Fuel pressure regulator question(s)
I have an external fuel pressure regulator and it has a vacuum port which lowers the fuel pressure at high vacuum (idle and light throttle). There is a return line on this regulator which returns by-passed fuel to the fuel tank.
I am wondering if I should infact remove the vacuum line. Would I not be increasing the workload of the PCM/ECM because it has to correct for the varying fuel pressures being delivered to the injectors? Let's say 1500RPM at 45PSI light throttle versus 1500RPM at 60PSI. The pulse width of the injectors would vary considerably, They would anyways because of throttle opening but I am hoping someone can understand what I am trying to explain.
The LS1 engine is designed to operate within a certain fuel pressure range (55-62) if I remember correctly. Am I creating a problem for myself by operating at a lower pressure?
Your comments are appreciated.
Thanks,
Neil
what regulator and how do you have it plumbed in?
what kind of fuel pump, what are your fuel demands, hp level?
is this on a f-body with an ls1??
do you have stock computer tuning?
why did you put it on in the first place?
if you have stock tuning and not many mods you really dont need the regulator
the regulator really only comes in handy when you are running boost. it adjusts the fuel pressure accurately for you instead of having to pump around the flowrate table in the computer.
The engine is a normally aspirated 98 LS1 installed in a 94 Astro AWD. The 94 Astro has a high pressure fuel pump with return line (fuel reg at CPI unit) hence the need of a regulator. The regulator is an Edelbrock adjustable. I do not plan on racing this unit, just having fun which I do. I have done some tuning with LS1 Edit. The fuel pump is the stock Astro in-tank unit and has so far handled the fuel delivery with no problems. When the pump fails I will install a stock F-body pump in it's place.
Hope I have answered all your questions. By the sounds of your questions I have done a lot of "overkill" on this project :-)
Thanks again
The only fuel tables set up to be vacuum referenced are the 97-98 Corvette and the 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0 truck.
We use these EFI fuel pressure regulators on all of our LS1 conversions; we just leave the vacuum nipple open.

91 Z28 LS2 408CI, LS9 Supercharger, LPE GT7 cam, Yank3000, 3450 raceweight.
Latest numbers: 9.71 ET, 141.42 MPH, 1.40 60' , 610 RWHP Mustang Dyno
www.speartech.com
Vacuum line will be disconnected and fuel will be supplied at 59-50psig.
Neil
PS. Never had a problem with it's performance. It runs like a scalded cat. Well, I think it does. It weighs in at 4780 lbs and turns a flat 15.00 in the 1/4.
Thanks again.







