FiTech Fuel Pumps: Your EFI Conversion Guide

Embarking on the journey of building a custom vehicle or converting your cherished classic from a carburetted setup to modern electronic fuel injection (EFI) can be an exhilarating, yet often daunting, experience. Among the various challenges, plumbing your fuel system stands out as one of the most intimidating. The intricate dance of fuel delivery demands careful consideration of numerous factors, all of which ultimately dictate the best path forward for your specific application.

Fortunately, the innovators at FiTech have meticulously developed a comprehensive range of fuel system options, from the straightforward to the highly sophisticated, ensuring your injectors are consistently supplied with ample fuel to support virtually any horsepower ambition. Engineered with OEM-level precision and utilising high-quality components, FiTech is committed to delivering the most accessible and effective electronic fuel injection systems on the market. Their dedication extends beyond just EFI hardware and software, which supports up to an astonishing 1,200 horsepower, to include essential supporting components such as fuel pumps. This guide will walk you through FiTech’s diverse line of fuel pump products, helping you discern which solution is the perfect fit for your muscle car.

The FiTech Inline Frame-Mount Pump Kit: Simplicity and Versatility

Our exploration begins with what is arguably FiTech’s most straightforward and traditional fuel pump offering: the Inline Frame-Mount Kit. As Ken Farrell from FiTech notes, “The inline kit is one of the most versatile we offer. It comes with all the parts you need to put it in, and is what we call a standalone kit, as it will work with a FiTech EFI system, or any EFI system.” This inherent versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide array of projects, whether you’re integrating it with a FiTech EFI unit or another brand’s setup.

As its name suggests, this kit features an externally-mounted pump, designed for installation directly onto the vehicle’s chassis or frame. At its heart is a robust 255 litre-per-hour (LPH) pump, capable of reliably supporting up to 600 naturally-aspirated horsepower. While its external mounting might be one of the simpler options for installation, plumbing, and wiring, it’s crucial to remember that you will need to plumb a fuel return line when opting for the inline frame-mount kit. Thankfully, FiTech anticipates this need, including a generous 20 feet of -6 fuel hose and 5 feet of -8 fuel hose within the kit. This comprehensive package also comes complete with convenient push-lock style hose ends and sturdy mounting brackets, simplifying the installation process significantly.

Further enhancing its value, the kit incorporates FiTech’s premium billet pre- and post-pump filters. The 100-micron pre-filter, featuring ORB-10 threads, is designed to be installed between your fuel tank and the pump, providing essential protection against larger contaminants. Following the pump, the 30-micron post-pump filter, with its -06 AN threads, is positioned between the pump and the injectors, safeguarding your delicate EFI components from finer particles. Both filters have been meticulously engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern EFI systems, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

Despite its simplicity and versatility, an external pump does present one potential drawback: noise. Since the pump isn't submerged in fuel or enclosed within another container, more of its operational sound can escape into the surrounding environment. However, FiTech EFI systems ingeniously incorporate voltage control technology, which intelligently regulates the pump's output, only running it as hard as necessary. This smart feature significantly helps to mitigate pump noise during low-load driving conditions, ensuring a more pleasant driving experience.

The Fuel Command Center: Effortless EFI Conversion

For those converting an existing carburetted system to EFI without wanting to undertake extensive plumbing modifications, FiTech offers an ingenious solution: the Fuel Command Centre. As Ken Farrell aptly puts it, “This is definitely the easiest way to convert to high-pressure for an EFI system.” This supplemental-pump system boasts an clever design that integrates a secondary fuel sump with a high-pressure in-sump fuel pump, effectively supplying your EFI system with the precise pressure it requires, all without the need to completely re-plumb your entire vehicle.

Farrell elaborates on its functionality: “Coming from a carburetted system, you either have a pump on your engine or an electric pump, but both are putting out at low pressure. Rather than replacing that entire setup, you can just pull the feed line off the carburettor, and put it into the Fuel Command Center.” This seamless integration is a game-changer for many enthusiasts. The high-pressure pump, rated at 340 LPH, is capable of supporting an impressive 800 horsepower and is continuously fed from the integrated fuel sump. Your original carburetted fuel system keeps this sump full, and an integrated float mechanism automatically shuts off the incoming fuel flow once the correct level is reached. At this point, your stock pump is then deadheaded, much like a traditional fuel pressure regulator would operate.

