Conventional vehicles have fuel pumps that can pump fuel in a particular range of fuel pressures, from 30 to 80 psi, which is usually sufficient to maintain the proper fuel delivery during normal driving. High-performance and turbocharged engines need higher fuel pressures than 100 psi to maintain the precise air-fuel ratio for optimum combustion and also for preventing engine knock. The high-pressure fuel pump is designed to support continuous fuel delivery at higher loads through specially designed components able to cope with the higher demands.
High-pressure fuel pumps are designed with heavy-duty seals, upgraded valves, and resistant internal materials that can support this kind of pressure. Such special parts prevent premature wear and reduce the possibility of leaks, which always leads to worse fuel efficiency and poor overall performance of the engine. Also, in the case of complete high-pressure fuel systems, improved fuel lines and pressure regulators that can maintain consistent fuel delivery at such high psi support better fuel atomization within fuel injectors.
Most vehicles with direct-injection engines rely on high-pressure fuel pumps, especially in high-performance models, to allow proper combustion and power output. A great number of these pumps have been rated up to 255 liters per hour at elevated pressure levels, thus ensuring that at all times, even during intense accelerations, the engine receives a continuous and adequate supply of fuel. With a race vehicle or heavily modified engine, there is direct performance related to a pump’s ability to sustain consistent high pressure. If the required pressure is not met by a pump, engines may run lean, increasing the possibilities of overheating and eventual damage.
Matching a fuel pump’s pressure capacity to an engine’s needs is significant regarding both performance and longevity. High-pressure pumps are not only much more effective in strenuous conditions but also very important in ensuring fuel efficiency by delivering the correct amount of fuel under high loads. “Performance is about precision,” said Carroll Shelby, the fabled designer of automobiles, further solidifying the need for a properly rated fuel pump in high-powered applications. A top-of-the-line, high-pressure Fuel Pump selection allows for seamless running while realizing full power with long engine life. For good high-performance fuel pump options, see Fuel Pump.