Custom fuel rail, for stock injectors Options

[yarin]

Like most people I'm not too thrilled with the design of the fuel rail system. I'm planning on buying 2 6" pieces of aluminum fuel rail and tapping it for 5/16" barbed fittings (3/8" NPT). I'm assuming that 3/8 NPT -> barb 5/16 exist. I found em.. on ebay

Does anyone know what the exact OD of the fuel injectors are? I'd like to use 5/16" high pressure fuel line on everything.

I'm pretty sure I'll have to fab a bracket to support the extra weight of the fuel rail. I'm surprised the stock fuel rail is floating.

I'll also tap a 1/8" NPT for the fuel pressure gauge.

I've seen a fuel rail kit on the market, but it costs $170 or so. I can build this for ~$30.

[Rand]

The stock fuel rail is fine, and floating is fine. The special elbows are not necessary. (I know, some will say huh?? There's a reason they did it, etc.) But if you just use FI hose about 2" long between the rail and the injectors and leave the rail floating, it will not be a problem. At least from my experience on my car, it is absolutely not a problem. At that length, the bend is extremely minor - certainly not enough to cause restriction or kinking.

That being said, I applaud you for thinking about ways to make new designs. If that's what you want to do, go for it.

I have noticed several posts lately where people say you shouldn't try anything different than what the factory engineers did. Because after all, they know best. Rubbish. Don't get me wrong, of course the factory engineers smart... But these cars are 30 years old and plenty of better ideas have come along. And plenty of things about the design of the 914 have been shown to be bad. And plenty of things about the 914s have been improved upon by guys in this very club.

Personally, I wouldn't get hung up on the fuel rail thing. But I love to see people engineer and implement new ideas. And share them!
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