Low Buck Fuel Pressure Regulator Shoot Out!

Fuel pressure regulators are a must have for any set up, including carburetors. Today we'll look at four cheap options that are generally available at local auto parts stores.
Edelbrock regulator - a.co/d/6TsUEtC
Spectre regulator - a.co/d/75eASft
Holley regulator - a.co/d/dsXKODI
Mr Gasket regulator - a.co/d/07LSQKG
Russell gauge - a.co/d/0uenWa9
Aeromotive gauge - a.co/d/6CgwfVF
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#fuelpressure #regulator

[@Ecosse57]

i appreciate the time and effort you put into this. i have been leaning on the mr. gasket simply because i'm building a 60s style hot rod and want something that is representative of the era. that style has been made since at least the mid 60s. too bad it's not reliable.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@Ecosse57 this one took a long time and cost a fortune to make, but it was worth the effort.

[@academaciated7466]

We only used Aeromotive products back in the day so this is good info 👍🏻

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@academaciated7466 I’ve used and shown lots of Aeromotive products on this channel. High quality products made by great people and racers. The only issues here is, they don’t hav a deadhead regulator, aren’t readily available and the price. Big fan of Aeromotive. They’ll be in the bypass shootout once the Chevelle gets back on the road. 👍

[@ДмитрийФакухин]

Hello! Excellent video, as usual! At first, I am installed "Spectre"-style regulator, but can't adjust it. As gauge, I'm installed hi-grade pressure sensor (0-4 bar, 4-20mA). Then I made my custom pressure regulator. Take the EFI (with return line, it's better for fuel pump) pressure regulator, disassembleable and adjustable one, throw away rigid spring and put in it soft spring, chosen with precious scales, accounting the diaphragm diameter. Works pretty, I have 0.38 bar/5.5Psi after filter. 200 hours (1 oil change) and absolutely no problems.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@ДмитрийФакухин impressive! 👍

[@neutralguy2428]

I almost bought a Mr Gasket fuel pressure regulator, but I've heard they leak and set the engine bay on fire, so I just ran my holley fuel pump without a regulator. Good breakdown 👏

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@neutralguy2428 no leaks on this one, but for sure the inconsistent pressure was a no go for me. I’d still run a regulator. Having another adjustment point in the fuel system is always a good idea. 👍

[@OwhyeeVdub]

I run them on my vdub builds. As long as you secure the inlet and outlet fitting tight they work great. I think the vibration will loosen them if the unit is not secured. Meaning just having in line isn't enough. I zip tie them down.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@ I do like multiple fittings they provide in the kit.

[@shootermcgavin2819]

Both mine leaked, different models. Tossed them

[@kg6itc]

I got a Mr. Gasket a day before seeing this video. It leaks, and I mean straight up leaks. Should be illegal to sell that POS.

[@DerekKingMusic]

My experience with Mr. Gasket regulators has been that they heat soak very quickly. Once they get hot, it vapor locks like crazy. If you shield them, they ok. That being said, they cannot make multiple adjustments to the regulator without having issues. Usually, the check valve sticks over a few adjustments. They typically release it if you tap it with a wrench or something weighted.

[@burtbronson6407]

I had good luck with the Holly regulator with an Edelbrock AVS2 carb and fuel pump

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@burtbronson6407 they’re hit or miss. I’ve had more success than failures. It’s a coin flip it seems. 10 years ago they were my go to and always seemed to be functional.

[@OwhyeeVdub]

I like the mister gasket regulator paired with the edelbrock fuel pump. Its a local purchase and easy to install.

[@anotherbluenova6358]

All the ebay billet regs work well but before use they need disassembled and debarred and cleaned. I run. Fuel lab and it has been flawless for years on e85

[@VinoRatRodbuilds]

Nice job. 👍

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@VinoRatRodbuilds thank you sir!

[@Dannymclovin]

For boost or all around reliability and longevity I've been running a Mallory 4309 , I've been running mine for years now although it's pretty expensive these days

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@Dannymclovin when Mallory got pushed aside and the whole mess went off shore, I never considered any option from that brand. They fully leaned into MSD when it was acquired, but now a lot of that brand is sourced off shore. Few good options left these days.

[@randymacsgarage]

Brother Brian you have done it once again knocked it out of the park with this one I really wanted to keep my hot rods all Edelbrock but can’t swing the buck fifty x four so I use a QFT which I get at my speed shop 60 bucks it is xactly like the last one you showed I believe it’s a spectra so don’t know who copied who but anyways question for you, the spring in my opinion can lose spring rate with heat soak yes/no so the quality of that spring I believe is key to consistency thanks for all you do I send folks your way daily and this ONE device keeps them (because of cost) from doing the perfect fuel system as you have taught. Hey Edelbrock may a little more budget friendly on this one 😂 Cheers

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@randymacsgarage I’m certain that Holley designed that one decades ago and the patent ran out. So there’s plenty of knock offs of that design. Edelbrock even has one. It’s all about the quality though. As far as the spring losing its rate, I don’t know that heat would be a factor. If the regulator got that hot, there’s other issues to contend with! For sure though over time they could lose it. Some rebuild kits on the market include a new spring. Assuming be use it is a wearable part. Thanks Randy!

