Race-1
Fuel Pressure
Questions or Problems contact us at: Ph.: 330-540-7223 or email brad@race-1.com
(all information below is a recommendation from Race-1 not necessarily from GM)
One of our most common calls is about drivability issues on the track. Whether it be:
—a stumble on a restart,
—a corner bobble or lag, or
—an engine that lays down on the straight away.
We have found that an alarming amount of competitors don't even have a gauge.An accurate fuel pressure gauge is as important as the oil pressure gauge. We realize that reading a fuel pressure gauge while negotiating a corner is nearly impossible, however a quick look at mid-straight away will tell you a lot.
Knowing what the pressure is at idle and on a free rev is good information, but a loaded engine has a much different fuel demand; and in many cases the fuel pressure will be different under load.
Our recommendation for fuel pressure of GM crate engines running GAS (Oxygenated or Non-oxygenated) is more than 6 psi and less than 8 psi.
A good pump and regulator set up should not fall off more than 3/4 of a pound under load and should never climb more than 1/2 pound—all the time staying within the above mentioned range.
Alcohol type fuels require more volume and more pressure.
We will address those fuels in a future FAQ. If you have any questions about alcohol type fuels, please contact us by phone or email.