konakat

Does anyone know of a source for replacing the fuel lines in the early cars? It seems like all the kits out there are for late cars. I would prefer to buy hose and fittings as long as no expensive tools are required for assembly. Arnnworx seems to have everything I need, but there is a comment saying that he only recommends his stuff for the return line even though all the pressure ratings seem to be sufficient for the high pressure side. Is he just trying to limit his liability, or is that stuff not up to the task for some reason?

Devia

I've just bought lines that are the correct width by the foot that say, "Fuel line" that are braided. From your local automotive store, like Autozone, O'Reilleys. I've also used same line to my overfill tank from radiator, since it fit. Overkill, but it isn't going to suddenly blow.

odonnell

Greg, I have a late fuel rail in my early car and it looks straightforward.

konakat

Looks like they just went with an adapter pigtail. After looking at the Arnnworx site more, I think he was just commenting on the two different sizes of hose. The smaller hose is recommended for the return line, the larger is for the supply line.

If I do a pigtail, how long would it have to be? I am thinking 1 foot would be long enough judging by the picture, especially if I run the supply line at an angle across the manifold instead of perpendicular to the fuel rail. It would also allow me to use straight fittings instead of much more expensive angled ones.

odonnell

I would go with 2' for each, then cut back what you don't need. I got 2' each of 3/8" ID hose (supply line, 10mm) and 5/16" ID hose (return line, 8mm) at O'Reilly for like $7 total.

konakat

Did they have the 16mm fittings too?

V2Rocket

Rennbay has early car fuel line kits.
takes about an hour to install.

konakat

I checked there but didn't see one listed. Maybe they discontinued it? Either way, I have ordered parts from Arnnworx. I will report back with how I make out once I receive the late fuel rail and build the fuel line.

Devia

Let me know, didn't realize you were talking about the RAIL. I was thinking of to the fuel pump.

konakat

I got a late fuel rail and fuel line fittings to adapt the high pressure line, but I just discovered that the early style FPR is not compatible with a late rail. I could use the late FPR, but that will make me run rich unless I switch to late style fuel injectors. Is there any other solution?

odonnell

I have 4 late style injectors, one or two look newer than the others. I don't know how balanced they are, but they came from a daily driven car. I only have 3 of the 4 retaining clips. You can have them cheap since you bought the rail, PM if interested.

konakat

Hmm. Looking at injector specs here http://www.the944.com/injector.htm. It sounds like the injectors are basically spec'd the same, but the early cars run at a higher fuel pressure so they end up having more flow. It seems like this would mean that the fuel maps would be different for early and late cars, but everyone says that an early car will run fine with a late DME/AFM combo. Am I going to run lean running lower fuel pressure with the early fuel maps or will the DME compensate somehow? I'd rather not rely on the O2 sensor.

V2Rocket

that chart is not right...the early cars are 2.5 bar pressure as well as the late cars.

konakat

Well, the new fuel rail is on and pressure tested at 40 psi. Only slightly out of spec, so I'm not going to worry about that right now. There was a small leak at one of the connections so I will wait to try starting the engine until tomorrow. I can't recommend the Arnnworx fuel line parts enough. They went together without much trouble, are very strong, and look great.