Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Help me pick a fuel system

[AFoulk]

I'm looking at either a FASS 150/150 system or an Airdog. I like the airdog cause it comes with 1/2" fuel lines, but my hp goals are 500-550hp, possibly even 600 down the road and have concerns about the Airdog flowing enough. I am planning on installing a Vulcan Draw Straw no mater which one I go with and will be eliminating the factory filter housing. Right now I'm leaning towards the FASS system cause I know it'll support the power but I'm concerned that maybe the 3/8" line that comes with it wont allow enough volume or flow to my VP44. My main concern is making my VP44 last as long as possible. Will the 3/8 lines flow enough to keep the VP cool and happy? Also, are there filters available for the FASS that filter better than 10microns? I'm planning on ordering something in the next couple weeks. Also, are the factory return lines sufficient, or are they something you don't need to worry about?

 

[AFarmer]

FASS 150/150 with a Draw Straw II - that'll take you as far as you want to go and be seriously reliable.

 

[jeepit]

I have the AirDog and the Vulcan Draw Straw you are considering. I have eliminated the stock fuel filter. I have a consistent 16 lbs and with camper, car hauler trailer with Jeep on it I can not pull below 14lbs. I found this unit to be slightly more compact in size and so far I am impressed with it. It is a quiet pump too... . Oo.

This is my opinion. You will have to make the final choice. Both pumps you are considering will do the job... :-laf

 

[KTobin]

I think that you'll find that the FASS comes with 1/2 ID lines and fittings as well. At least mine did when I bought my 95/150 last December.

Kevin

 

[rweis]

I use the Draw Straw & RASP.



DEFINITELY the Draw Straw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zero doubt about that. Measure twice cut once.



I like the RASP because it is mechanical with a electrical backup and increases output as rpm increases. Most of the electrical pumps FASS etc do not have a backup if something should happen to the primary pump (although some guys do have backup fuel pumps in place triggered by low primary fuel pump pressure).



Think through really clean, lubricated, GOOD FULL flow, and you should be fine. I generally go with the next size larger than I think I will need in everything, filters, pumps, lines, fittings etc.



I filter (10 um) mine right out of the tank before it gets to anything, then get it pressurized, filter it AGAIN (even tighter, 8 um) just in case anything sluffed off of anything, then regulate the pressure to exactely Bosch test calibration standards, and feed the result to the VP44 with the excess going back to the fuel tank vent line.



Don't forget to consider fuel temperature as well, as fuel temps can get very close to the upper temperature limit with the stock system.



Bob Weis

 

[AFoulk]

I don't know, I helped put a 150/150 FASS system on a guys truck this past winter and I could have sworn it had 3/8 lines in the kit, but maybe I'm wrong. My thinking is pretty much the same as yours rweis, I figure when it comes to the fuel supply, it can't hurt to over do it. Thats why I really wanted to go with 1/2" line to help insure that the VP recieves the highest volume and best flow of fuel possible to keep it happy. Does anyone make an inline unit to help cool the fuel?

 

[Cummins724]

You can't go wrong with the Fass or Airdog... . both are proven in the industry, but I personally haven't dealt with Airdog. I would call DPP & ask about buying a Fass with 1/2" lines. My Fass 150 came with 3/8" hose, but I bought it used... . sold the 3/8" & kept the 1/2" hose from my previous Bullydog Big Fuel Kit. I also have the Draw Straw [sweet] & the 1/2" line from filter to VP44 from vulcan [sweeter than Yoo-Hoo]

 

[LowFly]

First off... . you do not need 1/2" line. 3/8" will flow way more than the VP-44 will need. AND you can also get away with the 95 GPH pump as well with anything that uses a VP-44. ½” line is good for systems that use stock Carter pumps to take away alot of the restriction and give as much reserve fuel capability as possible for a pump that is not very strong.



Our pumps are Gerotor units that have a high torque motor to keep enough fuel in reserve at the VP-44 inlet to maintain pressure under high demand conditions. You can install ½” line if you want on our pumps (They are set up with ½” NPT ports), but I'll tell you right now you will be wasting your money in my opinion.

 

[AFoulk]

Well, coming straight from the man, thats good enough for me. I think I'm gonna go with the FASS then. Diesel-Dan, are there smaller micron filters available for the FASS systems? thanks

 

[LowFly]

For the 150 Series..... we have the FF-1003 filters that are 3um... .

 

[AFoulk]

well, I keep going back and forth on this one. Just when I think I have my mind made up, I can't decide again. No one has ever really answered this for me, but how much power is the Airdog capable of handling? and does it come with a fuel heater? I'm planning on eliminating my factory filter assembly and it gets cold here in the winter time.

 

[fairmont]

You might want to contact Kenny Bryant from Pureflow Technologies about the upper limits of hp the Airdog will support. I don't have the direct dial # for him here, but the folks at the 877-463-4373 # can get it for you. Pureflow has larger models of the preporator system than the AirDog if you need to go there. Kenny was great to deal with and had a new spring to help me fine tune the pressure reading with the next day. I found the best price for the AirDog here. Fueldog » Page 3 of 7 The AirDog system is not set up for a fuel heater, mine is plumbed through the factory filter housing so I could keep the factor WIF sensor and heater. Added Vulcan Braided Stainless 08 line from housing to VP.

 

[LowFly]

The FASS 150/95-1008 will handle anything you can do with a VP-44. I have seen over 600 HP with this pump and it handled it just fine.



Fuel heater. We have an option to run heater lines back to the tank but look at it this way. If you run additives liek you should be doing if you go below 10*F, you prob wont have an issue unless you are sitting about -20 to -30 days on end. I know with additives (AND winter fuel where its sold in the winter), our systems are fine for most of the lower 48 with out heaters... ... .

 

[Fishin Guide]

I'm with Bob.



Mechanical for me too.



I swapped in a cam to drive a 12valve lift pump. I have the prototype "Draw Straw" with -8 lines on the suction side.



I want to have only one pump and to be able to replace it no matter where I may be. That's the thing with the electrics. Yes, they do work, but what happens when they die on the road with a trailer out back?



It's nice to know the $8 rebuild kit I have for my pump could get me going withought ever having to leave the truck.





In the end, you need to examine cost, expected durability and performance for the dollar. Only then can you make an informed decision.



My personal favorite is "it's got a warranty for X amont of years". Grreat! Let's see that vendor some rescue me when I am 80 miles out on dirt roads at elk camp. I can pack one animal, but I can't carry a RAM on my back too!



Dave

 

[AFoulk]

I played around with that idea too, but a new cam and all the parts I'd need to do the conversion are a little outta my price range right now.