View Full Version : Help with Holley Sniper In-Tank Fuel Pump (returnless) Installation
CP82AERO
02-17-2022, 08:54 PM
I'm about at the point in my MKIV build where I'm configuring the fuel tank. I bought a Holley Sniper deluxe FI kit with a returnless in-tank fuel pump, however, I didn't specify anything but the standard fuel tank in my kit order. My question then is can I modify the tank-cutting a 3.25" hole in the right location for the Holley pump? If not, would it be recommended that I switch to an in-line pump--or buy a new fuel tank that is ready to accept an in-tank pump? I realize that an in-line pump needs to sit lower than the tank and that there isn't much real estate to do so, although that would be cheaper than a new fuel tank.
Thanks!
rich grsc
02-18-2022, 08:11 AM
The Holley kit should show how to cut the correct size opening
weendoggy
02-18-2022, 09:06 AM
Post #2 is right. Use the Pro-M unit. Cutting a new return is fine, but you better think about cavitation while you're at it.
The supplied tank is already configured with two holes; one for the sending unit for the fuel gauge and the other for the fuel pickup, and a vent hole. The FFR complete kit provides a pickup with a return for external pump or carb setups. For the Sniper, the Pro-M hanger will give you the optimal fuel line sizes with a return line and an in-tank pump that most will argue is better than an external. It's a lot easier to do it right now than to try to fix it later.
rich grsc
02-18-2022, 10:45 AM
He clearly state, "Holley Sniper deluxe FI kit with a returnless in-tank fuel pump"
I assume that set-up may require a larger opening?
Here are the installation instructions for the Holley pump/hanger that I suspect is being used:
https://documents.holley.com/199r11511.pdf
Assuming you'd need to drill a separate hole in the tank, what do you do with the existing hole? I suppose they make a cap of some sort to replace the factory-style hanger.
Where would the new hole get drilled? Maybe on the left (shallow) side of the tank?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162770&d=1645201491
rich grsc
02-18-2022, 11:58 AM
You would enlarge the existing fuel pump opening
That doesn't sound like a fun task. It could be made easier with something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-KA19-N-Oops-Arbor-Enlargement/dp/B01HOLS2WU/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3MA79NQ487MRR&keywords=oops+hole+saw+arbor&qid=1645204735&sprefix=oops+hole+saw+arbor%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-5
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162774&d=1645204888
CP82AERO
02-19-2022, 10:03 AM
Thanks for the link to the instructions; they are applicable to what I have. It seems that I'm one of the first in the community to tackle this!
Thanks for the link to the instructions; they are applicable to what I have. It seems that I'm one of the first in the community to tackle this!
You may be the first to try this. It looks like a nice setup for retrofitting EFI to a tank. I'm still not convinced that drilling the hole is going to be easy or even possible without complications created by the flange construction of the existing hole. The Pro-M hanger is a direct fit and supports the Sniper for either return or returnless configurations. For returnless, you just cap the -6AN return connector. I know you aren't planning a return line for your system, but for those that are, this is a great explanation of the issues that using the standard hanger vs. the Pro-M hanger can cause.
https://youtu.be/3osqtEtIEig
I've been reading up on the returnless system that @CP82AERO is planning to use. What I'm finding is that Holley has integrated the fuel pressure regulator into the pickup unit and does the return directly inside the tank, which is why you don't need to run a return line from the Sniper to the tank, and likewise, need to cap off the fuel pressure regulator in the Sniper. The regulator is circled in red here:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162795&d=1645293302
It looks to be the same part that is used in the Sniper that I just replaced. The good news is that that part is cheap. The bad news is that it will be a bugger to change if it fails compared to changing the easily accessible one on the Sniper TB. You can also see the way the pickup mounts to the tank, which could be an issue if there is extra metal from the flange that gets left behind if drilling it out to a larger diameter.
It doesn't look like you can do a true returnless system with the Sniper. You'll either need an in-tank return, and external return from a separate regulator, or the built-in regulator with a return. I've seen some use a regulator filter that allows for the return to be just the short distance from the filter to the tank. That may be the simplest overall solution.
CP82AERO
02-19-2022, 05:26 PM
Again-thanks for all of the interest and help on this. I'm weighing whether I'm best off bagging on the in-tank/returnless, proceeding with the F5 kit pick up and then adding a pump and pressure regulator downstream--and the the return line, or drilling a new 3.25" hole in the tank for the Holley and then modifying the kit hanger to essentially cap the existing tank hole/flange.
If you do decide to go a different direction, here is what I'm doing when I install the new stacks.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162817&d=1645311068
CP82AERO
02-20-2022, 04:27 PM
Interesting--I could transfer and secure the Holley pump in the F5 hanger and install a pressure regulator downstream.
Interesting--I could transfer and secure the Holley pump in the F5 hanger and install a pressure regulator downstream.
The hanger FFR supplied with the kit is not for an in-tank pump. It looks like you may be able to use the Holley pump with a Mustang hanger. This is the filter/regulator setup I mentioned in an earlier post.
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/fuel-filter-regulator-and-single-line-kit-for-sniper-in-roadster-remote-mount/
This could be mounted near the tank so you wouldn't need to run a return line all the way to the engine bay.
JV1953
02-21-2022, 10:46 AM
Mark from Breeze has a great system. Easy install
CaptB
02-21-2022, 10:51 AM
Mark from Breeze has a great system. Easy install
I put this in and it is really an easy install.
CP82AERO
02-21-2022, 04:40 PM
I think you've come up with my solution--thanks all!
CP82AERO
02-25-2022, 10:39 PM
Success with the Sniper hanger/pump! It calls for a 3.25" hole--which is the exact diameter of the thin groove in the existing tank flange. Just be sure to use a hole saw with narrow and fine teeth--I did not and it kicked out of the groove--and so I finished up with a small reciprocating saw & a Dremel. Not perfect but the Sniper unit has a generous wide flange and thick foam gasket.
alexmak
05-16-2022, 07:07 PM
Success with the Sniper hanger/pump! It calls for a 3.25" hole--which is the exact diameter of the thin groove in the existing tank flange. Just be sure to use a hole saw with narrow and fine teeth--I did not and it kicked out of the groove--and so I finished up with a small reciprocating saw & a Dremel. Not perfect but the Sniper unit has a generous wide flange and thick foam gasket.
hey, hey, thank you for this thread! I'm considering adding this returnless pump to my cobra as well. I saw a comment on amazon from someone that regulator sprays gas on a foam, and it leaks. it could be an issue specifically with some unusually formed tanks, but since it's relatively flat area in our case, and you are able to expand the existing opening, I guess there are no issues with it? would love to hear some real life experience.
CP82AERO
05-20-2022, 02:06 PM
I have the same set up. I drilled the larger hole the Sniper unit requires directly on the stock flange. If what you have is like mine the right size hole saw will match the diameter of an O-ring land on the stock flange. I then just had to de-burr the flange and internally clean the tank of metal debris.
alexmak
05-20-2022, 02:09 PM
I have the same set up. I drilled the larger hole the Sniper unit requires directly on the stock flange. If what you have is like mine the right size hole saw will match the diameter of an O-ring land on the stock flange. I then just had to de-burr the flange and internally clean the tank of metal debris.
Thank you! so now I have two options for in-tank pump and some mini project to do in winter!