Hello all, I'm brand new to the forum but like many I've been lurking here for years as I've never been much of a joiner.


I just purchased a 1983 Ford-Collins E350 4x4 van/bus and have am seriously contemplating a FITech throttle body FI conversion.


There would be two ways to go about making this work- one would be to purchase the FITech FCC- Fuel Command Center which is basically a pressurized sump that serves as a go-between from stock fuel pumps that supply it, pressurizing the fuel to 58 PSI needed for the throttle body FI to work.


Since it is a van, and space is limited, and I'd like to keep my system as simple as possible-I'd like to explore the other possibility of simply supplying fuel to the FI at greater than 58PSI, which is a method than others have used to skip the FITech FCC.


Problem is, I'm a bit of a newb in this specific arena and would like some guidance. My E-350 has dual tanks, and I assume my fuel pumps do not make 58PSI. I've gleaned that such a fuel system would need return lines back to the fuel tank, most do this by returning to the filler tube.


So specific questions; What PSI do my stock fuel pumps put out? Could an inline pump be added to boost PSI (which might be nice as I might be able to get away with only buying one booster pump for both tanks, right? or wrong?) I've noticed there are a few high perform drop-in fuel pumps available that put out more fuel, edelbrock sells one that says it can do 110GPH, but not sure how that equates to PSI.


Any specific help on the best way I might address reliably, simply, and as inexpensively as possible feeding fuel at 58PSI would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance for not flaming me on my newbie ignorance and naivety.

 

Wow, nothing?


Is there a better part of this forum for me to post this question?
Did I somehow violate the culture here?

 

I am out of the ford Truck world and may be all wrong, but in 1983 the fuel pumps were on the engine drawing fuel from the tanks. They do make high pressure pumps that mount on the frame. Like you said you will have to put in a return line. Bruce

 

Wow, I'd never even heard of that. I've owned an 80's model F250 and it had in-tank pumps, so I just assumed this truck would. if that's the case I should be embarrassed for not knowing, but in my defense I've only had the van for about 5 days and we had a good snow storm and I've not really had a chance to fiddle with the truck (hence the internet research).

If the van does run an external pump, I'd guess it would actually make upgrading to a pump to run the EFI much easier. I'll check it out this weekend and see.

I assumed there would be others here who have done the FITech EFI conversion and have some concise advice for me, or at least someone with a more thorough insight into the fuel system of an 1980s E-350 than I. I guess not so much.

Thanks so much for responding Bruce.

 

I have a 85 and a 88 e150. The 85 has a carb while the 88 if FI. Not sure what the 87 was but it might be to your advantage to find a junker to buy for for parts. That would give you all the fuel lines and tanks and perhaps the intake if you want to use stock. Many of the other parts might swap right over too,,,
$1200 1987
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/5934168623.html



1990 Ford Econoline Luxury Van for SCRAP - $1000

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/5898189894.html

1989 ford van heavy duty e250 $500

new jasper straight six motor with about six thousand miles on it.replaced fuel pump on rail fuel pump in tank.
https://fredericksburg.craigslist.or...899637766.html

Same pump for 5.8 rngine side rail pump $319.79MOTORCRAFT PF5 {#E7UF9C407BA, E7UZ9C407AA} Info
Pump Only (Only 2 Remaining)
1988 FORD E-150 5.0L 302cid V8 Fuel Pump | RockAuto

 

So I looked the van over today. It does have the fuel pump on the motor, basically sucking fuel from the tanks. The more I contemplated this, the more I think it best to just purchase the FITech fuel control center with the EFI throttle body and just be done with it. I think I'll have room under the hood for it if I move stuff around a bit.

Existing fuel pump fills the FCC sump, and the internal sump pump send it to the EFI at the appropriate PSI, and no need for any return lines. the FITech EFI is about $800, and the FCC is about $400, so $1200 total for a very simple and reliable EFI seems just the ticket for this rig.