[454headache]

Is it a good (safe) idea to mount a fuel block to the firewall? I mean I have rubber engine mounts, so the engine torques over when I rev it.

Example found on web-

http://public.fotki.com/JCole/11_fom...ncoln_v16.html

[Rickracer]

I often use the General Regulations in the NHRA or IHRA rulebook as guidelines for safety questions, and there is a rule about not mounting the regulator or any fuel fittings on the firewall. I would mount any fuel handling equipment either to the frame or a bracket mounted to the frame or fender, on the same side of the car as it comes forward from the tank, or on the same side as it's going to, whichever makes more sense, and/or whichever makes for a simpler, cleaner looking system.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by 454headache

Is it a good (safe) idea to mount a fuel block to the firewall?

The NHRA doesn't think it's a good idea- you will not pass a pre-race inspection if the firewall where the block or regulator, etc. is within a short distance (fore and aft) of the flywheel- the idea being if there's a catastrophic failure, the flywheel/clutch/converter could break the lines.

But all that aside, you only need to use a short length of rubber line (stainless braided hose, if you choose- it is treated as solid metal fuel line, AFA NHRA rules goes) from the chassis or firewall mounted fuel line to the engine mounted carbs, etc.. This is what the OEM does between the fuel line from the tank (usually clamped to the frame, adjacent to the pump) to the mechanical fuel pump. This prevents metal fatigue from the engine rocking around from breaking a solid fuel line.

BTW, NHRA rules allow for just 12" of rubber fuel hose used in the entire fuel system. Steel braided hose is exempt from this.

[MARTINSR]

I think the NSRA rule book is going a bit far. I mean does that mean we don't cover our welds with filler and have axle studs sticking out a half inch past the lugs?

On your average street rod, a fuel block on the firewall with hoses running to the carb or carbs is plenty safe. I am a nut for safety stuff but that goes out into another galaxy when you are talking about real world concerns.

Brian

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

I think the NSRA rule book is going a bit far. I mean does that mean we don't cover our welds with filler and have axle studs sticking out a half inch past the lugs?

On your average street rod, a fuel block on the firewall with hoses running to the carb or carbs is plenty safe. I am a nut for safety stuff but that goes out into another galaxy when you are talking about real world concerns.
Brian

Years ago when I began teching for NHRA, I was told by the old-timers that each and every rule in the Rulebook was there because someone was either injured or killed. 'Nuf said.

[Rickracer]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

.... I am a nut for safety stuff but that goes out into another galaxy when you are talking about real world concerns....

So what part of FIRE isn't real world? Rubber hose has caused thousands of fires over the years, and a fire on the motor or fender is better than a fire on the firewall between the engine and the passengers, at least in MY world,

[MARTINSR]

"Real world" is if something is done properly be it mount the block on the fire wall and have a rubber hose going to the carb, or mount the block on the wheel well and have a rubber hose going to the carb, it will work. In the real world, if it is done properly and maintained even sort of good nothing will ever happen.

I know this because there are 4,258,574,457 cars in the world with a piece of rubber hose in the fuel system going to the carb or FI.

The HOSE is what is going to fail and cause a fire, if that fire is in the engine compartment there isn't one single bit of difference in where that block is! Not one single difference! A fire is a fire and being over one foot closer to you isn't going to mean crap.

I say use proper hose, proper clamps and do it right and put the block where it works and you will be fine.

Brian

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Years ago when I began teching for NHRA, I was told by the old-timers that each and every rule in the Rulebook was there because someone was either injured or killed. 'Nuf said.

Well, again, that is RACING too. We aren't going to build a 38 Chevy sedan for the family and follow the NHRA rule book. I don't think you need to put your family in helmets and put a drive shaft loop and a number of other rules that would be ludicrous for a street car (or at least total overkill).

So I am with you to do things right, but THAT particular rule is overkill for a street car. The biggest reason why they don't want it there is because of fly wheel/clutch disintegration and flying shrapnel breaking the line. What is the possibility of that in a street car?

Listen, something "real world" like seat belts and the like, I use them EVERY single time I move a car on street. But this hose issue is overkill in my opinion.

Brian