Project Torana Update: Fuel

By: Paul Tuzson, Photography by: Paul Tuzson

Date: 18.04.2016

Getting fuel from the tank and down the gullet of your engine can require some specialist gear

Project Torana: Fuel

When it comes to modifying classic muscle cars, everyone is keen to bolt more horsepower up front, but many often forget about the need to get more ‘go juice’ through to fuel the beast. Most 60s and 70s cars come with a small 5/16in fuel line, and it’s important to remember that the narrowest point in the fuel system dictates how much fuel it can flow. Start pushing the power north of 300 horses and that factory fuel line isn’t going to be doing you any favours.

With our recent HQ GTS tribute giveaway car, for example, we upped the power to around 420-430hp, and at those levels the 5/16in line just isn’t big enough, especially when you throw half-a-dozen 90-degree bends into the equation.

Clearly the system had to be modified to meet the new demand. Rather than stick with the original line and mechanical fuel pump, we went for an electrical pump mounted inside the tank, which has also been enlarged to 105 litres for more fuel capacity.

For this job we’ve chosen the Aeromotive 340 Stealth (PN-11142) electric pump with a built-in baffle system. It can work in both carby and EFI applications and can deliver between 284 and 408 litres per hour, depending on the pressure required. That would be good enough for over 1000hp in our application with the right fuel lines. It’ll also be able to maintain a healthy supply around corners at decent speeds. You don’t have to enlarge your tank to use this set-up, as the Aeromotive Stealth pump can be fitted to just about any tank. As with any fuel tank modifications though, it should be done by professionals.

Key to the success of the project were the lines and fittings, supplied by local company Mack 247 (aka Fittings 247). They handle pretty much any high-performance application and will supply complete kits including pumps and regulators.

Brett Mackenzie, who runs the company, has a long hands-on background in the field. "I used to have a shop which did modifications," he explains, "Then I got into a van in Sydney and drove around and did the ‘plumbing’ for a huge variety of street, show and drag cars. I spent years doing that.

"Later on I helped develop a whole range of fuel products, before branching out."

The lines he provides are e85 and methanol-compatible, coming in black nylon or braided stainless steel finishes. He says the benefit of decent lines isn’t just cosmetic, but better flow, much higher burst resistance and more stable fuel temperatures. Apparently part of the secret is the Synthetic Acrylonitrile Butadiene inner liner – try saying that in a hurry!

Critical to the package are the fittings, which can be push-lock or screw in. Like the lines, this lifts the appearance of the set-up while giving you a much stronger product. Plus it’s a whole lot easier to undo when you’re working on the car.

If you want some advice on a decent fuel delivery set-up, go to Fittings247.com.au.

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