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.
A common problem on Fox-body...
A common problem on Fox-body Mustangs is a worn filler-neck grommet. So we went with a new one.
With the tank still aside,...
With the tank still aside, we bolted the tank straps in place, assembled the Aeromotive A1000 pump assembly, and drilled and bolted it to the plastic tank cover on the front side using 1/4-20 bolts and lock nuts.
Under the hood, we found a...
Under the hood, we found a good home for the regulator, marked it with a permanent marker...
...drilled the necessary ...
...drilled the necessary holes...
...and bolted it in place...
...and bolted it in place.
Our next and most tedious...
Our next and most tedious job was to route, install, and fit the hose. We started at the regulator with the feed and return hoses, routed them through the right front fender well, and continued inside the pinch weld to the back of the car.
The kit includes clamps and...
The kit includes clamps and screws to secure the hose, as well as zip-ties.
Once you've run the hose and...
Once you've run the hose and secured it properly, you can then check the length and decide where to make your cuts.
Wrap the location to be cut...
Wrap the location to be cut with masking tape and cut it with a cutoff wheel.
Peel and discard the remaining...
Peel and discard the remaining tape.
Unscrew the nut from the fitting...
Unscrew the nut from the fitting and carefully install onto the hose end. Be careful, as the cut end of the outermost braiding is sharp.
Look inside to make sure the...
Look inside to make sure the nut is installed completely.
Lubricate the fitting and/or...
Lubricate the fitting and/or the inside of the hose end and install the fitting. Thread the fitting into the nut and tighten it.
It's easier to tighten if...
It's easier to tighten if you clamp the nut into a vise, but wrap it in masking tape first, and be sure not to over-tighten and deform the nut.
With the fittings attached...
With the fittings attached to the tank, we attached and tightened all the fittings.
Underhood, we made a hose...
Underhood, we made a hose to feed fuel from the regulator to our Quick Fuel Technologies carburetor.
Though we're going to be running...
Though we're going to be running solid motor mounts, we still left a little slack in the hose in case the engine was to move.
We installed the Aeromotive...
We installed the Aeromotive fuel pressure gauge-included in the kit-to the Quick Fuel fitting. If your carburetor isn't equipped with this, there are provisions for it in the regulator.
As you can see, the engine...
As you can see, the engine bay is shaping up. This is only the first of many systems that we'll be showing you how to install on Project Repeat Offender.
Unlike most, our A1000 pump...
Unlike most, our A1000 pump is completely hidden. Even with our camera on the ground a mere five feet away, you still can't see the pump or the hoses. Check back next month as we introduce and install the six-speed automatic transmission that will help propel Repeat Offender.