Rajan Wilcox
The amount of fuel that can pass through a 3/8 fuel line depends on the setup and intended use of the car. Chevy engineers say that a 3/8 fuel line will feed enough gasoline to support 2200 horsepower. However, some users have reported having trouble with 3/8 lines at just over 500 HP, while others claim that a 3/8 line can support up to 2500 horsepower. It's worth noting that the fittings and bends in the line can also impact the flow of fuel, and electric pumps are often employed to boost fuel delivery in high-performance applications. Additionally, factors such as fuel type, engine specifications, and pump placement can also influence the performance of a 3/8 fuel line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Horsepower supported | 2200-2500 |
| Fuel | Straight gas |
| Pump pressure | 18 psi |
| Gallons per hour | 130-270 |
| Engine | BBC |
| Fuel line material | Braided |
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What You'll Learn
3/8 line supports 2500 horsepower
A 3/8" fuel line can support a range of horsepower, depending on various factors. Some sources suggest that a 3/8" fuel line can support 500+ hp, while others claim that it can handle up to 550 hp or even 600 hp. Chevy engineers state that a 3/8" fuel line can feed enough gasoline to support 2200 horsepower. However, issues may arise when drag racing with a quick car, as a long fuel column requires a boost.
The key to sufficient fuel supply is pumping power. A 3/8" line with an 18 psi pump can provide enough fuel for 600 hp. The pressure drop at 1320 hp through a 3/8" steel line is around 5 psi, which is still within an acceptable range.
The type of pump used also plays a significant role in the fuel line's performance. Electric pumps that push fuel may handle higher horsepower better than mechanical pumps, especially with a 3/8" line. Additionally, the fittings and bends in the line can impact its performance. A tight bend at the top of the factory sending unit, for example, could cause issues.
While a 3/8" fuel line can technically support 2500 horsepower, it is important to consider the other factors mentioned above. The pump's ability to provide a specific flow rate and pressure, the type of fuel, and the presence of any restrictions or tight bends in the line can all influence the actual horsepower supported.
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18 psi pump provides enough fuel
The short answer is yes, an 18 psi pump will provide enough fuel using a 3/8 fuel line. This setup can easily run 600 hp as long as you can keep an adequate feed to the pump. However, it is important to note that the amount of horsepower your engine has will determine how much fuel flow is required to support it. As horsepower increases, so does the volume of fuel required.
For example, a good estimator of volume to power is approximately 10 hp per gallon or 2.64 hp per liter. So, if your pump flows at 50 gph, it should be able to support a 500 hp engine (50 x 10 = 500). It is also worth considering that different engines require different fuel pressures. A carbureted engine typically requires between 4 to 7 psi, while a GM LS engine runs on about 58 psi. If you are running boost, the pressure required for your engine may increase under load.
Additionally, the type of pump you are using will also play a role in the performance of your fuel system. A big mechanical pump may not work well with a small line, while an electric pump that pushes the fuel may handle it better. It is also recommended to keep the fuel line as straight as possible, as one 90-degree bend is equivalent to 7 feet of line.
It is worth noting that Chevy engineers say that a 3/8" fuel line will feed enough gasoline to support 2200 horsepower. However, some users have reported having trouble with the 3/8" line at just over 500 hp. Therefore, it is recommended to use a 1/2" line for setups well over 1000 hp.
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1/2 line for over 1000hp
A 1/2-inch line is recommended for setups with well over 1000 hp. According to one source, a 1/2-inch line is the way to go if you want to "do it once and have enough margin for error". This is especially true if you're running a rowdy BBC or some forced induction setup.
However, it's important to note that the exact setup and intended use of the car also play a role in determining the appropriate fuel line size. For example, a 3/8-inch line may be sufficient for straight gas applications, but a 1/2-inch line is recommended for E85 due to its higher volume requirements.
Additionally, the type of pump being used should also be considered. A big mechanical pump may not work well with a small line, while an electric pump that pushes the fuel might handle it better.
