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Topic: How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines? (Read 1011 times) previous topic - next topic

How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines?

Just planning ahead.  I read somewhere that 5/16 lines will only support up to 300 horsepower.  I plan on shooting for 400 so how difficult is it to plumb the fuel system with bigger lines? 

For that matter is it really necessary to use bigger lines?  I mean you'd think if the pump moves fuel through the lines fast enough it wouldn't matter.  I'm using a 110 GPH mechanical pump right now.
1983 Thunderbird-302 HO, Holley 650 CFM 4150 DP, Weiand Stealth Intake, Dual-Snorkel Air Cleaner,  Holley Fuel Pump, Procomp HEI Distributor, B&M Holeshot 2400 Converter, Custom 2 1/4 duals with no cats and BBK shorties, Taurus Fan Conversion, FMS Grill, much more to come....


"In the future, I plan on taking more of an active role in the decisions I make" - Paris Hilton

How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines?

Reply #1
Just looking at the Lincoln MK7 fuel tank.  I'd imagine it's a direct fit for a Thunderbird and given that the MK7 came with a HO stock I'm guessing it's got 3/8" fittings already like the Mustang.  Am I right?
1983 Thunderbird-302 HO, Holley 650 CFM 4150 DP, Weiand Stealth Intake, Dual-Snorkel Air Cleaner,  Holley Fuel Pump, Procomp HEI Distributor, B&M Holeshot 2400 Converter, Custom 2 1/4 duals with no cats and BBK shorties, Taurus Fan Conversion, FMS Grill, much more to come....


"In the future, I plan on taking more of an active role in the decisions I make" - Paris Hilton

How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines?

Reply #2
mustangs dont have 3/8" line either.

if you're good with a flaring tool, it can be done easily. or buy braided hose(more expensive) with the corresponding fittings.
1979 Ford Fairmont
[/B]
5.0L/4R70W/8.8"/5-lug/3" Exhuast


 

How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines?

Reply #3
In theory:  3/8" lines would push more volume in the same amount of time as a 5/16" line.  Speeding up the fuel draw thru 5/16" lines is no match to running bigger lines.....in theory.

example:5/16"=.31"  At approx. 16' length of line, you'll hold 58" of fuel by volume, compared to 3/8"=.38 at 16' length which is 87" by volume.  So the smaller line holds 2/3 the amount.  So you'll need to have a pump capable of moving fuel 1/3 faster than stock.  Of course moving air the same amount, too, with all things equal.

In theory.
1987 TC

How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines?

Reply #4
Hmm.  Was sure the mustang had 3/8" lines.  Oh well.  I've done my own brake lines before, I'm not so much concerned about that.  It's the connection to the tank I'm really wondering about.
1983 Thunderbird-302 HO, Holley 650 CFM 4150 DP, Weiand Stealth Intake, Dual-Snorkel Air Cleaner,  Holley Fuel Pump, Procomp HEI Distributor, B&M Holeshot 2400 Converter, Custom 2 1/4 duals with no cats and BBK shorties, Taurus Fan Conversion, FMS Grill, much more to come....


"In the future, I plan on taking more of an active role in the decisions I make" - Paris Hilton

How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines?

Reply #5
with rubber hose and clamps on the pickup tube.
1979 Ford Fairmont
[/B]
5.0L/4R70W/8.8"/5-lug/3" Exhuast


How hard is it to change to 3/8" fuel lines?

Reply #6
Quote from: sum_weirdo;148413
Hmm.  Was sure the mustang had 3/8" lines.  Oh well.  I've done my own brake lines before, I'm not so much concerned about that.  It's the connection to the tank I'm really wondering about.



remove the factory pick up tube, and have a 3/8th line brazed in

ive got one with dual 1/2 pickups somewere :D
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1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
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