Jump to content

Photo

1.6L Fuel Pressure Regulator, which to buy

- - - - -

Best Answer Sphinx , 04-17-2017 04:54 PM

Quick update - The 5X Racing regulator installation was a breeze - for those keeping score, it gets connected to the return, while the gauge gets connected to the other fuel line that is going to the front of the fuel injection rail (towards the front of the car).  Biggest PITA is just getting the old hoses off, but an open ended wrench to "push" on the old hoses worked.

 

Connecting the gauge is counterintuitive - installing it to the "high pressure" line (the other line that has the sampling port) didn't "make sense" - why am I measuring off the line that doesn't have the fuel regulator.  So, it seems that all that we are doing with the regulator is "bleeding off" excess pressure off the line (or backing it up) to lower or increase fuel pressure, as the case may be, with the excess going to the return.  At least, I think that's what's going on.

 

Mine came in at a stock 37psi.  My gauge did bounce/shake within a +/- 1/2 PSI range.  I presume that's normal.

 

I did have to trim down the high pressure rubber line since I was adding a few inches worth of line.

 

And if you are not going to follow the FSM and depressurize the fuel system prior to removing the regulator, be sure to put on gloves and have rags to catch the spilled fuel.

 

A big thank you to Bench Racer who called me over the weekend to talk this through.

Go to the full post »


  • Please log in to reply
18 replies to this topic

#1
Sphinx

Sphinx

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 651 posts
  • Location:Atlanta
  • Region:ATL

Since it's been a few years since the last thread I could find on this topic, what are the current leading products?

 

I see that 5X Racing has an inexpensive one.  Advance Autosports has their version.  Any others?  Advantages/disadvantages to each?



#2
Erik Hardy

Erik Hardy

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 162 posts
  • Location:Michigan
  • Region:Great Lakes
  • Car Year:1991
  • Car Number:39

The 5x regulator works as it should while conveniently bolting up to the stock location. The only downside I had with the 5x is the pressure gauge became foggy over time. Not sure if that was fixed but if not, you could always swap it out. 


Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#3
Bench Racer

Bench Racer

    Different strokes for different folks : )

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,508 posts
  • Location:Wauwatosa, WI
  • Region:Milwaukee
  • Car Year:1990
  • Car Number:14

^   + 1    Have gauge mounted at cowl outside windshield. Easy view if anything strange occurs with engine.


Broken record - You are starting to sound like a broken record. Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#4
davew

davew

    Veteran Member

  • SMembers
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,297 posts
  • Location:Beloit, Wi
  • Region:Chicago
  • Car Year:1999
  • Car Number:72

You know which one I vote for !!!!!!!!!

 

I have never been a fan of the coin sized gauges. Seen them give inaccurate readings after too many bumps on a road race track. My desogn uses a standard GM fuel pressure gauge fitting that you can keep in your tool box, where it is safe.

 

Dave


Dave Wheeler
Advanced Autosports, the nations most complete Spec Miata shop
Author, Spec Miata Constructors Guide, version 1 and 2.0

Building Championship winning cars since 1995

4 time Central Division Spec Miata Champion car builder 2012-2013-2014-2017

Back to Back June Sprints Spec Miata 1-2 finishes 2016 and 2017

5 time June Sprints winner in Mazda's

6 Time Northern Conference Champion Car Builder

2014 SCCA Majors National point Champion car builder

2014 SCCA Runoffs winner, T4 (Bender)

2014 Central Division Champion, ITS (Wheeler)

2013 Thunderhill 25 hour winning crew chief

2007 June Sprints winner, (GT1, Mohrhauser)

Over 200 race wins and counting.
www.advanced-autosports.com
dave@advanced-autosports.com
608-313-1230

Survive the 25, NASA Thunderhill - Survive the 25, NASA Thunderhill We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! Sponsor / Advertiser - Site sponsor / advertiser... support these guys! Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#5
Sphinx

Sphinx

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 651 posts
  • Location:Atlanta
  • Region:ATL

Neither version includes a gauge (unless I missed something).  So, for the regulators themselves, any differences?

 

 

You know which one I vote for !!!!!!!!!

 

I have never been a fan of the coin sized gauges. Seen them give inaccurate readings after too many bumps on a road race track. My desogn uses a standard GM fuel pressure gauge fitting that you can keep in your tool box, where it is safe.

 

Dave



#6
Bench Racer

Bench Racer

    Different strokes for different folks : )

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,508 posts
  • Location:Wauwatosa, WI
  • Region:Milwaukee
  • Car Year:1990
  • Car Number:14

I know nothing about Dave's fuel pressure regulators.

