Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Forced Induction fuel pressure, again...

Alright, flame me if you must.

I have searched FI, dtec perf., and dtec maint. There are widely conflicting answers out there as to what stock fuel pressure should be. Some are saying in the mid 40s and others around 30. That is roughly a 15psi differential. I have 2k SVT with bone stock fuel delivery system (returnless i do believe). I have only upgraded to 24lb injectors.

What kind of fuel pressure should I be having?

The car only has 37k on it and there were no apparent fuel issues prior to installing the adc kit. Hell, there may be no issues now. Last time I checked I was getting 29psi at idle. I also throw lean codes and want to know if I need to be replaceing the fuel pump.

It's a 2000,yes, it is returnless.Factory fuel pressure is supposed to 45 PSI.

alright, if that is the case I am wayyyyy low!!! As mentioned I had no fuel issues, at least that I knew about prior to turbo install, should I be looking at anything besides fuel pump and fuel filter?

I was trying to tell you that at SZ. Returnless fuel runs higher pressure. If you don't have one you need to get a Focus Svt fuel pump. Try measuring the fuel pressure without the new programed flashed into the pcm as well. I think returnless cars have ability to control the pump. Could be in the program, easy enough to check. Also check to see that at key on/engine off the fuel pressure goes up and holding, i.e. no leaks. Should hold within 5psi of target pressure for a minute. Also see if fuel pressure is rising with boost. Than let us know....


Low fuel pressure could be the reason for the lean condition, injectors would not be working at there optiumum range, i.e. low output= less fuel. Double and triple check vacuum connections. Get a vacuum gauge on the car, should be between 15-20" of vacuum at idle when warm.

Your comments at SZ definatly contributed to me looking into this further. Seems I was told that the stocker was good up to around 300whp...but with the focus pump under 100 bucks thats an easy addition.

Good idea about checking the pressure with the stock ecu program, that I have not done at this point. Will be done tomarrow I hope. Is there a way to check if fuel pressure is rising with boost without an in-car fuel pressure gauge or being on the dyno?

I do have 20" of vacuum at idle so that is good.

Thanks for the advice, I am soo eager to get this cleaned up and running strong.

Since SZ I have eliminated a bunch of little exhaust leaks but there is still one I can hear under load but cannot find. No idea what to do about it.

SEnd me your file that you got with your Xcal, I can check to see if the pressure has been screwed with. The file should be an .zcf file. I have the same code as you (XGT1) - so I can read/manipulate the file.

Also you NEED to sort out your hoses and vaacuum layout as per my picture. For starters get RID of that clear tube you were using at SZ - like I said it its NOT rated for that kind of work.

Also didn't you have something rigged off the brake booster line. It was broken or something. Fix that so you don't get any leaks to the UIM.

Stock fuel pressure on a 2k SVT is 40psi but can be manipulated in the code.

Todd, Stazi,

I have updated the hoses, all are now proper durability for the application. I moved my IAT to the cold side of the intercooler right before the TB. The VCVs are now plumbed back into the intake after the MAF and before the turbo. They were previously venting to atmospere. I used the bung where the IAT was before to bring them back into the intake. I completely removed the egr valve and made a plate to cover the hole. I now have my boost gauge tapped into the center of that. Reference beyondloaded for my inspiration. Sure is nice to have vac readings now. I formerly had it on the other side of the TB so I did register any vac.

I was in a hurry to get the turbo installed, that is what accounts for a lot of the half-assed way some of these things were rigged.

Yes Todd, I did have something off of the brake booster line. That was only because I broke the fitting when doing the install. Since then I have been to the junk yard and gotten a new line. The vac source I use now is off of the other main vac line coming from the upper intake, again, just like Beyondloaded.

Does it matter that the vac line going to the wastegate and to the BOV are "T"ed off of the same line?

Stazi, i will e-mail you the tune I am running. Thanks for checking it out.

ps...my longest post to date.

Well, I sure feel stupid...I somehow managed to erase all 3 tunes that were loaded onto my Xcal. At least there is still a non-stock tune on the car.

Soooo....anyone know what happens if I try to flash my car back to stock? Does the tune that is currently on the ECU transfer back to the XCal for use again, or if I go back to stock am I stuck there?

Well, stazi, i will not be sending you that file afterall.