<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Bubba? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Frank

Frank,

Have you considered using Swagelok stainless steel fittings or Parker Seal-Lok fittings? With your extremely clean supercharger design, I just hate looking at the brass fittings on your fuel lines! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Keep up all the great work! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Hi Lee -

I don't like the brass NPT fittings, either - and I'm trying to replace as many as possible in the next version... note the JEGS hose ends.

Several issues are challenging:

1) I was not very successful trying to solder fittings to the rail ends - my preference by far would be a flanged end, but I don't see how it can be done (simply) - so I've tapped them to accept 1/8" NPT x -06 AN flare fittings.... again, note the swivel hose ends.

2) Fuel will enter the rear of both rails through -06 AN hose fittings - there's a space and angle constraint... I need a 60* end and need to decide if it's better to rebend a 90* or 45* hose end to make a 60* fitting - I'm thinking the 90* might "unbend" better than the 45* would "overbend", but I haven't tried it yet.

3) Fuel will exit at the front ends of the rails and enter separate ports on the regulator before returning to the tank - or - instead, I may "tee" the 2 rail discharge lines and dump the fuel into a single regulator port, but I'm still playing with the plumbing.

4) The front of the driver side rail is the biggest issue because of space considerations.... you can't come straight out to the front because the sensors are in the way... you can't use a hose end because there's not enough room. I could bend a piece of tubing instead of the brass fittings (and I might), but note how tight the area is near the distributor. The vertical brass pipe gives me something to strap/clamp to the side of the blower discharge plenum so it won't move. From that pipe, I have to run hose or tubing over the blower to the regulator.... it's not a simple issue to resolve. If I do use the brass fittings, I'll at least paint them black to match the hose ends. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Or, I can use silver hose ends and paint the pipe silver. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I have no objection to using other fittings.... just don't know where to get them in small quantity and with reasonable convenience, but I welcome all suggestions. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Frank

Thought this was interesting if not unrelated..

From the quick research I've done it looks like this supercharger was only offered in their 6G71 2.0L v6 engines and not their 6G72 3.0L v6 engines.

Also I don't believe it was ever sold in the US. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Only a couple of countries got that engine, It was introduced in the Debonair in 1986 and the Sigma had it from 1987-92.

OK, Lee - I owe you some thanks for shaming me into spending a little more head-scratching time today in an effort to lose the brass fittings. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

If I grind a little off the intake manifold's inside corner of the water box, I think I can make this work:



Does that look better?

Frank

Now that's the the kind of work I've come to admire from you Frank! Looks good! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

The AN fittings are probably a better choice than some of the fittings I suggested, since they are readily available. I'm too use to designing machines and getting fittings through a distributor. I forget it's hard for the average person to obtain some of these. If you were to look in to them, you would need to look for a local Parker hydraulic fitting distributor.

Thanks, Lee -

The AN fittings as made by/for Earl's, JEGs, Aeroquip, etc all appear to be the same design type as the Parker or SwageLok stuff - but they're aluminum instead of stainless or nickel plated steel.

Unfortunately, just as I settled on that 90*/180* combination, I removed it from the test stand and tried to install the fittings on my engine for a fit check... didn't fit..... WT*? Close scrutiny shows the '89 and '90 lower intake to be a completely different casting - and the '89 (from which I built my port-matched intake assembly) can't be machined to give enough clearance for the AN fittings. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

So, back to the drawing board. I've ordered some 45* NPT/AN adapters and will try to use some tubing for that connection.. if I can bend it in a tight radius, it might work. The alternative of feeding the front of the rails involves too many hoses.. and heat soak on the fuel lines becomes an issue.

The second alternative is to buy a '90 lower intake and re-port match the blower plenum to the intake - not a desirable alternative, though.

Every time I try something on this package, it seems to present formidable issues and I'm reminded that there's a reason why an aftermarket package was never offered. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Frank

Frank, I was looking at a 92 Diamante with the SOHC engine in it yesterday. On the crossover end (front for us), it has the double bolt flange on both rails with a crossover tube. Looks to be a good setup. It might be worth looking at. If you are interested, my new salvage yard does do mail order. I can take some detailed pics & e-mail them to you. PM on the way....

Ed