BiggFooT's Procharger F-1X Build - 1047 HP on SBE

[Beefsquatch]

Good to hear from you again BiggFoot! Was there a specific item in the pump that went bad due to the E? Good thing you guys caught it before it leaned out bad on the big end...

[BiggFoot]

Hi Beefsquatch! Yes every once in a while I crawl out from under my rock and make a post or two.

I may have misspoke about the new pump sizing. Fore would not give a quote on a new fuel system until they received the old set-up and tested it. Only word I received was that "the pumps showed signs of wear and were not putting out at expected capacity." I thought E-85 was a "clean" fuel but the shop also pulled my injectors and sent them out to a specialty shop for cleaning. Following the clean the injectors picked up a 15% flow increase.

I may try calling Fore today to get more details.

[dreksnot]

Originally Posted by BiggFoot

... Only word I received was that "the pumps showed signs of wear and were not putting out at expected capacity." I thought E-85 was a "clean" fuel but the shop also pulled my injectors and sent them out to a specialty shop for cleaning. Following the clean the injectors picked up a 15% flow increase.

My (little) understanding is that E85 does not contain the detergents/lubricants that 91/93 octane does, and therefore, it's a good thing to run a tank of octane at least once a month to keep the system "clean." Not sure how much a decent fuel filter would help. I also know some that run additives to each tankful of E to keep the system all lubed up and happy - I can't for the life of me remember which one they claim is best.

Interestingly, when I ran E85 in my LPE twin fuel setup (which, BTW, isn't E85 compatible), I had zero issues over the 4-5 years of running E), and my injectors flowed nicely (even didn't have a good fuel filter installed). I don't know how to associate that goodness running to the scenario you're speaking about.

I am very interested to hear how the Fore pumps are worn, and the root cause. Keep us posted!

[stevieturbo]

I'd say with regular use, always fresh fuel going through things, correct filters etc, and never allowing it to sit too long or moisture to collect anywhere, it should remain "clean" for some time.

In terms of burn and emissions E is cleaner than regular gasoline. But that's a different topic. Within the fuel system, as it can absorb moisture, it is not cleaner in that respect.

[BiggFoot]

I must admit there are times the car may sit two weeks without me firing it up so the condensation issue you guys are mentioning could be an issue. My lawn service guy swears by a product called Sea Foam that is supposed to absorb any condensation in the fuel. I might consider putting a can in the next time I fill up.

I called Fore today and actually was able to speak with the guy that bench tested my dual pump set-up. He said that they were only down about 10% on capacity and that these days new parts are hard to come by so their advice was to continue using the two pumps I already have and we are adding a third 525 LPH pump with a new controller for the triple pump system.

[dreksnot]

I've also been made aware that using cleaner-additives too often can do damage to your seals and o-rings. I guess the moral of the story is to use them sparingly.
My setup can sit for a day up to a month with E in the tank. I haven't not experienced problems because of that. Now, the catch-can is another issue. I very much despise the baby-poop that accumulates in the can during the cold Colorado months if using E. So, I'm running octane instead during Wintertime. I do notice much more water sputtering out the exhaust with E than octane anytime I have it in the tank (Summer, Winter). I guess that's why E is much cleaner and water is more of a byproduct.

Glad you're finally going Triple. I used to run one pump and have the other two kick on with my Hobbs at 5psi. I was getting irregular leaning issues and thought I'd run two pumps all the time with the third kicking on with the Hobbs. Took a little retuing to get fueling settled. My leaning issue was self-induced (tuner issue - me: I didn't have boost reference data in the tune for my return system). I also have the electronic option of using my Cortex boost controller to kick on my 2nd/3rd fuel pumps when boost hits a certain spec. Don't know which is better/worse - the mechanical switch or electronic circuitry to rely on.

[stevieturbo]

If it is going to sit about, it's best that the tank is left full with no air in it.

Although I'd hope totally stock OEM tanks and setups would fare better than anything that has been modified and the tank venting arrangements are not sealed up the same.
But same would apply either way, the less air in there, the less chance of absorbing any moisture from that air.

[Ashen L99]

Hey man it’s been a while but I caught back up and a couple of things: are you flex or on a straight E-85 tune? Have you done solid motor mounts? Question 1 is aimed at that yes E-85 , while not nearly as corrosive as E-100, is still corrosive and tends to clog/ degrade our fuel systems. If you are flex while the car sits, go throw some pump gas in it and it will help on the fuel not “Eating” your pumps alive. Injectors tend to clog if they sit, I’ve seen that a time or two. I’m actually out in the panhandle of Oklahoma letting my shop do the heads cam that I ordered back in June, and the friends that I’m staying with has a Kong 2650 CTSV with a 150,000 mile SBE LSA... on 21 pounds . Of all those miles, The car hasn’t seen “Pump gas” in the last 25,000 but he drives it 1 to 2 times a week and his pump and aux pump doesn’t ever give him grief. That’s not to say they haven’t degraded from use but his fuel pressure remains the same as it always has.

2 is aimed at, while I read you didn’t get to go to the track but once, is the belt still giving you issues? Could it be the motor flexing hard on the mounts causing slack? Or?

Again, Slick car and best wishes!

[BiggFoot]

Good to hear from you Ashen. The car is tuned for both 93 and E-85. The motor mounts were replaced with upgraded aftermarket parts a while back. The car put 1062 hp to the wheels when I brought it in before they did any work on it and come to find out the fuel pumps were only down about 10% from their original capacity so it looks a lot like the driver just sux at the track and the car is not at fault in the least. On a side note the F-1X put out 24 psi with the suction restrictor out and on the smallest bottom pulley.

[BiggFoot]

I put out a feeler in the motor section of the classifieds here in the Camaro Forum a week or so ago to see if there was any interest in my short block. Same guy that bought my Maggie when I installed the F-1X is expressing interest in the block so I am seriously considering jacking up the F-1X and sliding a built 427 LSX underneath it (really beside it), then we will see what the F-1X will really do. Decisions, decisions.

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by BiggFoot

I put out a feeler in the motor section of the classifieds here in the Camaro Forum a week or so ago to see if there was any interest in my short block. Same guy that bought my Maggie when I installed the F-1X is expressing interest in the block so I am seriously considering jacking up the F-1X and sliding a built 427 LSX underneath it (really beside it), then we will see what the F-1X will really do. Decisions, decisions.

...and I quote “it’s only money brutha!”

Spring for the LSXR

[dreksnot]

Originally Posted by eLeSthree

...and I quote “it’s only money brutha!”

No friggin' comment!

[BiggFoot]

Originally Posted by eLeSthree

...and I quote “it’s only money brutha!”

Spring for the LSXR

Confucius got nothing on you brother

[Neumatic]

Originally Posted by BiggFoot

I put out a feeler in the motor section of the classifieds here in the Camaro Forum a week or so ago to see if there was any interest in my short block. Same guy that bought my Maggie when I installed the F-1X is expressing interest in the block so I am seriously considering jacking up the F-1X and sliding a built 427 LSX underneath it (really beside it), then we will see what the F-1X will really do. Decisions, decisions.

If you were closer I'd be interested for one of my other projects, its a good price. I don't think you will have any problem selling the short block even if that guy doesn't get it.

You mind as well just decide what you want built and get it all ordered. As you said, its only money.