Carbureted LSX forum - E85 Carb on 2000 Z28, help please!

Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of my carb conversion on my 2000 Z28 and I have a few obstacles I'm trying to overcome.

First off, Im pretty sure I need to get a new fuel pump. I plan on running e85 and I've had a few different carb companies tell me that it may not be enough that I'm running a Walbro255. Thats fine and dandy, but I'm not exactly getting consistant information as to what fuel pump to get. One place is trying to sell me on a 300 GPH pump, the other says 175gph would be sufficient. They both said the Walbro MIGHT work, yet with it being a high pressure EFI pump, the most it would flow at high pressure is 50gph? How exactly is that close?

I've tried scouring the net for answers, kinda coming up short. I'm just wondering if maybe 150GPH wouldbe sufficient? Like a holley inline pump or something to that sort.

Quick rundown of specs:

TSP 347 block
243 Heads (LS6)
MS3 Cam (237/242, .603/.610)
~10.6:1 compression
TH350 with 3.73s out back.
Made 379whp at 6400RPM (hit the limiter, power was still climbing)

I'm trying to figure out this fuel pump situation and also still looking at carbs. as stated, ideally I want to run e85. I am on a budget (who isn't? haha) so I can't go drop 500 on a FP and 1500 on a top of the line carb haha. I've had AED and Pro Systems quote me for a e85 built carb around 800 bux, which I can shell out but I'm trying to find an appropriate fuel pump that won't be the straw that breaks the camel's back.


Also, fellow 4th gen converters, can you also tell me how you ran your fuel line? Did you reuse the stock fuel lines? What did you do about the fitting that would normally go into the injector rails?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys.

-Ahmad

I use the holley billet hp250 pump. It's like $200 for pump and regulator. I also bought a quickfuel 950 e85 carb. Aside from tuning for cruise and part throttle, it was great right out of the box.

If I were to buy another e85 carb, I'd look at horsepowerinnovations. His carbs may not be as 'pretty' as everyone elses, but Eric is super smart and very helpful with e85 questions. Check him out

Eric is a local guy in my area and is a GREAT stand up guy. The most helpful you will find. Deffinately recomend him.

http://www.horsepowerinnovations.com/concrete/

Eric L

I shot him an email earlier this afternoon and am waiting to hear back. I'm pretty excited about what I saw..

Where did you get your FP and regulator from Phantom?

I drive mine on the street only but my build is a little milder, (my cam is 230/230 612/591) but comparable, and I'm using a Jegs 95 GPH pump p/n 15913 , just looked on Jegs because I had to refresh my own memory, and they're on sale for $69.99. Alot less than what you're looking at spending. I'm in a little different situation than you because I built the frame so I has to start from scratch, but I went to a local plumbing store & bought 3/8" stainless line w/ fittings. Been driving it for a year without a problem.

I bought most of my stuff for the carb swap from Mikefskspeed He's a sponsor here. Way better prices than summit. I was going to go with a cheap pump too, but decided to go with a better pump because of how much I drive my truck. Most people have good luck with the cheap pumps but I wanted a little extra assurance

The biggest thing to considder when choosing a fuel pump for E85 is the increased fuel requirements and the corrosivness of the E85. Eric L

Do you guys think I should call? I have yet to hear back. Im afraid hes backlogged, I'm trying to get the car done by May 6th :(

Sure, give him a call. Should be a phone number on the website. Very personalized service. Eric L

I'd just wait for him to call. He's a one man show and I don't think this is his primary job. I could be wrong

Yeah, he is not a large business. So that combined with his excellent customer care, it takes him a little longer. When I was considdering converting my Big Block over to E85 I talked to him quite a bit. Very informative. Eric L

The wait is worth it from what I can tell. I didn't purchase my carb from him, but he has been more than helpful in helping me learn the ways of the carb. If I ever purchase another e85 carb, it will be from him

Okay. Like I said, I emailed him. I don't wanna seem buggy haha. I'll wait to call. I will need to place an order though and I really like what he has to offer. I'm excited to start using the yellow handles at the gas station haha

The biggest thing to considder when choosing a fuel pump for E85 is the increased fuel requirements and the corrosivness of the E85. Eric L

E85 is corrosive?

E85 is corrosive?

Yes it is.

I personally treat it as if I were working with a fuel system on an alchoal car. Drain the tank and lines during the off season, and drain and clean the carb. It will dry out ANY rubber it sits on/with, so you have to make sure your fuel system is up to the task.

It also takes MORE E85 to make the same HP as with regular fuel. So if someones doing it because E85 is cheaper at the pump, that savings will be neglegated in the end. Eric L

Interesting. I didn't know E85 in and of itself, was corrosive.

Interesting. I didn't know E85 in and of itself, was corrosive.

it is not it is when it absorbs water from the air..... when they mix it makes for a corrosive blend....


Having said that Eric built my carb that i had on the LT1 that i pulled out of my car and it was dead on as he sent it. His service was great and price was awesome. That carb will be going on my new combo and he has already said that he will help in anyway he can with tuning.

He got back to me the other day via e-mail and he was pretty helpful. I called earlier today and left a message as it went straight to voicemail, so I'm hoping to hear back soon so I can order my carb and button up everything :D

I guess I should have been more specific. But, with how we use our vehicals, moisture from sitting on ocasions is bound to happen. So I figure its always better to plan for the worst. Eric L

it is not it is when it absorbs water from the air..... when they mix it makes for a corrosive blend.

Ya, I know. I was just being a smarty pants.