Carbureted LSX Forum Carburetors | Carbed Intakes | Carb Tuning Tips for LSX Enthusiasts

Return line?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-11-2011, 02:31 PM
  #1  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
 
Polynikes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Return line?

Trying to figure out how to go about doing the fuel system. As it sits, it has a return line, but I was just wondering if it is really necessary? Or can I just not use the return line and delete it?
Old 04-11-2011, 02:40 PM
  #2  
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (1)
 
Pop N Wood's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,402
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

Sort of up to you. A return style regulator generally does a better job of regulating pressure and makes the pump live longer and run more quietly. But not everyone runs them.

This link dicusses it in depth. Their numbers as far as HP rating and pump/line size are pretty conservative. I see guys on here with set ups that support more HP than their suggestion recommend.

http://www.centuryperformance.com/fu...e-spg-140.html
Old 04-11-2011, 02:46 PM
  #3  
Old School Heavy
iTrader: (16)
 
speedtigger's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 8,830
Received 64 Likes on 36 Posts

Default

Return systems can also deliver more fuel through an equal sized line when set up properly as well.
Old 04-11-2011, 03:49 PM
  #4  
In-Zane Moderator
iTrader: (25)
 
ZONES89RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Conroe, Texas
Posts: 11,939
Received 32 Likes on 19 Posts

Default

Return is the way to go, but a dead head holley setup works fine.
Old 04-11-2011, 04:56 PM
  #5  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
 
Polynikes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Great info in that link, and it looks like majority rule for the return. Since its already plumbed that way, I'll stick with the return style.
Old 04-11-2011, 07:16 PM
  #6  
TECH Apprentice
 
GNCLONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The old timers can remind us in the fuel injection generation what vapor lock was/is. A return style helps fight vapor lock - I am in the Florida heat so that is what I am running.
Old 04-11-2011, 07:36 PM
  #7  
Old School Heavy
iTrader: (16)
 
speedtigger's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 8,830
Received 64 Likes on 36 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by GNCLONE
The old timers can remind us in the fuel injection generation what vapor lock was/is. A return style helps fight vapor lock - I am in the Florida heat so that is what I am running.
I resemble that remark!!!!

Funny that you mention that. Before I started my swap, I took the 65 to the track to get a baseline. Vapor lock on the first pass. She shut down like I turned off the key mid-track. I won't miss that feature.
Old 04-13-2011, 08:48 PM
  #8  
TECH Apprentice
 
GNCLONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Years ago in south Florida a friend of mine had a Vega with a built 327, long tube headers too. That thing would get SO HOT underhood, it seemed like he opened an oven when he popped the hood.
Old 04-29-2011, 10:10 PM
  #9  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
 
Polynikes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I have another question for you guys about the fuel system. I'm having a really hard time locating a good mounting position for my pump. The only place I can find that wouldn't require too much fabrication is about level or even just a hair higher than the tank itself. Everything I've read says this isn't such a good idea as these pumps are pushers and not pullers, correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyways, I've been mulling over the idea of using an EFI tank with an in tank pump. Is this possible for a carb'd application if I use a regulator up front to dial down the pressure? Also, would I be able to use the stock fuel line and return line or would I need something for the increased pressure? I'm just a little confused if the actual fuel pressure will be whatever the EFI pump puts out until it gets to the regulator and is dialed down or is this false? Totally lost on this one, not much experience rigging up fuel systems...I'd like to keep the stock tank and use the electric pump I've already got, but just worried about starving it or improper functioning due to mounting location.
Old 04-29-2011, 11:32 PM
  #10  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (4)
 
Prorac1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Martin Mi
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

The Holley Blue pump is designed to be a pusher, but we have a Big Block Ford pickup with around 450 hp that works just fine sucking from the factory fuel tank pickup. It is also deadheaded at the regulator. I personally run a Magnafuel 300 that deadheads at the regulator BUT has a bypass at the pump that returns to the tank. You set the regulator at 6-8 psi and than set the bypass at the pump to around 15 psi IIRC. I ran the later setup in a Big Block Chevrolet that dynoed 775 HP to the Flywheel.
Old 04-29-2011, 11:35 PM
  #11  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (4)
 
Prorac1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Martin Mi
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