[@randymacsgarage]

Got it thanks for the reply.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@randymacsgarage thank you!

[@sammyvices2547]

Quick fuel 30-803 was under $40 and it’s 4.5 - 9psi but it’s not readily available at the local parts store

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@sammyvices2547 that would have been another good one to test, but I wanted to stick to the easy available ones. I’ve used that regulator before. I don’t recall any issues with quality or failures. 👍

[@sammyvices2547]

@ that’s good to know I have only been running mine about a month so I hope it’s reliable for that price point.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@sammyvices2547 the last one I worked on is local to me and I think that was a couple summers ago. Haven’t heard anything from him on it so I’m assuming it’s still in action.

[@olov244]

I have an edelbrock that looks like the spectre. I wouldn't say I'm in love with it, but it does the job right now

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@olov244 unfortunately that’s the wrong regulator for most automotive carburetors. Unless you’re using an old style carb that needed less than 4psi.

[@olov244]

@@MuscleCarSolutions interesting, it makes more than 4psi though

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@ they make one regulator of that style and it’s rated 1-4psi. If yours is allowing more than that, something isn’t right.

[@andrewforster4974]

I got a white box one think it might be performance world but not sure have to keep a eye on it and see how it works great video hello from Canada

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@andrewforster4974 all the Mopac parts are off shore, but they have always stood behind their product if you have issues. I’d be surprised if they didn’t.

[@LJK69187]

Enjoyed the comparison!!!

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@LJK69187 thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@etmccaus]

Interesting video. I picked up a Jegs-branded "rotary" regulator that looks similar to the Mr. Gasket unit here in large part because it isn't as bulky as the others (why everyone needs to have an inlet on the bottom and two outputs is beyond me) and will actually fit nicely between the OE hard supply line on my Ford 289 and the feed to my AVS2. Praying it's at least slightly more reliable than your experience here.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@etmccaus not all carburetor’s are single inlet. The house branded products aren’t generally better quality. Keep an eye on it.

[@snake_eyes_garage]

Thanks! I see that you have your plumbing set up as pump -> filter -> gauge -> regulator -> gauge -> carb. Was that for this test? Or is that your typical setup?

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@snake_eyes_garage I generally do not have it set that way. I’m currently running a long term test on the filter and wanted it in an easy access location. I also don’t run two gauges, but I wanted to verify pre regulator and post regulator for this test. That way any variation on the regulator was not due to some other issue, like lack of flow at the pump. When I’m done, it will go back to what I generally run, though I might just keep the 40 micron filter on the fender. The 100 micro filter is still on the frame rail and closer to the tank. Thanks for the question!

[@Stein548]

Interesting I actually had a weird issue with that edelbrock one. one day went to fire up and it had zero pressure. Went took it out sprayed it out made sure I had fuel and I did. Put it back in and still zero pressure. I took the adjuster all the way out all the way in and back close to where it should be and bam had pressure again. I still to this day have no idea why it did that. And I’m carrying around a cheap one incase. But I would be curious to see what you would suggest for a quality no issues regulator.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@Stein548 I’ve run that Edelbrock regulator countless times on my vehicles and customer vehicles. They’ve always performed well. To my knowledge, of the ones we tested, these are the only one made in the US. I don’t know enough about the Spectra one yet. I’ve experienced what you did a few times over the years on several different brands. Near as I can tell it’s the check ball or spring.

[@randymacsgarage]

@@Stein548 Vapor lock??

[@Stein548]

@@randymacsgarage kinda what I wondered I’m running it on a 350 Chevy in a inboard boat under a engine hatch, strange thing is it happened when it was just sitting between weekends. Hasn’t done it since but man I’ve been paranoid. Was cool to see all of them taken apart because I weighed every one of these and came to the same conclusion that the edelbrock style one looked to be the best built for the $.

[@steveregehr8289]

What do you recommend for a guage? It would be nice to have it on the regulator body, looks like that could be done on all but the mr gasket. I see your engine you have guages inline but just seems more complicated than necessary. What kinda price point are most guages at?

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@steveregehr8289 I have the two in the video linked in the description. Both are good quality and I use a lot of them. Both are liquid filled which is highly recommend. There are cheaper gauges available, but I’d rather have a little more cost and get a more accurate reading.

[@steveregehr8289]

Thanks I have a Chevy with 350 and a 1405 Eddy. Runs well but I plan to revisit some of your videos on tuning and go through all the steps you recommend. So far no reg on it, stock mech fuel pump. I feel it runs rich, no afr kit yet with but hopefully will do all these upgrades at once!