When it comes to fuel lines for high-performance applications, it's always better to have more capacity than you need. This helps to ensure that the fuel system can keep up with the demands of the engine and provides some extra margin for error.
In conclusion, while a 1/2-inch line is generally recommended for setups with well over 1000 hp, there are other factors to consider, such as the type of fuel and the specific details of the engine and fuel system. It's always a good idea to do some research and consult with experts or mechanics who have experience with high-performance fuel systems.
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3/8 line for straight gas
A 3/8" line would be fine for straight gas. However, it is important to note that the setup and intended use of the car will determine the required fuel line size. For example, Chevy engineers say that a 3/8" fuel line will feed enough gasoline to support 2200 horsepower. However, some users have experienced issues with the 3/8" line at just over 500 HP, suggesting that the fittings and bends may be the cause of the problem rather than the line size itself.
When it comes to fuel lines, dynamic flow is crucial. We want to minimise the amount of flow friction our fuel pumps have to overcome. This is why larger fuel lines are often used. Additionally, a long fuel column may need a boost, especially when drag racing with a quick car. This is why electric pumps, which need to be at the rear, and tank sumps are often employed.
If you are using a 3/8" line, it is recommended to keep the line as straight as possible. Each 90-degree bend is equivalent to 7 feet of line. It is also important to pay attention to the lines into the tank, as they can often be smaller on the internal part than the outside or connection point.
When connecting a 3/4" gas line to a 3/8" grill hose, you will need an adapter. The specific adapter required will depend on the type of connector your grill has. If your grill has a 3/8" male pipe thread, you will need a 3/4" female pipe to a male 3/8" flare fitting. If your grill has a 3/8" female NPT connector, you will need a 3/4" x 3/8" NPT black steel bushing and a short 3/8" black steel nipple. It is important to note that you should have a gas-rated shutoff valve at this connection. Additionally, when working with gas pipes, you must use black iron, black steel, or copper pipes, not galvanised pipes.
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1/2 line for E85
When it comes to fuel lines, the general consensus is that bigger is better. While a 3/8" line is typically sufficient for most setups, those seeking higher performance often opt for a 1/2" line. This is especially true when considering the use of E85 fuel, which has a higher flow rate and volume requirements compared to gasoline.
E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, has a higher flow rate than gasoline, which means that larger fuel lines are often recommended to accommodate the increased flow. Additionally, E85 has different lubricity characteristics than gasoline, which can affect the performance of the fuel system.
For these reasons, a 1/2" line is generally recommended for E85 applications, especially in high-performance or racing vehicles. A larger line reduces the risk of fuel starvation and ensures an adequate supply of fuel to the engine. This is particularly important when using E85, as it has a lower energy content than gasoline, and the engine may require a higher volume of fuel to produce the same amount of power.
It is worth noting that the benefits of a larger fuel line may be negated if the fittings and bends are not optimized. A well-designed 3/8" line with minimal bends and adequate fittings may outperform a poorly designed 1/2" line. Additionally, the type of pump used can also affect the performance of the fuel system, with electric pumps generally being better suited for higher flow rates than mechanical pumps.
When considering the use of E85, it is important to ensure that your fuel system is compatible. E85 can corrode the fuel lines and components of older vehicles, typically those manufactured in 1993 or earlier. Modern vehicles, on the other hand, typically have fuel systems that are resistant to ethanol and are therefore safe to use with E85.
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Frequently asked questions
A 3/8" line can support about 2500 horsepower. However, some users have reported having trouble with the 3/8" line at just over 500 HP.
The dynamic flow of a 3/8" fuel line is minuscule. The reason for a larger fuel line is to reduce flow friction.
A 3/8" line at 18 psi can provide enough fuel. At 14 psi, it will deliver 130 GPH, and at 20 psi, it will deliver 270 GPH.
A 3/8" line is equivalent to a 3/8" line is equivalent to a -6 AN line.
