Mercedes Mullins
Fuel pump size is an important consideration for any vehicle, and it's crucial to ensure you have the right size pump to match your engine's horsepower. In this case, we're looking at how much fuel pump is needed for 650 horsepower, and there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, fuel pumps are sized by their flow rate, which is the amount of fuel they can supply over time, usually measured in gallons per hour (gph) or litres per hour (lph). A well-tuned engine needs half a pound of fuel per horsepower per hour, so for 650 horsepower, you'd need 325 gallons per hour. This calculation can be adjusted based on the weight of fuel, which is around 6 lbs per gallon, giving you a minimum flow rate of 54 gallons per hour. While a single pump setup may be sufficient, some high-performance vehicles may require a twin pump setup to achieve the desired flow rate. Additionally, the operating pressure of the fuel system should be considered, as it affects the flow rate. Carburetors typically operate between 4-7.5 psi, while fuel injection systems range from 35-65 psi. It's worth noting that fuel pump curve charts can help determine the flow rate at a given pressure.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel pump options for 650rwhp
The size of the fuel pump you need depends on the flow rate, which is the amount of fuel a pump can supply over time. This is usually measured in gallons per hour (gph) or liters per hour (lph). To calculate the minimum flow rate, you can multiply the peak horsepower by BSFC, which will give you fuel usage in lbs./hr. For example, a naturally aspirated 500 horsepower engine with a BSFC of 0.5 would use 250 lbs. of fuel per hour.
A gallon of fuel weighs approximately 6 lbs, so by dividing lbs./hr. by 6, you can get the gph. Similarly, a liter of fuel weighs about 1.6 lbs, so dividing lbs./hr. by 1.6 will give you the lph. It's important to note that fuel pumps are usually advertised by their free flow rate, which is the flow rate with no pressure. As pressure increases, the flow rate decreases.
Some sources suggest that a 140gph pump may be sufficient for 650rwhp, while others recommend upgrading to a larger pump. The 140gph pump is rated at 140 gph free flow but is only rated at 120 gph at 6psi. For Dead-Head type regulators, you can multiply the maximum horsepower by 0.23 to calculate the minimum pump size in "free flow" GPH. For Return-Style regulators, multiply the maximum horsepower by 0.17.
Another option mentioned is the APS twin pump system, which offers a 1000hp kit. However, custom setups may be required, and there is limited information available on "plug & play" fuel setups for above 650rwhp.
It's important to consider the entire fuel system when choosing a fuel pump, as other components such as the fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, and fuel injectors can impact the performance and requirements of the fuel pump.
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Calculating fuel pump size
Fuel pumps are sized by their flow rate, which is the amount of fuel a pump can supply over time. The flow rate is usually measured in gallons per hour (gph) or liters per hour (lph).
To calculate the minimum flow rate, you can multiply peak horsepower by BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption). This will give you the fuel usage in lbs./hr. For instance, a naturally aspirated 500 horsepower engine with a BSFC of 0.5 would use 250 lbs. of fuel per hour.
To convert lbs./hr. to gph, divide by 6 (as a gallon of fuel weighs 6 lbs.). For instance, the aforementioned 500 horsepower engine would require a fuel pump with a minimum flow rate of 41.6 gph.
Alternatively, to calculate the minimum flow rate in GPH, multiply the estimated maximum horsepower by 0.8, then multiply the result by the BSFC fuel rate, and finally divide by the pounds per gallon of fuel.
The type of fuel pump you need also depends on the power output, induction type, and fuel type. The more horsepower your engine produces, the more fuel it requires. Turbocharged and supercharged engines typically require more fuel under higher pressure than naturally aspirated engines. Additionally, different fuels have different requirements; for example, engines running on ethanol-rich fuel often need a more robust fuel pump due to ethanol's lower energy content and higher consumption rates.
It is important to note that fuel pump manufacturers often provide charts that illustrate fuel volume across a range of pressures, enabling you to find the right balance for your vehicle's fuel demands.
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Fuel pump curve charts
The pump curve charts contain a lot of information, including head, flow rate, efficiency, and power consumption. The Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is the total energy that a pump must overcome to move a fluid from one point to another within a piping system. It is the sum of the static head, the pressure head, and the friction head. The pressure head is the pressure energy in the system, both suction (negative pressure) and discharge (positive pressure). The Net Positive Suction Head required (NPSHr) is the minimum pressure above the suction line to avoid cavitation issues at the selected flow rate. Cavitation occurs when the local pressure of a liquid drops below its vapour pressure, leading to the formation of vapour bubbles.
The flow rate is influenced by the pump's ability to create a pressure difference, or head, that propels the fluid through the system. The pump curve chart illustrates how the pump's flow rate changes at different levels of head. The pump's speed also affects the flow rate and pressure. For example, a pump being run at 60Hz as opposed to 50Hz produces 20% more flow and pressure.
The formatting of pump curves may differ between manufacturers, but the principles remain the same. Some pump curve charts display the information on one graph with multiple vertical Y-axis labels, while others display it on three separate graphs.
