67 Riviera 430 Build: Chapter 2

16" of 3/8" hose from tank, to 1/2" ID fuel line from tank, to 5" of 3/8" hose to pump. 5/16" return line set up as the same way, but with one consistent diameter. Removed tank sock. POR 15 exterior of gas tank.

 

Not sure if 67 Rivs came with stock return lines I know 69's did not so this is where I plumbed the fitting into the tank.

 

67 Rivs did come with return lines luckily, but thank you, that might help someone else too

 

Ahh yes I took a closer look at your pic and see it there. I think starting in 68-69 the Rivs didn't have the return line, then GM realized that they were having problems and in 70 started using them again.

 

The return line is / was connected to the sending unit. I removed the 3/8 steel line from mine and replaced it with a 1/2 line and extended the pick up most of the way to the back of the tank. If you are careful the float assembly can be removed then brazed back onto the new larger tube. Also put a metal 1/2 filter just before the steel line near the RR frame rail. So its truly 1/2" all the way to the pump

 

I need help. I have no idea what to run for fuel lines or what the heck to do. 1/2" seems too big, the Stage 1 pump seems too small, quadrajets need a massive fuel supply for their one stupid needle and seat, and I'm completely lost. Is there a direction that someone can please point me in, cause after reading an additional 3 hours about fuel lines, gph ratings, pressure, and laying over on the top end, I'm so lost.

 

Well, that's a question that opens pandoras box . You're going to get more info/ suggestions than you can handle lol. Do a search on here and you'll yield alot of good info. Some will say do all steel, some will say PTFE, others just use braided rubber line etc etc. I think if I'm not mistaken Shurkey has alot of good knowledge on this subject, I do recall reading a post on this awhile back when I was searching for info when I wanted to do my return line.

 

I don't have any suggestions for your sizes and such, but if you're racing at NHRA sanctioned events you're only allowed to have 12 inches or less of non-hard line.

 

https://www.robbmcperformance.com/products/buick550.html

If you want to stick with manual pump.....they have a bigger one too

For street driving would run steel line.....you can use a tube nut flared on the end to switch to whatever flavor of braided or push lock hose you want for the end. The steel line is much cheaper than running the other stuff all the way

I would think for your setup 3/8 or -6 would be enough......but if replacing all it's not too much to go to the bigger size and never have to worry about it

 

Stainless braided is considered hard line and acceptable. You need to have no more than 6" rubber fuel line in car for some classes.
I was losing mph at the top end. Was a weak mechanical pump. Couldn't keep up. Went electric when
I upgraded my fuel system recently. 6an stainless return line from regulator to tank.
8an stainless from tank to Holley Red Electric mounted behind tank. 8an stainless from pump to 3/8 hardline up driver's side frame rail to filter under driver seat in rail, then 3/8 hardline to engine compartment (stock location ) 8an stainless from hardline to regulator, about 18" then 22" of 8an stainless to carb from regulator. My 6" of allowable rubber line is used from hardline to filter, back to hardline . Hope this helps....Jim

 

What happened when you upgraded the system? What changed in performance?

 

John, the track hasn't opened here, so no real data. Best ET to date is 13.09 , pretty sure I will be solidly in the 12s next outing with the few upgrades I have made, skinnie Hoosier front drag tires, sealed hood scoop pan system, plus fuel system upgrade.....Jim

 

I can say my best mph was 102.52 and I have not run that mph again. I have been falling short by 2 to 3, even 4 mph. You could feel it starving in 3rd gear. Now it eats......can't wait for sum track time to dial it in.....Jim

 

Fuel System: A serious issue with most 12 sec or faster street/strip cars. Need ample fuel flow and tank venting.
Also get a Robbmc or JW (TSP) pump or just go electric. Fix the fuel now, or the engine later.

From :
Gary Bohannon, GSCA
# 116, August 2010.
MPH PERFORMANCE EFFICENCY CHART

 

I went slower after changing cam and carb....then went .3 quicker when I improved fuel system. Was fine on street but full pass at track it would not mph.

 

http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/robbmc-fuel-pump-results-install-tips.194015/

I don't believe I have much of a choice anymore. And that is fine. I will call Robbmc Performance tomorrow.

 

I would just make sure you have no issue with stock setup. Removing the sock may be all that's needed. Make sure no kinks or soft hoses.
I have seen Rivs run low 13s with stock setup. You don't need to completely redesign unless you are turning it into a pure track car.....

 

Hey John, maybe ditch the manual pump and go with an electric? I have a Holley blue electric pump and it feeds the Qjet more than it can handle but I dislike that back down with a pressure regulator. The only fuel issue I've ever had is vapour lock by not having a return line at first. That problem has since been solved.

 

I was looking at electric, but I’ve found no way to mount it at all. There’s no good spot on the frame, floor pans, etc