The Fuel Command Centre arrives as a complete, self-contained assembly, thoughtfully incorporating the pump, regulator, and pressure gauges into a single, compact unit. Ideally, it should be mounted under the bonnet, in close proximity to the engine, to minimise the amount of new plumbing required. The kit includes sufficient fuel hose and fittings to connect the Fuel Command Centre to your EFI throttle body or fuel rails, along with a billet fuel filter to be strategically placed between the pump and the engine, offering vital protection.

“You will need to run a vent line back to your stock tank,” Farrell advises. “A lot of tanks have a vent line port already built into them, and if it doesn’t, you can just run the vent line to your filler neck. It’s not terribly hard to do, but it has to be done.” This minor plumbing task is a small price to pay for the significant ease of conversion. Another notable advantage of the Fuel Command Centre is its remarkably quiet operation. “The Fuel Command Center is also significantly quieter than the external pump. It’s almost silent,” Farrell confirms, making it an attractive option for those prioritising a refined driving experience.

The HyperFuel G-Surge Tank: Performance Under Pressure

FiTech’s next advanced option, the HyperFuel G-Surge Tank, shares conceptual similarities with the Fuel Command Centre, also functioning as a supplemental sump with an additional pump. However, the G-Surge Tank is a more sophisticated solution, explicitly engineered for high-performance applications that will encounter aggressive driving conditions, including hard acceleration, rapid deceleration, and intense cornering forces.

A key distinction from the Fuel Command Centre is that the G-Surge Tank incorporates a return line to your main fuel tank. This design ensures a constant flow of fuel with your low-pressure fuel system, meaning the pump is never deadheaded. This continuous circulation not only keeps the pump significantly cooler but also extends its operational lifespan. Its compact footprint allows for flexible mounting in various locations, and the G-Surge’s ingenious tank design permits mounting angles of up to 45 degrees. Crucially, this design guarantees that the internal 340 LPH high-pressure pump is never starved of fuel, even if your stock tank suffers from inadequate baffling – a common issue in older vehicles during dynamic manoeuvres.

“You can mount the G-Surge anywhere,” Farrell states, highlighting its adaptability. “We don’t supply all of the hose and fittings that we do with other kits, because it’s so versatile, we really have no idea where it will end up mounted, or what application it will be used.” In its single-pump configuration, the G-Surge can support up to 800 horsepower, available in both internally- and externally-regulated variants to suit different system architectures. For the most demanding setups, a dual-pump version is offered, capable of supporting a colossal 1,600 horsepower, making it an ideal choice for forced-induction applications and all forms of motorsport.

While the plumbing for the G-Surge is the most intricate among the supplemental pump options, it undeniably represents the highest-performing choice. Beyond its immense horsepower support and its ability to definitively resolve fuel starvation issues under extreme conditions, the G-Surge Tank operates cooler and quieter than many other options. Furthermore, its intelligent design helps to keep your factory fuel pump running cooler, contributing to overall system longevity and reliability.

The Hy-Fuel In-Tank Retrofit Kit: Modern OEM Reliability

Completing FiTech’s impressive line-up is their Hy-Fuel In-Tank Retrofit Kit, which embodies the most “traditional” modern EFI fuel pump design by placing the pump directly inside the fuel tank, mirroring contemporary OEM practices. The advantages of this configuration are immediately apparent: the pump is completely submerged in fuel, typically at the rear of the car, rendering it the quietest of all FiTech’s offerings. This constant fuel submersion also ensures the pump operates as coolly as physically possible, enhancing both its efficiency and durability.

