What do I need for fuel delivery on an LS3 swap starting from scratch with a fuel cell: pump, filter, regulator, surge tank?
A proven LS swap fuel system (Speedway's guidance):
- Pump: in-tank is best — the fuel cools and quiets it. An external electric pump must be mounted low, below the tank, because electric pumps push fuel rather than pull it.
- Filtration for EFI: a 100-micron pre-filter before the pump and a 10-micron filter after it.
- Regulator: a Corvette-style filter/regulator (58 psi, short return near the tank) suits mild engines up to about 450 NA hp. Bigger power or boost needs a dedicated regulator.
- Lines: 3/8 in (AN-6) is a good upgrade over stock 5/16 for street and mild race cars; 1/2 in (AN-8) for big power or alcohol. Avoid rubber line, keep lines away from exhaust heat, and use two 45° fittings instead of one 90° where you can — a 90° adds restriction like several extra feet of line.
- Pressure: LS EFI runs about 58 psi, so hose and fittings must be rated for it.
With a fuel cell: an in-cell pump works like an in-tank pump. If the cell can't take one, mount the external pump below the cell outlet, or feed a surge tank with its own high-pressure pump.
Sizing: Speedway's rule of thumb is about 0.5 lb of fuel per hp per hour naturally aspirated (0.6–0.75 with forced induction). Size the pump and injectors with the fuel system calculator.
Confidence: medium — sources disagree or are limited; check the sources below.
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Sources
- 6.0 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 500-1,000 HP — Speedway Motors
- LS Swap How-To Guide — Speedway Motors
- In-Tank LS Swap Fuel Pump: Heart of an EFI Conversion Fuel System — Speedway Motors
- How to Install an LS1 Fuel Filter & Pressure Regulator — Speedway Motors
- Fuel System Design Guide — Speedway Motors
- Fuel Filter Micron Ratings | Everything You Need to Know — Speedway Motors
- Electric Fuel Pumps vs Mechanical Fuel Pumps: What Is Best For Your Application — Speedway Motors