MTBSully

About to order all of the components for my E85 flex-fuel system (sensor, wiring, plumbing etc) and would also like to run the walbro 450 as the stock pump is not designed for e85 use. Have done a bunch of reading on installing the 450 pump in the stock hat, and it seems some have to do some cutting. Also some have mentioned that the 450 pump does not have a "jet valve" or something like that and therefore can lead to a lack of prime and hard starts until fuel pressure builds. Just looking for insight on these two issues from people who have installed them. Any other useful tips, tricks or helpful threads are appreciated.

Thanks!

rio95

I looked into this as well and it's also recommended to run a return line. That one thing alone discouraged me.

MTBSully

Anyone else?

Tech

Might want to ask this in the FI/Nitrous section.

travis1746

I had to cut up my sending unit and did have a hard start condition after installing the pump, but very happy with the 450 so far.

atljar

From Racetronix....

The fuel pump also supplies fuel to the venturi pump located on the bottom of the left fuel sender assembly. The function of the venturi pump is to fill the fuel sender assembly reservoir.


From my understanding, it uses a siphon effect to make sure the bucket always stays full, which means the pump shouldnt ever suck air. If you dont ever run the car low on gas, this isnt an issue as the bucket will stay full anyways.

UniTink72

Just another data point. I finished my e85 build this spring, 626rwhp. Put about 700 miles on it this year on the stock pump, no issues.

MTBSully

Not worth the risk for me. $100 fuel pump designed for E85 vs stock pump not designed for E85. Would hate to have the pump fail creating a lean condition and blowing a $15k motor.

LeftLane Z06

http://www.racetronix.biz/Itemdesc.a...76%2D1&eq=&Tp=

Would check with them and make sure the pump is e85 safe. They made a post on this pump on a e85 thread.

UniTink72

It wasn't a money issue for me, it was a labor one. I've heard from multiple people that getting those tanks down and back is one of the most difficult jobs on these cars. Also not a huge fan of hacking up the bucket.

My fuel rails have a port for a pressure gauge. My hope is that I'd notice a low pressure condition and it would be easy to verify with a peek under the hood.

blue ranger

I do not have your same platform but I do run the Walbro 450 pump on my E85 return fuel system twin turbo car. I have monitored my fuel pressure guage and wide band AFR guage and never lean out.