Performance ratings of fuel pumps are based on several important specifications, including flow rate, pressure output, and voltage. The flow rate, normally measured in LPH, defines the amount of fuel that a pump can provide. High-performance pumps usually have flow rates of 200-255 LPH, while for everyday vehicles, stock pumps range between 90-130 LPH. The flow rate thus becomes an important measure in performance tests for engines with modifications that require a higher flow rate, such as turbochargers or larger injectors, in order to maintain the proper air-fuel mixture.
Another very important rating for fuel pumps is pressure output, normally measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Most standard fuel pumps run within the area of 30-80 psi, pending on vehicle model and application. Some will provide a constant flow of fuel to the injectors. Performance fuel pumps often support much higher pressures up to 120 psi, for those applications needing extremely high horsepower for the engines. Good pressure only prevents the engine from going lean, thus losing power or being damaged. Pressures of pumps, together with the flow rate, are checked by mechanics for comparison to the engine requirements. If it goes too low, severe performance issues of the engine would develop.
Also, voltage requirements play a part in performance ratings. Most fuel pumps run on 12 volts, which is the standard for vehicle electrical systems. In high-performance usage, however, pumps rated at 13.5-14 volts can be employed to increase fuel delivery load. This becomes important in racing or high-power vehicles, whereby voltage stability is crucial at high speeds.
Most reputable manufacturers provide test data to support these performance ratings. Sometimes, companies publish flow rates at specific psi levels; for example, 255 LPH at 40 psi to give the performance enthusiast an idea about how the pump will perform under different conditions. Testing standards from organizations like SAE help make sure that these performance ratings are fairly consistent and reliable.
As Henry Ford once observed, “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking,” underlining the need for excellence in car parts. Choosing a fuel pump with appropriate performance ratings ensures that a vehicle runs with efficiency by offering both power and reliability. Learn more about high-performance Fuel Pump options at Fuel Pump.