 

Mine is a 5X for roughly $140.00

My, gauge Allstar 0-60 psi/IIRC $20-$30, 1 5/8 inch diameter, non-liquid filled, attached to rubber hose in front of the cowl. Vibration isolating the gauge with liquid fill or insulator mounting (rubber hose) From my fuel test port I have a cross (4 fitting connector) 1 for fuel in, 1 for fuel out to engine, 1 for fuel sample hose and 1 for fuel pressure gauge.

 

From 5X site:

"It uses the factory vacuum line, which keeps the pressure consistent, something that you will not get with a universal adjustable fuel pressure regulator. Universal fuel pressure regulators dip and spike with different engine loads and rpm spikes (missed shifts), ours stays consistent just as your factory regulator would."

 

I have total vision and have never viewed anything other than the constant set number, no variations when racing.


Broken record - You are starting to sound like a broken record. Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#7
Steve Scheifler

Steve Scheifler

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,816 posts

5X + 1
Instigator - Made a topic or post that inspired other Broken record - You are starting to sound like a broken record.

#8
Justin Casey

Justin Casey

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 45 posts
  • Location:San Jose, CA
  • Region:Northern California
  • Car Year:2001
  • Car Number:85

I use Dave's from Advanced Autosports. I have had no issues with mine whatsoever over the past few years.

It mounts on the passenger side strut tower, installs very easily, and adds some "bling" to the engine bay. 

 

The only benefit (if you categorize it as one) I see from the 5xracing's is that it retains the stock location of the oem regulator. 

I know Matt Cresci used the 5xracing regulator on his SM for reference.


2018 NASA NorCal Regional Champion

2018 SCCA Runoffs - 4th Place

2018 NASA Championships - 5th Place

2017 NASA Western States Championships - 4th place
2017 NASA Northern California Region - 2nd place
2016 NASA Western States Championships - 2nd place
2016 NASA NorCal Regiaon Champion

Series Champ - Won a points based series in a Spec Miata We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#9
Sphinx

Sphinx

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 651 posts
  • Location:Atlanta
  • Region:ATL

Do you have a picture of how the gauge is mounted?

 

 

 

My, gauge Allstar 0-60 psi/IIRC $20-$30, 1 5/8 inch diameter, non-liquid filled, attached to rubber hose in front of the cowl. 



#10
MazdaSteve

MazdaSteve

    Member

  • SMembers
  • PipPipPip
  • 77 posts
  • Location:Cherryville, NC
  • Region:CCR
  • Car Year:1999
  • Car Number:04
Dave's. Make sure you buy a gauge too.
Seneca Motorsports

#11
Sphinx

Sphinx

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 651 posts
  • Location:Atlanta
  • Region:ATL

Got my regulator and gauge in my hand.  Where does the gauge get installed?  In-line with the regulator?  or on the other line?  Also, at idle, what should pressure read?

 

TIA.



#12
Bench Racer

Bench Racer

    Different strokes for different folks : )

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,508 posts
  • Location:Wauwatosa, WI
  • Region:Milwaukee
  • Car Year:1990
  • Car Number:14

Sphinx, did I send you a phone picture of you post #9, how gauge is mounted?

 

Per your post #11, what regulator did you buy?

 

If you bought a 5X regulator I just took 3 pictures of plumbing for gauge from fuel sample port to the mounted in cowl location which I would send via phone number you pm me. 

 

In my case with the 5X regulator which is mounted in OEM mount position my gauge is off my fuel sample port which is in the incoming fuel line to the front end of fuel rail. See my post #6.


Broken record - You are starting to sound like a broken record. Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#13
Sphinx

Sphinx

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 651 posts
  • Location:Atlanta
  • Region:ATL

No, you didn't send the pic on mounting.

 

I bought the 5X regulator and their gauge.

 

Thanks for sending the pics. I just PM'd my number.

 

Sphinx, did I send you a phone picture of you post #9, how gauge is mounted?

 

Per your post #11, what regulator did you buy?

 

If you bought a 5X regulator I just took 3 pictures of plumbing for gauge from fuel sample port to the mounted in cowl location which I would send via phone number you pm me. 

 

In my case with the 5X regulator which is mounted in OEM mount position my gauge is off my fuel sample port which is in the incoming fuel line to the front end of fuel rail. See my post #6.