We have used a mallory regulator to do exactally what your describing in you last paragraph. It was on a 1996 V8 S10 that had a mild 350 in it and we used the factory 4.3 in tank pump with a mallory regulator to regulate it down to 6 psi for the carb. Hope this helps. Eric L
Old 04-30-2011, 12:11 AM
  #12  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
 
Polynikes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Prorac1
We have used a mallory regulator to do exactally what your describing in you last paragraph. It was on a 1996 V8 S10 that had a mild 350 in it and we used the factory 4.3 in tank pump with a mallory regulator to regulate it down to 6 psi for the carb. Hope this helps. Eric L
Interesting, so it is doable. Just wondering about the fuel line, what size did you use? If I have to redo the entire line, it might sway my decision to make the external electric pump work.
Old 05-01-2011, 01:37 PM
  #13  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (4)
 
Prorac1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Martin Mi
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

We used the factory fuel line. Eric L
Old 05-01-2011, 05:41 PM
  #14  
TECH Apprentice
 
Qwiknotch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Granada Hills, Ca
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Polynikes
Interesting, so it is doable. Just wondering about the fuel line, what size did you use? If I have to redo the entire line, it might sway my decision to make the external electric pump work.
Yuo can use the existing lines and if you have a high volume in tank pump already, you can use that as well.

Mallory makes a regulator, called a 3 port return style. #4309. I had a 255in tank on my mustang and converted to a carb and used all my existing stuff. Just spliced a switch into the factory wiring, so I could turn the pump off and on whenever.

Orme Bros in Northridge, CA sells the compression fittings for the factory lines to convert it to -6 AN. Then you run -6 lines in and out of the regulator.



I cut the factory lines and put the fittings right on the lines... I can't the pictures of the lines with the fittings.... might be on my old hd.


I just ran pushlock blue hose for the feed and return and cheapo black fuel line for the carb feed, but you can run individual lines to the carb.

I have used this regulator with Weldon f/i pumps as well.
Old 05-01-2011, 05:53 PM
  #15  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (83)
 
Gray86hatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Battle Creek Mi
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default

On dads Chevelle we have used a Carter mounted just in front of the rear tire. Dead head with a Holley regualtor. When the filter stays clean it is never a issue. Been on 3 power tours and dad drives it every day. We carry a extra pump but have never needed it.

It works and is cheap to do. Recomend adding a oil pressure shut off saved the motor once when the greese zert on the ball joint poked a hole in the remote filter line.

Tim
Old 05-02-2011, 07:24 AM
  #16  
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (1)
 
Pop N Wood's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,402
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Gray86hatch
Recomend adding a oil pressure shut off saved the motor once when the greese zert on the ball joint poked a hole in the remote filter line.

Tim
Wow, that was fortunate. I added one for the fire potential in an accident, hadn't thought about it protecting the motor itself.
Old 09-21-2011, 09:00 PM
  #17  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
 
Polynikes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Old thread, but it seems I have made an error here. What I thought was a return line is actually a vent line. So all I have is a feed line and vent line. I have all of it plumbed up in the rear as far as electric fuel pump, filter, tank etc...What I'm wondering is can the vent line be used as the return line?

Nothing is hooked up yet up front but I really kind of feel dumb for not recognizing this earlier, and now might have to go back and redo some of this stuff I thought I had complete. Be easy I'm learning and this is a slow process.
Old 09-21-2011, 09:28 PM
  #18  
Old School Heavy
iTrader: (16)
 
speedtigger's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 8,830
Received 64 Likes on 36 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Polynikes
Old thread, but it seems I have made an error here. What I thought was a return line is actually a vent line. So all I have is a feed line and vent line. I have all of it plumbed up in the rear as far as electric fuel pump, filter, tank etc...What I'm wondering is can the vent line be used as the return line?

Nothing is hooked up yet up front but I really kind of feel dumb for not recognizing this earlier, and now might have to go back and redo some of this stuff I thought I had complete. Be easy I'm learning and this is a slow process.
You need a vent line. So if you use the vent line for a return line. You will still need a tank vent.
Old 09-21-2011, 09:38 PM
  #19  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
 
Polynikes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Yeah, wasn't sure about that. This stinks I was ready to drop the engine in til I was double checking stuff and realized this mistake. Looks like I'm starting over on this fuel setup.
Old 09-22-2011, 01:20 AM
  #20  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (46)
 
Z284thgen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: tulsa ok
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

What car is this setup in



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:00 PM.