Technical Fuel line material and routing suggestions...

So it's time to put fuel lines on this... The intake is Navarro so the ready-made three into one line that Stromberg sells won't work due to carb spacing, and the fittings are too modern looking for my taste anyway, so I'm down to scratch-built.

I know to stay away from copper, even though they look cool, so stainless 1/4" is what I'm assuming I should go with. Standard brake line material okay here?

I have a four-port Moon fuel block that I planned to run a single line from each carb into a port on the block, along with a pressure gauge, and mount the whole thing on the motor, then connect that to the supply line (regulator and electric pump elsewhere) with a flexible line.

Should I try to go three-into-one for some reason? I've seen three separate lines used and I looks cool, but I want it to function first and foremost.

 

I did a very similar thing on my flatty. 4 port moon block, 3 lines, one gauge. Mounted the block to my carb spacer, flex line runs to the firewall mounted fuel filter. Pump in the tank, hard lines (and return line), other than the short run the blower.

Pic is a little dark. I changed my progressive linkage out, now running all at the same time. In that situation I favor each having their own supply line. It may not make any difference but I like the look and the logic of it.

Cool flatty you have there.

 

That's pure porn

 

Copper Nickel alloy line. Bends nicely, flares great and doesn't fatigue like copper.

 

If you use a reinforced line you can run flex line ( rubber) from the fuel block. Even if you were racing NHRA ( which is doubtful) you are allowed 1 foot of flex line. Keep your fuel block close to the carbs ( which is ideal anyway) and your flex lines will be short. That is actually more traditional anyway. The hardest part is finding the proper clamps and they still make the one that would have been used so that's not so hard either.

 

Charlie Price's Vintage Speed makes beautiful 3 to 1 fuel lines to custom specs. I have several of them. http://vintagespeed.com/

Warren

 

I’ve used regular copper line now for 12 yrs.
As long as the line is not attached directly to the firewall youll have no movement and no vibration.
Soviets idea sounds good also.

 

I have always used steel inside my frame,with black gas line hose from tank to it,then same over to pump n engine. From there up to carbs ,I like the looks of red colored semi clear,but dose need replacing every year,when you see it going from red to yellowing=its getting harder an time to replace/plus always mount it so its not near heat.

 

Something like this is easy to make and you can just add your choice of fittings. This is a photo I "borrowed" but I do have something like it stashed in the garage somewhere.

I have occasionally put bright brass to soak in pickle juice to add some rich, brown patina.

 

I've been doing more plumbing in aluminum lately. Easy to flare SAE or AN, easy to bend and you can easily make whatever finish you want on it.

 

Nice look but the OP has a Navarro intake and unless I am mistaken his carb spacing is tighter than yours. I know my blower adapter is a Navarro piece and I had to make my own fuel inlet due to the tight spacing.

I normally use stainless for everything but I did build those short lines on my motor out of aluminum because they are so tight. I used compression fittings and chrome nuts. Aluminum is soft, I dinged one of the lines using a bender and had to start over.

 

Now that's snazzy!

 

Billy's right.. The Navarro has different spacing than the more common Offy and Edlebrock's so there's not the ready-made source of lines ready to fit.

 

A tubing bender, a flaring tool, some line in your choice of material, and some brass "T" fittings.

Why buy it when you can fab it?

Have made hundreds of sets of custom lines over the years using aluminum, copper, and steel.

Jon.

 

I hate to say this but I have used chrome copper supply line many times . It’s available why not give it a try ? There is no issue with copper as long as you keep the vibration from it . Swedge Lock fitting or flare will cure any sealing issues you will have . You can also use refrigeration sweat fittings with great results . Standard lead solder will hold up to any fuel pressure you will have with your carb and intake . As stated Nickel / Copper is about as good as it gets these days .

 

So here's a new question regarding the fuel lines and options... Is there any difference in flow, performance, pressures, etc. between running one line that T's into each of the three carbs, vs. three lines that go from an individual carb to a fuel block? The latter was my original idea, but Charlie builds a gorgeous line to feed all three that will simplify my life.

 

Do a test on the Stainless, some needs to be annealed.

 

I cant imagine that would make any difference. Many have run tees to multiple carbs rather then individual lines form the distribution block.