Braided Fuel Line Help
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
Braided Fuel Line Help
Well I'm in the heart of a Big Block conversion on my '79 Vette. Since the car is now 27 years old and I'm sure my 475 horsepower engine will like more fuel than my original L-48, I decided to inspect all my fuel lines. Once I inspected I decided I didn't need any fire in life and I've removed all fuel and return lines. I'm almost sure I want to run braided lines and I'm thinking 8an is what I'll use. But I'm lost with regards to all the brand choices and what I need for fittings. Since I live about 1.5 miles from the end of the world, I always have to order what I need from Jegs which has been working fine for me. Its just I get so lost when I look at all the different fittings and I don't want to take three Jegs orders to get this job done. I'm also wondering just how the braided lines attach to the fuel tank fittings. And also should I use a 6an braided hose for the return line. By the way, I'm using a Holley mechanical fuel pump. Please god someone has done a job like this before without removing the body!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
Not trying to oversimplify, but the C2 cars (hi horsepower 427 included) use a plain old 3/8 line from the tank with no return. And of course the mech fuel pump.
The return (when used on real old cars) is to prevent vapor lock if the fuel gets too hot and boils in the lines or pump. More of a problem in hot climates.
The return (when used on real old cars) is to prevent vapor lock if the fuel gets too hot and boils in the lines or pump. More of a problem in hot climates.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
I just did this job on my 76 with the stock L-48. I wanted to keep the stock fuel tank, which has a 3/8" nipple for the supply line and 1/4" nipples for the return and vent lines. My first thought was to push the braided lines over the nipples, but the flared-out part made this really tough and the braids looked pretty messed up when I was done. What I ended up doing was to run the braided lines in place of the stock steel lines. At the ends, I put on the standard AN fittings (6 for the supply and 4 for the return and vent). These were attached to male-to-male unions, which in turn were attached to AN fittings with barbed nipple ends. This allowed me to connect to the stock rubber lines to the fuel pump and charcoal cannister at the front, and . I ran rubber lines up to all the tank nipples, pretty much the same length as the original rubber lines that were used. Basically, I made the braided steel lines about as long as the stock steel lines, and used rubber lines at the ends, pretty much like they were originally.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
So if I go with a 6an fuel line, should I use Russell Lines or Aeroquip? After staring at all the chocies of fittings I think I'm starting to understand a little. I don't think there will be a return line as there are only two ports on my Holley mechanical fuel pump. What fitting will adapt my 6an fuel line from my pump to my Quadrajet carb?
Thanks for all the help, but this particular change has so many options I'm just a little lost!
Indy
Thanks for all the help, but this particular change has so many options I'm just a little lost!
Indy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 4
From: Va
Russell and Aeroquip are both good brands. If you eliminate the vapor/charcoal canister line, usually on the driver's side, be sure to use a vented gas cap.
I agree the fittings are a bear to figure out especially when you are going from hard line to braided line. My recommendation would be that you call Jeg's tech line and get them to help you put a package together with the line and fittings at both ends. That way if they sell you something that doesn't fit you can return it.
Or you might could call Russell or Aerquip's tech line since they probably know more and get the part#s from them.
I agree the fittings are a bear to figure out especially when you are going from hard line to braided line. My recommendation would be that you call Jeg's tech line and get them to help you put a package together with the line and fittings at both ends. That way if they sell you something that doesn't fit you can return it.
Or you might could call Russell or Aerquip's tech line since they probably know more and get the part#s from them.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
I use Aeroquip exclusively on my racer, everything but radiator hoses. You might consider a bulkhead in the tank with a brass push-on fitting and a piece of rubber hose to the bottom of the tank ala a fuel cell.
....redvetracr
....redvetracr
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
Originally Posted by b71vette
Russell and Aeroquip are both good brands.
Or you might could call Russell or Aerquip's tech line since they probably know more and get the part#s from them.
Or you might could call Russell or Aerquip's tech line since they probably know more and get the part#s from them.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
Well now that everything has been removed relating to my fuel system, its time to place my order, I've decided to use 6an braided hose from the tank to the carb and I think I know what I need to order with the exception of how do I connect to the tank. Here is a picture of what I'm connecting my braided line to. I will use the vent line again but not the return line. It will be capped
