply the required volume. In such cases, a -6AN fuel line may be sufficient.
However, if you are set on upgrading to a -8AN fuel line, it is important to consider the modifications required to the fuel tank. One option is to install an aftermarket fuel cell, which is a reinforced and stronger fuel tank that is usually mounted inside a vehicle, providing enhanced safety in the event of a collision. Racing fuel cells are designed to meet safety standards and are commonly used in race cars to prevent fuel leaks and fires during high-speed racing.
Another option is to weld a fuel drop box to the factory tank. Welding a fuel drop box requires expertise and should be performed by experienced welders or through automated welding processes to ensure a safe and secure connection. The welding process and standards to be followed will depend on the type of fuel and the operational environment. For example, welding corrosion-resistant alloys like Inconel and Monel is more challenging than welding carbon steels.
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The -6AN fuel line is capable of supporting 499 HP
The -6AN fuel line is a 3/8 line, with a slightly larger hose size of 0.34 or 11/32". This is bigger than the stock fuel lines which are usually no more than 5/16".
It is a common misconception that a larger fuel line is needed to support higher horsepower. This is not true, as a 3/8”id fuel line can support up to 600 HP. The pressure drop through a 3/8” steel line for a typical vehicle at a flow of 83.3 GPH or 1000 HP is very minimal.
However, it is important to note that the -6AN fuel line may not be optimal for supporting 499 HP. Some users have reported that while it is possible to achieve this horsepower with a -6AN fuel line, it may not be the most efficient setup. A larger fuel line, such as the -8AN, may provide better performance due to increased volume and reduced pressure loss.
In conclusion, the -6AN fuel line is capable of supporting 499 HP, but for optimal performance and efficiency, a larger fuel line such as the -8AN may be considered.
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Frequently asked questions
6AN is a 3/8" line, while 8AN is a 1/2" line.
Yes, fuel line size does matter. A larger fuel line may help if you are sucking from the tank. However, it is important to note that most people run way more diameter fuel line than they need. As long as your fuel pump can supply the volume of fuel needed to feed your motor, a 3/8" or 6AN line will be fine.
6AN fuel lines are cheaper and easier to run than 8AN lines. They also have better fuel flow as they have less volume and fewer bends, fittings, and orifices for the fuel to go through.
