1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

38convsedan

38convsedan

Senior Member
1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

My 38 has an 8BA. It has a replacement tank with 1/4” fuel lines.

I’ve read 5/16” is recommended for the 8BA.

Will replacement tank accept 5/16”?
 
Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

You'll probably not have an issue, though you could replumb the tank and put the larger line in. Also, check the fittings - as I've seen quite a few modern brass fittings with restrictions that are greater than what a 1/4" line would provide.
 
Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

In 1972 I installed an 8BA in my 40 Ford and used the stock 1/4 inch fuel lines, except that I did remove the stock flexible cloth covered rubber fuel line that fed the carbureator. Have never had any problems. Engines runs a Holley 460 four barrel.
 

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Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

I used 5/16ths Cu line on my 38 and connected to the original tank with the proper 5/16 inverted nut. Have not had any vapor lock problems.
 
Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

Bill OH said:
I used 5/16ths Cu line on my 38 and connected to the original tank with the proper 5/16 inverted nut. Have not had any vapor lock problems.
Click to expand...

I use the NiCop line all the time . . . easy to bend/flare and works well for both fuel as well as brake line needs.
 
Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

>>>I’ve read 5/16” is recommended for the 8BA.>>>


Yes, a bigger line is preferred after you reach 88 mph.
 
Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

tubman said:
4160 Holley? How big? A 390 cfm?
Click to expand...

Yes, it's a 4160 Holley 390 "square bore" with #51 jets. List # 8007 with manual choke. It's about 20 years old.
Here's an excellent video on the differences between a Holley 4150 and a Holley 4160 carburetor.
https://www.holley.com/blog/post/holley_four-barrel_4150_and_4160_carburetors_explained_/

I see now where you can buy a Holley Chinese made carb. Wonder how the quality is? Is anything made in the USA anymore?
https://www.google.com/search?q=chi...UCxDckQgIoDKAF6BAhJEA4&biw=1280&bih=881&dpr=1
and
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-390CFM...abs_0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0
 
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Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

My 32 has 1/4" lines. It seems to run well at wide open throttle.

I don't know at which point 5/16" lines would become necessary, but I think a relatively stock flatty falls on the safe side of the line.
 
Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?

Not sure the size of the stock fuel line in a 46/48 ford. However we ran 370 cci Olda engine with tri carb intakes Clay smith super matchless Cam at the drags back in the late 50s. Might have gone faster with a bigger line, but didn't know any better.
Gramps
 
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