questions about aeromotive a-1000 pump lines - Lateral-g Forums

yamadog · #1 02-16-2010, 10:43 AM

Fella's- I'm starting to plumb my fuel system in my 67 Camaro. I'm using the A-1000 pump, aeromotive filter, and return style regulator on a carb'ed system. I am also using my stock gas tank with a RobbMc 1/2 inch pickup. I know the a-1000 is supposed to be run with -10 lines on the feed side and -8 on the return. Will there be any real problem running -8 on both sides, as this is the size of the pick up tube in the tank? I can go with -10 once off the pick up, but will it (the pick up tube itself) be a restricion? Thanks for any help. Jason

Sti_Guy · #2 02-16-2010, 01:06 PM

That short of a pickup tube should be fine in 8an.

speedjohnston · #3 02-16-2010, 02:17 PM

It depends on the volume of fuel you are going to need. It will be a restriction. When in doubt, call the manufacturer.

Blown353 · #4 02-16-2010, 04:04 PM

Going too small on the pump inlet will cause cavitation which will ruin the pump very quickly.

Aeromotive recommends a -10 inlet for a reason... use 5/8" minimum ID (-10) tubing or hose between the pump inlet and the fuel supply.

Reducing to -8 on the outlet is fine.

**GregWeld** · #5 02-16-2010, 06:51 PM

I'm going to "ASSume" you're running an external pump... these pumps usually require a "flooded head" -- meaning that the fuel needs to be flowing to the pump - since they do not "suck" fuel - they only push it...

So you're asking this pump to draw fuel UP the internal pickup in the tank?

If that's the case -- I would really check that installation with Aeromotive.

**GregWeld** · #6 02-16-2010, 07:03 PM

I went to Aeromotive and copied this off their instructions for your A1000 pump.

Two things should jump out at you -- that they really don't recommend the use of a fuel pick up tube - telling you that this will cause problems - and wear out the pump quicker etc.

Mount pump level or lower and as close to the bottom of the tank as possible. If you are using a stock fuel tank, install a reservoir sump in the bottom-rear of your fuel tank. Exercise extreme caution and follow all manufacturers’
recommendations when installing a reservoir sump. (Sump part # 15650)
• Tank/Fuel cell must have at least a 1⁄2” tank vent.
• If you choose not to install a reservoir sump, then you must install a high flow capacity fuel tank pickup (1/2” to 5/8” inner tube diameter). (Installing pickup instead of a reservoir sump may shorten the fuel pump life and cause drivability problems. When using a pickup, you should maintain at least 1⁄2 tank of fuel in the vehicle at all times, to avoid possible engine &/or fuel pump damage.)

Vegas69 · #7 02-16-2010, 09:15 PM

I have to ask why you went with that monster pump if you only have an 8an feed line? How much horsepower do you have? You may be better off with a Mallory 140 or similar pump.

**GregWeld** · #8 02-16-2010, 09:38 PM

Todd --

Remember the whole fuel pump discussion we had at SEMA.... and the "over worked - over heated" too large of a fuel pump...

I didn't want to throw that out at this thread - because I'm not knowledgeable enough about it. But, I would think this is a pump that is FAR too large for the application (this pump goes for 1000 HP cars!)...

Our discussion there, with Charley, Frank, and Mark was Fuel injected applications -- and Jason is running a carb so I would think that there is less work being performed with FAR lower pressures used in a carb app... So maybe they don't work nearly as hard - to make 6 or 7 lbs of pressure vs the 40 or 50 lbs in high horse EFI motors...

JASON -- you'd actually be surprised at how "little" the EFI pumps in factory applications are. Granted they're "in tank" pumps - flooded head etc - but they're really not very large - and they're making way more pressure than what you're going to need. Are you sure you want to use this pump?

yamadog · #9 02-17-2010, 08:49 AM

Guys I appreciate the help here. A little history- When Summit racing first opened in Nevada, I got a job there as I heard they gave employees parts at cost. That was like 11 years ago. I only worked there for a couple of years but in that time I bought alot of parts for a bunch of cars I had. Most of wich I never got aroung to installing. The a-1000 pump came out just before I quit working for summit. My reasoning at the time was that if I put in a too big pump, no mater what direction I went with the car I would never have to upgrade the fuel system again. Well 10 years later, two kids, a wife......I just want to get my Camaro back on the road. It hasn't moved off of the jack stands in about 8 years. Now I am trying to put this together with virtually no money, because I sure don't have extra right now. Just install all the parts I bought so long ago. I actually have a cheap alum. cell (with -10 pickup), but now I don't want to kill the trunk space. Then I saw the RobMc 1/2 pickup and thought it would be perfect. Maybe I should realy consider using the cell.....Thanks again and please keep the conversation and ideas comming. Jason

**GregWeld** · #10 02-17-2010, 09:01 AM

Jason --

All good reasoning. Kids and a wife can kill a perfectly good car build!!

Aeromotive makes a fuel pump controller - runs off the tach if I remember correctly - and varies the pump speed to match the motor - so you're not pumping fuel at idle - the same as when you're WOT.

I know you said "no money" but it costs money to be broken down on the hiway somewhere too... so maybe this is something you might want to consider looking into.

The problem that I see with using the pickup tube style tank - with the external mounted pump --- YOU CAN'T GO BELOW HALF A TANK.... that could be pretty inconvenient - and or - going up a long grade depending on the location of the pickup (which I would hope is at the rear of the tank).

You might see what it would run to drop the tank out and have a "sump" installed.. (I'm assuming you don't/can't do this yourself). That would get you the flooded head - the pump wants. And as an added benefit - get you to be able to dip down under that half tank of fuel. I'm assuming also that you're using a RETURN style regulator? If so - this would give you the chance to put in a return line bung - or use the existing pickup tube as the return line connection.

BTW -- My comments are not to "hurt" or make fun of what you are doing - rather = We're discussing your situation and trying to help you so you don't have problems. Talking out loud so to speak...