EFI Fuel Filter Installation - 1967 Chevelle
Under Pressure
Something of a necessary evil with a high-pressure EFI system is a robust and durable filter. The OEM’s have this down to a science. However, the factory likes to constantly devise new and impractical ways to connect lines and hoses on the creations they produce. It’s rumored that they do this in order to bolster service numbers by requiring special tools to service and repair vehicles. EFI filters are no exception.
The original connectivity of this EFI filter is comprised of a plastic snap clip paired with a ridge that’s rolled into the inlet and outlet stems. The female counterpart of this arrangement is contained in a permanently crimped fitting on the ends of the high pressure fuel lines. Disconnecting requires a split ring of the appropriate size, this collar slips around the line and reaches into the connection to release the clip tension and free the hoses.
This is a less than optimal setup for a fuel system that uses AN fittings for the rest of the connections. That’s where this handy little kit from Speedway comes in. The kit includes a factory style filter and two clever little conversion fittings.
The first step is removing the plastic snap clips from the inlet and outlet stems. This can be achieved with a small screwdriver or the tip of a knife. Simply pry the catches outward and the clip will slip off the end
This will leave you with a clean and clear stem with a retaining ridge. The new attachment point included in the kit will capture this ridge and securely seal and convert this universally available filter to male AN6 fittings.
The conversion fittings consist of two parts. One above the ridge and a treaded horse shoe shaped insert.
It should also be noted that there is an O-ring inside the larger portion of the fitting. This little guy should be lightly oiled and twisted slightly on the stem as you fit the AN fitting on the stem. This will help prevent damage to the O-ring and a potential leak.
Once the O-Ring and fitting are in place, you can thread in the retaining insert. Rinse, repeat and snug them down.
Once you have this assembly together, you can determine the best mounting position and fuel line routing. I’d suggest doing the assembly first, in order to accurately plumb the lines to it.
I like to clean up mass produced parts and the mounting bracket for this filter was no exception. A quick swipe on the disc sander replaced the rough, sheared corners with a smooth radius.
With a serviceable bracket and fittings installed, I went under the car to determine the most logical mounting location and pin down fuel line routing.
As things worked out, I was able to aim the inlet of the filter with a 45 directly into a nice sheltered area that led to the tank outlet.
On the filter to engine side of things, I was able to use a straight fitting and secure the feed line to the engine directly to the inside of the frame.
All in all, a very clean installation and reliable part that’s easy to source and replace, as needed.