#14
Sphinx

Sphinx

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 651 posts
  • Location:Atlanta
  • Region:ATL
✓  Best Answer

Quick update - The 5X Racing regulator installation was a breeze - for those keeping score, it gets connected to the return, while the gauge gets connected to the other fuel line that is going to the front of the fuel injection rail (towards the front of the car).  Biggest PITA is just getting the old hoses off, but an open ended wrench to "push" on the old hoses worked.

 

Connecting the gauge is counterintuitive - installing it to the "high pressure" line (the other line that has the sampling port) didn't "make sense" - why am I measuring off the line that doesn't have the fuel regulator.  So, it seems that all that we are doing with the regulator is "bleeding off" excess pressure off the line (or backing it up) to lower or increase fuel pressure, as the case may be, with the excess going to the return.  At least, I think that's what's going on.

 

Mine came in at a stock 37psi.  My gauge did bounce/shake within a +/- 1/2 PSI range.  I presume that's normal.

 

I did have to trim down the high pressure rubber line since I was adding a few inches worth of line.

 

And if you are not going to follow the FSM and depressurize the fuel system prior to removing the regulator, be sure to put on gloves and have rags to catch the spilled fuel.

 

A big thank you to Bench Racer who called me over the weekend to talk this through.


  • Steve Scheifler likes this

#15
Bench Racer

Bench Racer

    Different strokes for different folks : )

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,508 posts
  • Location:Wauwatosa, WI
  • Region:Milwaukee
  • Car Year:1990
  • Car Number:14

Mine came in at a stock 37psi.  My gauge did bounce/shake within a +/- 1/2 PSI range.  I presume that's normal.

Mine does not bounce, it's points solid to a specific psi hash mark. You may have a bit of air in the gauge/line to gauge.


Broken record - You are starting to sound like a broken record. Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#16
OrangeCrush86

OrangeCrush86

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 424 posts
  • Location:BECKER
  • Region:Minnesota

I'm going to pick up an adjustable regulator. Can someone clarify if the Advance Autosports FPR has a manifold reference input? It's hard to tell from the online store.


____________________________

http://jenkinsracing.com


#17
davew

davew

    Veteran Member

  • SMembers
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,297 posts
  • Location:Beloit, Wi
  • Region:Chicago
  • Car Year:1999
  • Car Number:72

It does have a reference fitting, but there is no need for it. SM's are almost always wide open throttle with zero vacuum.

 

dave


Dave Wheeler
Advanced Autosports, the nations most complete Spec Miata shop
Author, Spec Miata Constructors Guide, version 1 and 2.0

Building Championship winning cars since 1995

4 time Central Division Spec Miata Champion car builder 2012-2013-2014-2017

Back to Back June Sprints Spec Miata 1-2 finishes 2016 and 2017

5 time June Sprints winner in Mazda's

6 Time Northern Conference Champion Car Builder

2014 SCCA Majors National point Champion car builder

2014 SCCA Runoffs winner, T4 (Bender)

2014 Central Division Champion, ITS (Wheeler)

2013 Thunderhill 25 hour winning crew chief

2007 June Sprints winner, (GT1, Mohrhauser)

Over 200 race wins and counting.
www.advanced-autosports.com
dave@advanced-autosports.com
608-313-1230

Survive the 25, NASA Thunderhill - Survive the 25, NASA Thunderhill We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! Sponsor / Advertiser - Site sponsor / advertiser... support these guys! Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#18
chris haldeman

chris haldeman

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 928 posts
  • Location:Mckinney
  • Region:texas
  • Car Year:1999
  • Car Number:73
Adding to Dave’s response when they are part throttle with any vacuum they are too lean. Reference makes that worse
X-factorracing.com
3 podium finishes
2 2013 NASA nats
1 2013 Scca runoffs
Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver BFG Supertour Winner - Circuit of the Americas Winner - Majors Winner - Make it Rain - Made Paypal donation of $100+ We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations!

#19
Tom Hampton

Tom Hampton

    Egregious Member

  • SMembers
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,060 posts
  • Location:Mckinney, tx
  • Region:South west
  • Car Year:1992
  • Car Number:41
Ive had Dave's since the first year they were legal. It just works. I log lambda and fp. I check the logs every night if not after every session. Never had an issue. Adjustments are consistent and reliable. What I set in the paddock is what I read in the logs.

A fuel pressure regulator is not something you want to notice. Dunno what else to say.

-tch
Build: www.tomhampton.info

video: vimeo.com/tomhampton

Support: X-Factor Racing

 

I didn't lose, I just got outspent!

Beta-Tester - Assisted us with beta testing the website. Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users