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@steveregehr8289 I can’t recommend using a regulator enough. I’ve got many videos on on this topic and even if it’s a stock mechanical pump, you never know what the pressure is until you at least put a gauge on it. Even the stock pumps can be all over the place as far as pressure goes. Having another adjustment point is worth the cost. 👍

[@HoosierRooster]

I prefer the Holley regulator I have seen half a million dollar pro mods who are running three to four of them for their nitrous kits everybody uses them I've never had a problem with one

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@HoosierRooster I’d be willing to bet none of these low dollar regulators are being used on a promod!

[@denniskwasnycia1950]

Very interesting. I have one on my 650 Edelbrock AVS2 that looks like the spectre or holley (it has no name on it) and would see it at 0 psi at times but still running fine. I was told it was ok and the carb just was not calling for more psi at that time. Other times it would be at the 3.5 psi where I had it set to. Looks like mine is a problem after all. So am I supposed to have it at 4 psi or 3.5? Thanks for posting this.

[@Drew-i8g]

A restricted bypass would increase pressure not decrease. The seat was not sealed , due to debris

[@jonjacobsen6339]

Do you have a recommended fuel pump?

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@jonjacobsen6339 that’s a situational question. Depends on what is being asked of it.

[@jonjacobsen6339]

@@MuscleCarSolutions daily driver, mildly built Ford 302

[@adamcvanwinkle]

@@jonjacobsen6339 I would stay away from the parts store “OEM replacement” style. They’ve been failing rapid fire in the last year. I went through two within 3 weeks in my SBF and just talked to a guy that had the exact same experience with an SBC. I ended up going with the Carter “performance” pump that looks like the Edelbrock pump without the fancy polish. I believe there are a few different versions of it to fit your needs. It’s worked well for about 9 months now.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@ the mechanical Edelbrock pumps are still made in the US . Part number 1725 if you want the 110 GPH pump.

[@adamcvanwinkle]

I use a Mr gasket with no pressure gauge, that way the regulator is always perfect because I have no proof that it isn’t 😂

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@adamcvanwinkle 😳 I’m guilty of that line of thinking. Generally works out until it doesn’t.

[@ezelk1337]

Great review. I have a question that is a little off of the regulator subject. I have a 66 Chevelle that I will be installing a Vortec 350 into. This engine doesn't have a mechanical fuel pump provision on it. Is there a quiet electric fuel pump out there, either in the tank or outside the tank? I will be running an Edlebrock AVS2 carburator. I don't want to hear a fuel pump that is louder than the engine. Thanks

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@ezelk1337 really depends on a number of things. 100% I’ll always recommend the pump in tank. If you want a frame mounted, gravity fed pump the Edelbrock 1791 or 1792 are very quiet.

[@ezelk1337]

@MuscleCarSolutions So use the Edlebrock's for outside of the tank. Any recommendations for an intake pump that has the correct pressure for a carburator? I got an Edlebrock AVS 2 carb after seeing your video about them. Thank you.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@ in tank is different. You select a regulator that will reduce down the flow and psi. Check out my video on Tanks INC problems and the solution. You can click the links in the description if you don’t want to watch the video.

[@ezelk1337]

@@MuscleCarSolutions OK. Thanks.

[@JamesPetit1]

The Spectre is only 1-4 psi...

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@JamesPetit1 they offer a low pressure and a 5-9 psi regulator.

[@turbo32coupe]

Most deadhead regulators are junk, They pulse the fuel. Fortunately, the carburetors inlet valve makes up for the deficiencies. A simple return style regulator will always out perform a deadhead. I prefer a high pressure (fuel injection) fuel pump regulated down to carburetor pressures. You don't have to run a return line to the tank, just 'T: it in before the pump. All nitrous systems use this style. The fuel pump must be sized at least 100 L/hr. greater than the engine needs to keep the regulator in active mode.

[@darwinfoster7420]

Hey a holley regulator is now china made and edelbrock is pure US made product .

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@darwinfoster7420 the Edelbrock regulator is made in the US. Same with their mechanical fuel pumps.

[@nicksnarski5973]

Dial regulator, do not use,unless you what a breakdown

[@thomasward4505]

Not really much of a test, you could have checked the fuel flow, you know gallons per hour or perhaps the pressure drops through the regulator. Holly makes a larger version of that regulator which is good also

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@thomasward4505 flow and pressure go hand in hand. If this was an all out test of what supports the most HP, then max flow numbers would have been critical. None of these low dollar, deadhead regulators would ever be confused with anything remotely high horsepower.

[@randymacsgarage]

actually, it is a perfect test for the audience that watches and enjoys this channel thanks for ask inking Tom

[@HoosierRooster]

A lot of Edelbrock stuff is way overrated especially in the last couple of years

[@randymacsgarage]

over priced

[@darwinfoster7420]

They are better then the holley regulators

[@Drew-i8g]

Radium multi port is just a aem diaphram, poorly designed. They fail on the regular (torn diaphrams) , make s ton of noise, had parts recalled (superceeded steel seat on the bypass, the aluminum ones were designed wrong. ) worst regulator ever. Very expensive edit: all radium are just a aem diaphram in a piece of aluminum. P.s. radium does not do any returns for any reason . Its faulty? You must have installed it to find out. Sorry about your luck.