Increase Fuel Pump Capacity 50% for Free.

Okay, this article doesn't apply to everyone, but we all love risky, warranty voiding modifications to squeeze unintended performance out of a product. Don't worry, this doesn't involve fancy five axis CNC port work...while this modification can be performed by anybody with a drill and hammer, we suggest you leave this modification to an expert.

As of this writing, the TI Automotive F90000267 is the standard fuel pump to run on high boost street/strip cars running ethanol blended fuel. While this is currently one of the highest performing electric pumps available, the safety relief valve is a weakness that needs to be considered if you're pushing your fuel pressure past 80 psi.

TI Automotive publishes the following performance curve for a new F90000267. Detailed performance data between 80-90 psi is not provided, but the change in the slope of the performance graph indicates the relief valve may actuate anywhere in between 80-90 psi and still be in specification.

Broken-in pumps perform better than new pumps; however, repeated actuation of the relief valve causes degradation in the relief spring. In order to find out "which one" wins, we took a used pump (that had spent some time at high pressures) and tested before / after the modification. As you can see, performance before relief valve actuation is better than the new pump, but performance after the relief valve could be unsafe for some cars...especially if the valve is allowed to degrade under repeated actuation after the initial tune.

APPLICATION

Thanks to Tony and his crew at T1 Race Development for pushing us to get more out of these pumps and proving out the effectiveness of these changes. He was gracious enough to provide the following screen before/after captures from a couple R35s at his shop:

HOW TO MODIFY

First off, you have to completely remove the fuel pump from the hanger/module. If you are using one of our cartridge based modules, it is best to plan ahead an purchase an o-ring kit for reassembly...the o-rings will likely tear when you take everything apart.

Drill a 4.5mm hole as shown...(but try to do a better job of getting the hole on center...CNC is our thing...not necessarily hand tools):

Use a M4 screw to find the depth of the spring seat, then adjust the jam nuts so you can press the spring seat down another 1.5mm.  (FYI, two turns on a M4 screw = 1.4mm)  Done.

Here's what you did.  There is a spring behind the ball...you simply pressed down the spring so that the ball doesn't spring open at 80-90 psi.

WILL THIS BENEFIT YOUR APPLICATION?

This won't help everybody...this is only valid if you're pushing the pumps beyond 80 psi. Remember, in a boost referenced application, the fuel pump operates at base pressure + boost pressure + system losses.  (do you monitor the loss across your fuel filter...like this?)

DOES THIS PUT THE PUMPS AT RISK?

Absolutely forget a pump warranty...but you're probably used to hearing that if you're using 80 psi of fuel pressure. By the way, TI Automotive is planning a future revision in the F90000267 to increase the blowoff pressure to 110 psi. Until then, this is the best way to accommodate high base+boost cars.

Fore Precision is Out...But Who is In?

1200+ rear wheel horsepower cars using OEM factory fuel tanks…..unheard of until Fore Precision Works exploded on the market with the technology to make it happen.  That first generation of performance fuel systems was an engineering success, but there was room for considerable improvement.  Many of the products had flaws that were exposed over a period of time.

FUEL HOSES
After months and years of Fore Precision fuel hats sitting in fuel tanks full of race fuel, E85, and octane boosted pump gas, problems showed their ugly head.  Hoses failed or eroded...we came to find out that highly coveted SAEJ30R10 fuel hose is permeated by the aggressive fuels, erodes, and separates from it's reinforcement, causing eventual failure.


WIRING
Obviously the design must accommodate electrical circuits to provide electricity to the fuel pumps.  The Fore Precision designs simply had wire passing through the fuel hat.  That was a problem because fuel was able to climb up the inside of the wire like a tree root (capillary action) which created fuel smells and leaks.  The present generation of Fore Innovation fuel hats has a hermetic wire seal so there is no possibility of fuel leaks.


INTERNET RETAILING WITHOUT PRODUCT SUPPORT
Fore Precision allowed internet parts retailers with no technical expertise to sell the product to end users.  Internet parts retailers are very protective of the client database, so they will always serve as the "middle man" in any technical support situation.  Fuel supply and delivery is a technical product, and anybody selling should have a fluid mechanics background to properly support their customers.


CURRENT MARKET
When Fore Precision Works went out of business, there became a void in the performance fuel system market and several companies rushed to knock off the products.  Unfortunately, it appears that they just copied the old products without any improvements. (some even took shortcuts)  This lack of product enhancement indicates a lack of understanding for the engineering and technical requirements of fuel systems. In these knock off products, we have seen improperly designed o-ring glands, use of submersible fuel hose, improperly designed baffles, incorrect testing procedures, and misunderstanding of basic fuel system knowledge.


FORE INNOVATIONS
Fore Innovations has produced a next generation product line that corrects problems and enhances the overall design.  Our ideal customers are end users and speed shops were we can directly interface with whoever is installing the products.  When you buy from us, you get:

• Interacting components that are designed and made to work together. (not rebranded components from a variety of manufacturers)  In the case we have to source a component from a different manufacturer, we promise it will fit.

• You won't spend money on what you don't need.  We want your referral business, so it is in our best interest to take care of our customers.  For instance, we're not going to sell you big pumps and fuel rails if you don't need them.  Conversely, we'll advise if you're going down a road that is going to cause problems such as with calibration or fuel pump life.

• You can speak directly to the engineer who designed the product(s) you are interested.  There are infinite fuel problems and solutions...only a company with a high level of technical knowledge can truly support all situations.  We have two experienced engineers on staff to support any customer with fuel system needs.

• If you break something, we can fix it.  (of course, since we make it!)  It is rare, but once in a while somebody destroys something during installation...we'll get you through it.