Hey guys,
I was reading a recent edition of Truckin as I have done every month for the last 18 years. In reading the tech article titled "Rebirth of the Green Movement" (Vol.37, No.13, November 14, 2011, Page 86) I developed a question. I wanted to know more about the fuel connection. Your article said that we would just need to buy an adapter to hook up the factory fuel lines to the LS3 system. My question is, isn't there a difference in fuel line PSI between a '80s or early '90s fuel system versus the modern EFI systems? That being said, I understand you changed the fuel pump, but I thought the fuel systems were completely different when it comes to the return lines and PSI within the lines as well as the fuel pumps?
Thank you,
Derek Parker
Via email
Derek,
GM's LSx series of engines all run at nearly 60 PSI of fuel rail pressure. Therefore, our C10 required a new, stronger fuel pump in our swap. The '87 truck in the story was originally equipped with EFI from the General, but its TBI system ran at 15 psi and was totally incompatible with our modern engine's requirements. It did make the addition of the new fuel system an easier swap, because PPC was able to utilize the stock tank's return fitting. It was simply plumbed from an aftermarket pressure regulator (not included in the story). The AN fitting from Sweet Performance was used to facilitate the installation of the higher-pressure aftermarket fuel pump to the original EFI line.
| you Asked We Answered gm Lsx 376
Greetings,
With all the giant wheels available on the market for trucks, how safe are the low profile tires for them? I have 22s on my lowered truck now, but I am thinking that it's finally time to modify it for the necessary clearance to squeeze some 24- or even 26-inch tires underneath. My tires now have plenty of sidewall on them and I have driven thousands of miles without an issue. Super low-profile tires are kind of scary and I was hoping that you guys could shed some light on the subject.
Irwin Mayor
San Antonio, Texas
Irwin,
Tire manufacturers have put in the effort to make tires that are both safe, and sized to suit enthusiasts' needs. Decoding the sidewall is the only way to understand what a tire can really handle. As an example, we will use our '09 Ram's Toyo Proxes ST II information. Our sidewall reads, 305/30R26 109V XL. The first series is the size and the second series is the load and speed rating. That "109" tells us the tires are weight rated to 2,271 pounds each. Multiply that by four, and we have the total weight those tires can carry at maximum inflation. The "V" designation means the tires are speed rated to 149 mph. Lastly, the "XL" denotes eXtra Load; a tire that allows a higher inflation pressure than a standard load tire, which increases the tire's maximum load.
| you Asked We Answered toyo Proxes St Tires
You Wanted to Know:
Question from Facebook asked us, "What is the best project truck to buy?"
Dan Ward: Will someone please build a sick '09+ Ram standard cab already?
Maxwell "New Guy" Matthewson: If you can find any truck for under $1,500, then snatch it up. Chevy trucks from '88-'98 seem cheap and popular.
Rob Munoz: I dig the older Chevy trucks from '67-'72.
Harley Camilleri: The number one, easiest truck to build would be an '88-'98 Chevy.
From www.truckinweb.com, "Are rear sway bars worth the money?"
Dan: Is watermelon the best Jolly Rancher flavor? Yes.
Maxwell: Absolutely.
Rob: Ahhhhh...what?
Harley: For performance driving and towing, yes, but for daily driving, it's not that big of a deal.
| you Asked We Answered sway Bar
One of our Twitter followers asked, "What were your first trucks?"
Dan: 1985 S-10 longbed with 2.5L Iron Duke and a five-speed
Maxwell: 1989 Toyota 4WD
Rob: 1985 Mazda B2200
Harley: 1985 Toyota 4WD longbed
