Before we jump into our Terminator X installation, we're going to first install a bypass fuel
system on our Foxbody.
A bypass or return style fuel system essentially employees two key components, a bypass regulator
and a return line by providing a constant, steady supply of fuel, the bypass regulator
can react quickly to fuel pressure changes due to engine load.
Our 10AN supply line, along with our 8AN return line will ensure plenty of fuel flow for our
supercharged engine.
We'll be using Holley's VR1 series fuel components and that starts with Holley's VR1 brushless
fuel pump, VR series pre and post filters, and our pressure regulator, which can be adjusted
from 40 to 100 PSI and can also be boost referenced, which basically allows the fuel pressure to
rise along with boost on a 1:1 ratio.
For our plumbing needs, we're going to use Earl's UltraPro hose and matching twist-on
hose ends.
We first drew out our fuel system on paper so that we could pick out all the right hose
ends and adaptors.
O-ring port adapter fittings are the only fittings that you should be using to connect
your fuel components.
These contoured adaptors outflow other style fittings which can restrict flow and lead
to performance issues.
For our pump to pre-filter, we used an O-ring port to O-ring port adaptors for the inlet
and outlet, we'll use O-ring port to AN adaptors.
Let's start at the back and work our way to the front.
We're going to use a small piece of aluminum to mount our fuel pump and filter onto our
Foxbody.
When mounting your pump, make sure to find a solid mount, preferably on the chassis.
To make sure that our pump stays hydrated, we'll mount it as low and close to our fuel
cell as possible.
Ideally, you want to mount the fuel pump with the outlet facing towards the front of the
car.
This will ensure that the pump never has a chance to cavitate during a hard launch.
We found a good spot on our Foxbody next to the fuel cell.
We tucked our post filter up and out of the way behind the fuel cell.
Now that we've got our fuel pump mounted, let's mount the two-speed controller that
comes with or VR1 fuel pump.
The beauty in this controller is that we can control it with our Terminator X.
The Holley EFI software has logic built in that allows seamless, automatic speed control
of the pump.
We can run our pump at 50% duty cycle when out cruising and then set it to kill via TPS,
boost pressure, momentary switch or any other scenario we can come up with.
We'll leave the wiring alone for now since we'll be plugging it into our Terminator X
harness.
Now let's get to the plumbing.
Since our hose will be exposed to the elements, we'll use Earl's UltraPro with the stainless
steel braid.
We follow the fuel lines up inside the frame rail and then to the outside along our subframe
connectors.
We use rubber cushioned added clamps every foot or so.
Before drilling, make sure you know what's on the other side to avoid puncturing any
equipment or component.
Also, make sure to allow for some slack in the hose, with a high output fuel pump, you'll
want to use the same diameter hose as your fuel pump outlet.
Don't use undersized fittings or hose when plumbing your fuel system.
We then popped out the fuel lines out in front of the shop tower, giving us a straight shot
to the regulator.
We mounted the regulator as close to the fuel rail as possible.
The closer we are, the quicker the regulator can react to changes in fuel pressure.
We'll only use one of the ports on the regulator and block the other off with a plug.
Let's get our UltraPro hose ends installed.
Take your time here, measure twice and cut once.
We used Earl's aluminum vise jaws and their adjustable AN wrench to keep our fittings
looking like new.
I'll briefly cover hose-end installation but make sure to go watch the official video with
all of the details of Earl's Twist-On hose-end installation.
Use a vise to help install the hose assembly onto the socket.
Install the olive onto the hose by threading it clockwise with a tampered edge towards
the cut end of the hose.
Once you have about 1/16th of an inch past the olive you can use the utility knife to
make a straight cut.
Secure your fitting in the vise and slide the socket past the stainless braid and thread
on the assembly at least one complete turn.
You can now use an AN wrench to tighten the assembly.
You'll feel the torque required to tighten the assembly suddenly increase, you want to
stop at this point.
After we got all of our hose ends installed, we tightened all of our hose assemblies and
inspected everything again, making sure that everything cleared our blower piping.
With our bypass fuel system installed, we should have no problem keeping our supercharged
engine happy.
The VR1 fuel pump, along with Earl's UltraPro components makes for a bulletproof fuel system,
ready for the rigors of racing.
Make sure to follow along as we continue installing Holley's Terminator X on our Foxbody.