Here are some questions and a few answers that you as a customer and Product Engineering as a fuel system component manufacturer need to ask, know and consider when designing your fuel system.

How much horsepower do you have or are planning to have and should you consider future growth in horsepower when purchasing fuel system components?

Is your vehicle a daily driver, a Sunday only cruiser or strictly a racecar?

Why do you need a high-output, high-pressure fuel system?
Because of improvements in torque, RPM, horsepower, chassis, suspension, and tires, the need for better racing fuel systems has greatly increased. The harder the racecar launches, the higher the system pressure must be to overcome the effects of g-force, whether the application is for Street, Pro Street, Stock, Bracket or Pro Stock.

Should I use my stock fuel tank or should I modify it by adding a sump? What about a fuel cell? If I use a fuel cell how big and what type should it be?
Product Engineering will be glad to assist you in this area.

Where should I locate the fuel pump? Do I need to locate the fuel pump below the tank or cell for priming purposes?
Product Engineering fuel pumps do not need to be located below the fuel tank or cell. Your fuel pump should be located in the trunk and not under the car where it is susceptible to moisture and road debris.

Where should I mount my fuel pressure gauge?
Gauges should be mounted on the fuel pressure regulator.  Product Engineering fuel pressure gauges provide 1/8” NPT ports for both high pressure (pump pressure) and low pressure (carburetor pressure). Gauges are tuning tools only, and should be removed from vehicle during racing conditions.

What fuel pressure gauge should I use?
Always use a liquid filled gauge. Gauges are most accurate in the middle of their sweep range. For carburetors 7 – 8 PSI you should use a 15 PSI gauge.  For higher pressures double the operating pressure to determine the proper gauge.

Are fuel pumps moisture proof?
Most aftermarket electric fuel pumps are not moisture proof.  Because of this it is best to mount the fuel pump in a protected area.

Should the battery be located in close proximity to the fuel pump? Should I start the fuel pump through a relay system?
Yes, in both cases. Due to the high amperage draw on start up of any electric motor relays must be used.  Failure to use relays will result in electrical system problems and premature pump failure.

What size should the fuel inlet and outlet lines be?
Line sizes are dependent on horsepower and fuel pump size.  Typically for Product Engineering race pumps we recommend a –12 inlet line and a –10 from the pump to the regulator.  Using lines that are too small will result in insufficient fuel at high RPM’s.

Why do I need a bypass return line from my fuel pump?
Yes, With the exception of our low pressure PE 4100 fuel pump all Product Engineering fuel pumps require –8 a bypass return to the fuel tank or cell. Any well-designed racing fuel system should use external bypasses because they help remove air bubbles from the fuel. They also reduce the load on the pump extending the motor life. It is a little more difficult to plumb, but it provides a better and more efficient system.

Should my fuel system contain a filter? If so, what type and where should it be located? Yes, and it should be located between the fuel tank or cell and the fuel pump, never after the fuel pump. Use a filter with a cleanable element, do not use paper element filters.

Where should I locate my fuel regulator? Should it be "soft" or "hard" mounted?
All fuel and nitrous regulators should be "soft" mounted and located in front of carburetor and nitrous solenoids and as close to the same height as possible.

How important is the size of the tank vent?
Attention to this detail may make the difference between winning and losing. It should be equipped with a filter so that trash and dirt cannot enter the fuel system. Absolute minimum size vent is -6 AN, but -8 AN is preferred for any application over 600 hp. Some specialty applications actually need a -10 AN.

Can I run a voltage step down regulator?
Never use step-down devices (voltage reduction boxes) on Product Engineering fuel pumps. Never operate any electric motor on lower voltage than the motor was designed for. Low voltage can cause motor fluctuation, over heating and excessive amp draw. Product Engineering fuel pumps require a minimum of 12.5 volts.

These are only some of things that you as a customer and we at Product Engineering need to know and consider so we can work together in providing the most cost effective and best fuel system for your vehicle.