Does ZFG Recommend Fuel System upgrades?
Aftermarket Part:
Parts Category:
Other Names / Types:
Fuel System
Fuel System
Fuel Pumps, Injectors, HPFP, LPFP, Port Injection, Port Injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, lift pump, Direct Injectors, Direct Injection
The Basics:
Fuel Systems can vary drastically from one vehicle to the next. The specific recommendations and benefits will depend on your goals and the platform.
Basic Components of a Fuel System:
Fuel Pump(s): Deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the injectors.
Fuel Injectors: Sprays fuel into the intake ports (Port Injection) or combustion chambers (DI).
Fuel Pressure Regulator: Ensures that fuel pressure is maintained within the desired range.
Electronic Control Unit (ECU): Controls the timing and amount of fuel injected. (This is where tuning comes in!)
Recommended Modifications & Tune-Related Impact:
Recommended vs Required:
In general, we recommend upgrading fuel system components for max effort builds, or for running ethanol content greater than the stock fuel system can support.
Upgrading the fuel system is not required for tuning.
Tune requirements are dependent on which part(s) you're upgrading and the fuel you're using.
Upgraded injectors always require a tune.
Upgraded fuel pumps may not require a tune, but having one is strongly recommended if it is not required.
Upgrading the fuel system on a tuned vehicle requires a tune update.
You may also need an Additional Tune to cover additional fuel types.
How it Works:
Fuel System Types:
Port Injection:
In a Port Injection system, fuel is injected into the intake ports just before it enters the combustion chamber. The fuel mixes with the incoming air in the intake manifold, creating a homogeneous air-fuel mixture. This mixture is then drawn into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke of the engine.
Direct Injection:
Direct injection (DI) involves injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for precise control over fuel delivery and improved combustion efficiency. This method is known for its ability to enhance performance and fuel economy.
Dual-injection:
These systems use port injection at lower engine loads and direct injection at higher loads, or a combination of both depending on the driving conditions. This strategy helps optimize fuel delivery, improve combustion efficiency, and reduce emissions.
Explorer-Specific Recommendations:
Fuel System Setup: The 3.0L EcoBoost uses a two-pump fuel system in which an in-tank low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) delivers fuel to a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). This setup is commonly referred to as a returnless fuel system. The HPFP, which is mechanically driven and mounted on the engine, then increases the fuel pressure to the levels required for direct fuel injection (also called direct injection or DI).
When to Upgrade / Stock Fuel System Capability:
The stock fuel system is capable of supporting up to 50% ethanol content (e50) with no other modifications. Upgrading turbos or running a higher ethanol content may require fuel system upgrades.
We do not recommend upgrading the fuel system for 3.0L vehicles running pump gas (87-93 octane). Otherwise, your specific goals and build plan will determine our recommendations.
Why not upgrade the fuel system for pump gas?
A 40%+ HPFP with 24% over injectors will max out the stock turbos, and would produce max power with an ethanol content of 40-50%. If the turbos have been upgraded, the same HPFP and injectors will produce max power with an ethanol content of 50-60%.
General recommendations for this platform are as follows:
HPFP:
Choose one that provides a flow rate at least 40% greater than stock.
For customers planning max effort builds, we recommend the greatest flowing HPFP available.
Injectors:
For versatility and fuel system efficiency, we recommend injectors that support a flow rate of at least 20% over stock.
For customers planning max effort builds, we recommend the largest injectors available (Nostrum Stage 3 = 96% over).
Additional Considerations:
As always, with great power comes great responsibility. Upgrading your fuel system has the potential to increase power output beyond what other components can support (e.g., transmission). Please be diligent in ensuring that you are adding sufficient support for each upgrade. We are here to help if you have any questions or would like specific recommendations.
F150-Specific Recommendations:
Fuel System Setup: The capability and point of requiring fuel system upgrades varies by engine. Your specific goals and build plan will determine our recommendations. Aside from the general information below, fuel system recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis.
When to Upgrade / Stock Fuel System Capability:
2.7L F150 (2018+ - Factory Port Injection) Can run up to full e85 with a tune only. No fuel system upgrades are needed in most cases.
3.5L F150 (High Output - Raptor, Limited) Can run up to e50 with no additional modifications. For customers looking to run full e85, a port injector upgrade is required.
We recommend injectors with a capacity of 1065.0 CC.
This upgrade is sufficient to support upgraded turbos running full e85.
3.5L F150 (Standard Output) Can run up to e50 with no additional modifications. For customers looking to run full e85, a fuel pump and port injector upgrade is required.
We recommend upgrading to the OEM High-Output Pump (OEM Raptor Fuel Pump)
We recommend selecting injectors with a capacity of 1065.0 CC.
Additional Considerations: As always, with great power comes great responsibility. Upgrading your fuel system has the potential to increase power output beyond what other components can support (e.g., transmission). Please be diligent in ensuring that you are adding sufficient support for each upgrade. We are here to help if you have any questions or would like specific recommendations.