18 replies to this topic

[Sphinx]

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?

[Erik Hardy]

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. 

[Bench Racer]

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

[davew]

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

[Sphinx]

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

 

 

davew, on 20 Mar 2017 - 1:53 PM, said:

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

[Bench Racer]

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.

[Steve Scheifler]

5X + 1

[Justin Casey]

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.

[Sphinx]

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

 

 

Bench Racer, on 20 Mar 2017 - 7:02 PM, said:

 

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. 

[MazdaSteve]

Dave's. Make sure you buy a gauge too.

[Sphinx]

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.

[Bench Racer]

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.

[Sphinx]

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.

 

Bench Racer, on 16 Apr 2017 - 12:12 AM, said:

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.

[Sphinx]

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.

[Bench Racer]

Sphinx, on 17 Apr 2017 - 10:54 PM, said:

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.

[OrangeCrush86]

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.

[davew]

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

[chris haldeman]

Adding to Dave’s response when they are part throttle with any vacuum they are too lean. Reference makes that worse

[Tom Hampton]

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.