SEMA 2013: Fueling The Way To More Power With Fuelab

When it comes to the “life line” of a diesel engine, it is hard not to consider the fuel system. Without fuel, the engine doesn’t run (ignoring extreme conditions where the engine is running off its own oil as fuel), so we figured we would keep our eyes peeled for some fuel related new products being displayed at this year’s SEMA Show.

We stopped by Fuelab to see what they were displaying and what new goodies they had for us “diesel guys.” Fuelab’s fuel pumps are all brushless wet motors. So, the fuel helps keep the pumps cool and lubricated, and there are no brushes for the sulfur or other particulates to build up on and cause issues. “Our fuel pumps have been designed for extreme conditions with high pressures (100+ psi) and durability,” says Brian Paitz, President of Fuelab.

So, when we found out that they had introduced a line of lift pumps for common rail engines, we were all over it. There are two versions of lift pumps available. Their Velocity 100 series is designed to be more of a factory replacement, offering 100 GPH (gallons per hour) of volume, internal bypass and fuel/water separator. These pumps will support up to 500 horsepower in a pretty tight package.

The other system available is the Velocity 200. This system is capable of flowing 200 GPH, has a fuel/air separator as well as a fuel/water filter. In addition, the internal regular is a “poppet design” made out of high quality machined parts. The “poppet style” of regulator keeps the fuel pressure rock steady under all driving conditions and is capable of supporting up to 800 horsepower.

However, if you need up to 1,800 horsepower worth of fuel, there is a lock down spring upgrade available. Please note, they recommend using an external regulator with this set up. As long as the regulator can flow the fuel, the pump is able to support the 1,800 horsepower. “These systems have been well received in the marketplace and are actually over engineered for this application,” says Paitz. This means that the life expectancy of these pumps is extremely good.