Designed with practicality in mind, the Hy-Fuel’s innovative “hat” is less than an inch tall, allowing it to fit seamlessly onto fuel tanks even with the tightest of clearances. Its adjustable mounting bar accommodates tanks ranging from 6 to 14 inches deep, with an optional extended rod available for exceptionally deep tanks. The mounting rings are precision-machined from billet aluminium and securely screwed together, providing an incredibly robust and leak-free installation. An integrated O-ring seal not only guarantees a perfect seal but also facilitates easy removal and reinstallation for future servicing, should it ever be required.

The kit features a powerful 340 LPH pump, capable of supporting up to 800 horsepower, and is fully E85-compatible, offering flexibility for various fuel types. It comes with a built-in fuel pressure regulator, or an optional block-off plate for those preferring an external regulator. Ken Farrell explains the versatility: “You don’t have to run the included regulator – you can block it off. We made the built-in regulator externally accessible, so that you can run a boost or vacuum-reference line to it.” Utilising the built-in regulator allows for a returnless-style fuel system, while the block-off plate combined with an external regulator enables a more traditional return-style system, giving you complete control over your fuel delivery architecture.

Adding another layer of protection and efficiency, the pump is equipped with an innovative, 35-square-inch filter sock. This generously sized filter not only provides superior protection for the pump but also significantly increases the fuel pickup area, reducing the risk of starvation. The Hy-Fuel In-Tank kit is also available in a potent dual-pump variant. Similar to the G-Surge dual-pump option, this version is offered only in an unregulated configuration but delivers an astounding 1,600 horsepower capacity, perfect for extreme performance builds.

Comparative Overview of FiTech Fuel Pump Kits

To help you visualise the differences and choose the best option, here's a comparative table of FiTech's fuel pump kits:

Frequently Asked Questions About FiTech Fuel Pumps

Choosing the right fuel pump for your EFI conversion can lead to several common questions. Here are some of the most frequent ones we encounter:

• Do I always need a fuel return line with FiTech EFI systems?
  Not always. The Inline Frame-Mount Kit and the HyperFuel G-Surge Tank typically require a return line to the main fuel tank. The Fuel Command Centre requires a vent line to the stock tank, not a return line in the traditional sense. The Hy-Fuel In-Tank Retrofit Kit can be configured as a returnless system if you utilise its built-in regulator, or as a return-style system with an external regulator and block-off plate.
• Which FiTech fuel pump kit is the quietest?
  The Hy-Fuel In-Tank Retrofit Kit is by far the quietest option. Since the pump is fully submerged in fuel within the tank, its operational noise is significantly muffled, providing an almost silent operation. The Fuel Command Centre is also notably quiet, running almost silently.
• What is the maximum horsepower supported by FiTech fuel pump kits?
  FiTech offers solutions for a wide range of horsepower. Single-pump kits like the Inline Frame-Mount support up to 600 HP (naturally aspirated), while the Fuel Command Centre, G-Surge Tank, and Hy-Fuel In-Tank kits support up to 800 HP with a single pump. For extreme performance, dual-pump versions of the G-Surge Tank and Hy-Fuel In-Tank kit can support an incredible 1,600 horsepower.
• Can I use these FiTech fuel pump kits with non-FiTech EFI systems?
  Yes, several FiTech fuel pump kits are designed for versatility. The Inline Frame-Mount Kit is explicitly referred to as a “standalone kit” that will work with any EFI system. While the other supplemental pumps are often paired with FiTech EFI, their core function of providing high-pressure fuel is universal, though specific wiring and integration might vary.
• Are FiTech fuel pumps compatible with E85 fuel?
  Yes, the 340 LPH pump featured in the Hy-Fuel In-Tank Retrofit Kit is explicitly stated to be E85-compatible, offering flexibility for those running alternative fuels.

Your Fuel Delivery, Simplified

Regardless of your specific vehicle setup or your comfort level with the intricacies of installation, FiTech has meticulously developed a fuel delivery solution that is perfectly tailored to your needs. Their commitment to OEM-level engineering and affordability means you can confidently convert your carburetted muscle car to modern EFI, achieving reliable, efficient, and often quieter performance. Whether your pride and joy is pushing a modest 150 horsepower or a staggering 1,500, FiTech has comprehensively covered all your fuel delivery requirements, ensuring a smooth and powerful ride for years to come.

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