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 What Hose Size Do I Use?
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What Hose Size Do I Use?
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| This is a question that is asked
all the time, especially when it comes to fuel systems. While there are some very
complex formulas that can be utilized to determine the correct answer, in reality some
general guidelines will cover most common applications. There is one very basic rule which is so simple that it may be redundant to even repeat it. However it never hurts to review the basics. The simple rule is that the more horsepower your engine can make, the bigger the fuel line you have to use. And one other very basic rule is that your fuel system is only as big as your smallest fitting or hose. In other words you can have #10 hose and fittings throughout your entire fuel system but if there is one #6 fitting somewhere in the scheme then the entire system might as well be #6 because that's all the fuel you are going to pass. Here are some very basic guidelines: Street Machines: The typical street machine with an engine making under 350 to 400 horsepower can get by with #6 hose and fittings throughout the entire fuel system. Pro Street Machines: Higher horsepower vehicles with engines in the 400 to 600 hp range should use #8 hose and fittings for most of the fuel system. Use #6 hose and fittings from the fuel block, or pressure regulator if it is being used as a fuel block, to the carbs. If you are running one big four barrel then stick with #8 from the fuel block to the carb. |
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Race Vehicle: Race vehicles or very high horsepower street machines need even larger fuel lines. If your engine is in the 600 to 1,000 horsepower range use a #10 line from the fuel tank to the engine. Most setups like this use fuel pumps mounted near the tank. You will either have one very large pump or two smaller ones. Typically setups like this might have two lines coming out of the tank going to the pump or pumps. These lines can be #8.Again, if you are running dual inlet dual four barrel carbs the lines from the fuel block or pressure regulator can be #8's. Make sure that the components that you use, such as fuel pumps, pressure regulators, filters, or any other component that fuel passes through, have adequate flow capacity.
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