Tax returns are here, and it's time to do a little bit of parts shopping in preparation of the upcoming cruise season. My fuel system is at the top of my list, from tank to carb, and I took a minute today to see what parts I would need. I have known since this engine took it's place between my Camaro's fenders that my 750 Demon was inadequate for this engine, but I made due for two summers, and found myself constantly tuning it, while gaining little in regards to drivability with each tune and rebuild.
In addition to my carb, my intake was also of concern, due to suspected vacuum leaks. Again, I knew before I even installed it that I was rolling the dice. Air Flow Research stated on their site "Do not gasket match this intake, as it will cause sealing issues with the heads." Well, what was done was done 10+ years prior, and I didn't have the money at the time to buy a new one at $250. So, I went with what I had, and suspected my intake was as responsible for my headaches as my carb was. I also wondered whether I needed a regulator, even though my mechanical pump was preset. I wondered just how accurate the pre-set psi was.
I started with the intake, and luckily discovered that AFR recommended the Super Victor intake, as opposed to the Victor Jr I had planned on buying. Designed to make use of big cube or high air flow engines, it was more up to the task of flowing 400 cfm into the engine. Intake - Check.
While it seems Demon Carbs are back, as a subsidy of Holley I hear, I decided to go with a Holley carb this round. I went to Holley's website and found a "Carb Selector" program. I filled out all the info they asked, and the results were all for Dominator Carbs. I went back to the page where I selected "street" and "race" and unchecked the race box, since my car will predominately be street driven. Still, the results were the same, Dominators starting at 1050 cfm.
Ok, still thinking this can't be right, I called Holley to talk to a tech specialist. Result? Yep, the Holley Dominator was the best fit. I was told what I basically already knew, that while the best fit, with an engine like mine, you still may have to "clean out the carb" at a stop light to keep it from loading up. Yeah, been there, done that. Holley recommended their 2 circuit carb, stating it would be best for street use, and the 1150 Dominator 3 circuit if it was mostly a race car with a trans brake. So, the 1050 Dominator w/2 circuits it is. Carburetor - Check.
While I had them on the phone, I figured I may as well get their opinion on mechanical fuel pumps, and whether I could stick with a mechanical even after adding nitrous later on down the road. They have a new Ultra HP mechanical pump that is good for around 1,000+ hp on gas, even with a 250 hp shot of nitrous. This baby is capable of 200 gallons per minute! Fuel Pump - Check.
Lastly, I inquired about a regulator, and was recommended the Billet adjustable model, as it will work with my mechanical pump and doesn't require a return line. Regulator - Check.
I haven't placed the order yet, but have it all in my cart on Jeg's. It's hard to pull the trigger on such a hefty purchase. I may have to break it up into a couple orders, to put my mind at ease. That being said, it'll be like Christmas around here when my fuel system arrives! Not only should this solve my headaches, this will be a much better fit for the engine, and likely unleash some more power.
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