Hole in my Engine Block and Fuel line questions

[Johnny M]

I am using the Rod and Customs front suspension on my car which forces me to use deep sump Canton pan so my Oil dip stick is now relocated to the oil pan instead of going through the block.

I am running a 428 and now i need to plug the hole in the block. Any suggestions on what to use?

What do i need to order to plumb my fuel lines. I am running a 428, 750cfm holley carb, mechanical fuel pump, manual choke and stock fuel tank.

is it 1/2" hose i need to use?

Any thoughts on steel braided or rubber?

[apollard]

Most folks thread the block and install a pipe plug. Use a good setting type thread selant.

1/2 will work fine, but 3/8 will move all a 750 carb will use.

[daveSanborn]

On your oil dipstick hole...

There are a few different ways to fill the hole.  You can buy and press in a small plug, similar to a water jacket block plug... or you can thread the hole and screw in a short bolt/plug (not recommended for an assembled engine as metal shavings will fall into your pan).... or you can cut from a block of wood an appropriately sized wooden dowel and tap it into the hole (oil will swell the wood and it won't fall out).  Understand that this opening in the block is not "pressurized" from the oil pump.  Pretty much anything will seal the hole.

On your fuel line....

IMO, 1/2" line is WAY overkill.  3/8" line is more than sufficient.  If you're going to run a soft line from the fuel cell to the engine, it shouldn't be rubber hose.  Rubber hose should only be used for making transition connections between a hard line and the component (tank/carb/pump/etc.).  Steel braided hose from the cell to the engine is not the cheapest way to do it and you'll have to clip/clamp the hose numerous times on it's route underneath the car.  The cheapest/most effective way is to use a 3/8" aluminum/mild steel hard line and bend it to fit the underside of the car, similar to building your own brake lines.  Install fittings onto the line ends to dress up the installation.

[Johnny M]

On your oil dipstick hole...

There are a few different ways to fill the hole.  You can buy and press in a small plug, similar to a water jacket block plug... or you can thread the hole and screw in a short bolt/plug (not recommended for an assembled engine as metal shavings will fall into your pan).... or you can cut from a block of wood an appropriately sized wooden dowel and tap it into the hole (oil will swell the wood and it won't fall out).  Understand that this opening in the block is not "pressurized" from the oil pump.  Pretty much anything will seal the hole.

On your fuel line....

IMO, 1/2" line is WAY overkill.  3/8" line is more than sufficient.  If you're going to run a soft line from the fuel cell to the engine, it shouldn't be rubber hose.  Rubber hose should only be used for making transition connections between a hard line and the component (tank/carb/pump/etc.).  Steel braided hose from the cell to the engine is not the cheapest way to do it and you'll have to clip/clamp the hose numerous times on it's route underneath the car.  The cheapest/most effective way is to use a 3/8" aluminum/mild steel hard line and bend it to fit the underside of the car, similar to building your own brake lines.  Install fittings onto the line ends to dress up the installation.

Thanks for the advise Dave. Its a shame i didn't thread the hole when i had the oil pan off. It just seems weird putting a wooden dowl into an engine block!!!

On the fuel line will 3/8" be sufficent even for the FE motor i am runnning?

[daveSanborn]

Thanks for the advise Dave. Its a shame i didn't thread the hole when i had the oil pan off. It just seems weird putting a wooden dowl into an engine block!!!

On the fuel line will 3/8" be sufficent even for the FE motor i am runnning?

Yeah, I know it seems odd to be using a wooden dowel on the side of the block, but trust me, it works.

Yes, 3/8ths fuel line will provide more fuel than you'll ever need.