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38convsedan 07-06-2022 06:10 AM

1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

My 38 has an 8BA. It has a replacement tank with 1/4” fuel lines.

I’ve read 5/16” is recommended for the 8BA.

Will replacement tank accept 5/16”?

Bored&Stroked 07-06-2022 08:15 AM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

You'll probably not have an issue, though you could replumb the tank and put the larger line in. Also, check the fittings - as I've seen quite a few modern brass fittings with restrictions that are greater than what a 1/4" line would provide.

19Fordy 07-06-2022 01:49 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

1 Attachment(s)
In 1972 I installed an 8BA in my 40 Ford and used the stock 1/4 inch fuel lines, except that I did remove the stock flexible cloth covered rubber fuel line that fed the carbureator. Have never had any problems. Engines runs a Holley 460 four barrel.

mike in tucson 07-06-2022 02:41 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

5/16 ID line has 1.57 times the area of 1/4 ID line. But does
the 8BA need the additional flow?

Bill OH 07-06-2022 03:18 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

I used 5/16ths Cu line on my 38 and connected to the original tank with the proper 5/16 inverted nut. Have not had any vapor lock problems.

19Fordy 07-06-2022 05:25 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

So it seems that both 1/4 in and 5/16 will work depending on the fuel demands of your engine.

Read this thread and check out the fittings available should you decide to change. this fellow decided to go from 1/4 to 3/8 inch.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...o-3-8.1259369/

Bored&Stroked 07-06-2022 05:26 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill OH (Post 2145318)
I used 5/16ths Cu line on my 38 and connected to the original tank with the proper 5/16 inverted nut. Have not had any vapor lock problems.

I use the NiCop line all the time . . . easy to bend/flare and works well for both fuel as well as brake line needs.

tubman 07-06-2022 07:36 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

4160 Holley? How big? A 390 cfm?

Jack E/NJ 07-06-2022 08:50 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

>>>I’ve read 5/16” is recommended for the 8BA.>>>


Yes, a bigger line is preferred after you reach 88 mph.

19Fordy 07-08-2022 10:52 AM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman (Post 2145391)
4160 Holley? How big? A 390 cfm?

Yes, it's a 4160 Holley 390 "square bore" with #51 jets. List # 8007 with manual choke. It's about 20 years old.
Here's an excellent video on the differences between a Holley 4150 and a Holley 4160 carburetor.

https://www.holley.com/blog/post/hol...rs_explained_/

I see now where you can buy a Holley Chinese made carb. Wonder how the quality is? Is anything made in the USA anymore?
https://www.google.com/search?q=chin...&bih=881&dpr=1
and
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-390CFM-...-53200-19255-0

51504bat 07-08-2022 02:40 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

1/4" line on the 8ba in my '39 p/u. Works fine.

Mart 07-08-2022 03:13 PM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

My 32 has 1/4" lines. It seems to run well at wide open throttle.

I don't know at which point 5/16" lines would become necessary, but I think a relatively stock flatty falls on the safe side of the line.

Ol' Ron 07-09-2022 10:20 AM

Re: 1/4” or 5/16” Fuel Line?
 

Not sure the size of the stock fuel line in a 46/48 ford. However we ran 370 cci Olda engine with tri carb intakes Clay smith super matchless Cam at the drags back in the late 50s. Might have gone faster with a bigger line, but didn't know any better.
Gramps


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