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Fuel system options
Fuel Pump Selection:
- Mallory Fuel Pump: The Mallory 140gph fuel pump is an option for 650 hp motors. However, some users have experienced starvation issues at higher horsepower levels, recommending an upgrade to the 250gph version for improved performance.
- Holley Fuel Pump: Holley offers fuel pumps suitable for 650 hp applications, including the Holley Black pump and the new HP pump.
- Barry Grant Fuel Pump: Barry Grant fuel pumps are recommended for drag race cars. While they are advised to be used for no longer than 15-20 minutes at a time, some users have reported successful long-term usage without issues.
- Aeromotive Fuel Pump: Aeromotive fuel pumps, such as the SS pump, are known for their performance in high-horsepower applications.
- Walbro Fuel Pump: Walbro offers fuel pumps like the 255lph and 400 models, which can be found on eBay and other retailers. These pumps are often paired with aftermarket voltage boosters and larger injectors.
- Lingenfelter Fuel Pump: Lingenfelter provides fuel pumps similar to Racetronix, with prices around $200.
- Racetronix Fuel Pump: Racetronix offers a plug-and-play fuel pump that can sustain up to 650 hp without issues.
Fuel Injector Options:
- 60lb Injectors: Upgrading to 60lb injectors is a common modification mentioned in various discussions. These injectors are often paired with fuel pumps to support higher horsepower levels.
- Methanol Injection: Some users have reported success with methanol injection, allowing them to achieve over 650 hp.
Fuel System Considerations:
- Fuel Pressure Regulator: It is important to ensure that the fuel pressure regulator is suitable for the horsepower level and fuel pump selection.
- Fuel Rails: Upgrading fuel rails can be necessary when increasing horsepower to ensure adequate fuel delivery.
- Fuel Line Size: The diameter of the fuel line can impact fuel delivery. It is recommended to use a larger diameter fuel line, such as a 1/2" fuel line, to ensure sufficient fuel flow.
- Fuel System Consistency: Some users have mentioned that a custom fuel system setup can introduce inconsistencies in fuel pressure. It is essential to consider the trade-off between fuel system complexity and consistency.
- Fuel Type: The type of fuel used, such as pump gas or E85, can impact the fuel system requirements.
When selecting a fuel pump, it is important to consider the flow rate, which is measured in gallons per hour (gph) or liters per hour (lph). The minimum flow rate can be calculated by multiplying the peak horsepower by BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption). Additionally, fuel pump curve charts can provide valuable information about the flow rate at different pressures and voltages.
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Fuel pump cost
The cost of a fuel pump depends on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, its age, and the region you are in.
Fuel pumps are sized by flow rate, which is the amount of fuel a pump can supply over time. The flow rate is usually measured in gallons per hour (gph) or liters per hour (lph). The minimum flow rate needs can be calculated by multiplying the peak horsepower by BSFC, which will give you the fuel usage in lbs/hr. For example, a naturally aspirated 500 horsepower engine with a BSFC of about 0.5 would use 250 lbs of fuel per hour.
The cost of a fuel pump part is usually between $75 and $250, depending on the vehicle. If you are replacing the fuel pump yourself, this is the only cost you will incur. However, if you decide to go with a professional, you may be looking at a cost of between $400 and $600 to replace a bad fuel pump. Labor rates can vary from place to place, and higher labor rates are charged for vehicles with hard-to-reach pumps. Parts and labor costs for fuel pump replacement can range from $1,000 to $1,300, with labor costs ranging from $500 to $600 and parts costing between $500 and $600.
There are some signs that your fuel pump may be failing and in need of replacement. One of the first things you might notice is that your car sounds different when it is turned on. A well-functioning fuel pump will usually give off a soft humming noise when the vehicle starts up. If you hear a sharp whining sound from your fuel tank, this could be a sign that you need a new fuel pump. Another consequence of a bad fuel pump is that your car might struggle to start. Other signs include the engine choking or struggling to maintain speed, the engine sputtering, the engine overheating, and the "check engine" light illuminating.
It is important to note that the cost of a fuel pump for a 650 hp motor was not found, and the information provided is a general guide to fuel pump costs.
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Frequently asked questions
The general consensus is that a 250gph fuel pump is sufficient for 650 rwhp. Some sources suggest that a 140gph pump would be enough, while others recommend a twin pump setup.
The size of the fuel pump you need is determined by the flow rate, which is the amount of fuel a pump can supply over time. The flow rate is usually measured in gallons per hour (gph) or liters per hour (lph). The minimum flow rate needs can be calculated by multiplying peak horsepower by BSFC.
A twin pump setup can provide additional fuel delivery capacity and redundancy in case one pump fails.
Yes, APS offers a 1000hp kit that includes a twin pump setup. There are also lesser expensive options available, such as the Walbro 400, which can be purchased on eBay for around $120.
It is important to consider the fuel system's operating pressure, which can range from 4-7.5 psi for carburetors and 35-65 psi for fuel injection. Additionally, the voltage supplied to the pump and the amp draw at different pressures can impact the flow rate.
