Over the last few months, we've been rehabilitating our '85 LX known as Project Repeat Offender. Starting out dated and tacky, we've upgraded its steering and suspension, gave it a new interior, and introduced its powerplant-a fire-breathing 427 Windsor from FRPP. On our way to compete in
MM&FF/Tremec True Street class, held at NMRA and NMCA events, we've aimed Repeat Offender at running 9s by March at our own Spring Break Shootout in Bradenton, Florida. Whether or not we run 9s, we'll be there gunning-and so will the Offender.
But before launching, we have to get some fuel flowing to the engine bay-enough to support the 609hp output of Repeat Offender's Boss 427. First, though, we had to install the engine, along with its new six-speed automatic transmission from TCI. Once the engine and transmission were dropped in place, our focus could move to getting fuel to the front.
If you read "Three-Valve Transplant" (Mar. '11), Pete Epple showed you how easy Aeromotive makes it to install a fuel system-from tank to rails. Our problem is that we're trying to avoid visible high-performance fuel system components, which prevents us from using the Stealth system from Aeromotive. Instead, we've opted to use a stock tank and sending unit, upgrade the pickup with a Granatelli Motor Sports piece from UPR Products, and mount the pump inconspicuously.
The first order of business...
The first order of business was to install our engine and transmission. We dropped the pair in between the fenders and mounted them temporarily. Because of our odd choice of transmission, a custom-made transmission cross-member is needed.
Aeromotive offers many different fuel pump options, depending on power output. The A1000, though, is one of its most popular. Good for up to 1,500 hp on naturally aspirated, carbureted engines-more than enough for our engine-the A1000 (PN 11101) costs about $400. But instead of just buying the pump and winging the rest, we opted for Aeromotive's A1000 carbureted fuel system (PN 17242). The kit includes the A1000 pump, filters, regulator, hose, fittings, and necessary hardware for installation-it retails for about $1,600.
Our only concern lies in the function of the pickup in conjunction with our high-flow pump. According to Jesse Powell of Aeromotive, we will need to keep "at least a half a tank of fuel at all times." As we drive on the street and on-track, fuel will move away from the pickup, requiring the higher fuel level to ensure the pickup will remain submerged. Another concern, vapor lock, is also more likely when a pump is sucking fuel from the tank rather than being gravity-fed (as is recommended by Aeromotive).
But since we're running a low-pressure, carbureted system, we shouldn't have any problems as long as we keep plenty of fuel in our tank. However, if we decide to crank up the wick with a power adder, we might want to rethink our pickup-style setup. For now, though, what we have will be more than enough.
If you're installing a similar system, other tank options include Aeromotive's Stealth tank, Rick's Stainless Tanks, and Rock Valley, or you can always use a fuel cell. Now, follow along as we fuel up the Offender.
Our fuel system of choice,...
Our fuel system of choice, Aeromotive's universal fuel system for carbureted vehicles (PN 17242) comes with everything you see here and will set you back about $1,600. Even if our 427ci engine was capable of 1,200 hp (twice its actual output), this system would still be sufficient. Since we might actually install a power adder later, we wanted a fuel system capable of supporting big power.
Though the kit comes with...
Though the kit comes with enough fittings to install the kit on just about any vehicle, we needed some extras to make our hose routing as clean as possible. Summit Racing Equipment sent us a few of its fittings to complete our installation. The only fitting we actually needed is the -6 to -8 adapter (PN SUM-220222-B; $6.49). The only reason we needed this fitting is because the kit is designed for a -8 return hose, and our pickup is fitted with a -6 return tube.
The aforementioned pickup...
The aforementioned pickup (PN 4010) by Granatelli Motor Sports fits in place of the stock fuel pump, comes with a new O-ring, and retails for $89.99 from UPR Products.
We also turned to Latemodel...
We also turned to Latemodel Restoration Supply for a new sending unit (PN LRS-9275BR; $49.99) and filler neck grommet (PN LRS-9072A; $14.99).
We lowered the tank, discarded...
We lowered the tank, discarded the stock pump and sender, and installed the new pickup.
Use white lithium grease or...
Use white lithium grease or similar to lubricate the O-ring before installing.
Once the pickup in maneuvered...
Once the pickup in maneuvered into place, the ring is hammered on tight with a brass punch and hammer.
The sending unit is installed...
The sending unit is installed in the same manner in the stock location.