Aeromotive Fuel Pump: Ultimate Guide to Selection, Installation, and Maintenance for High-Performance Engines

2025-11-19

For car enthusiasts, engine builders, and anyone pushing their vehicle’s performance limits, the fuel pump is far more than a simple component—it’s the heartbeat of your powertrain. Among the market’s leading options, Aeromotive fuel pumps stand out for their precision engineering, durability, and ability to deliver consistent fuel flow under extreme demand. Whether you’re upgrading a street rod, tuning a drag car, or optimizing a daily driver for better throttle response, understanding how to select, install, and maintain an Aeromotive fuel pump is critical to unlocking your engine’s full potential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from key features that set Aeromotive apart to step-by-step installation best practices and long-term care strategies.

Why Aeromotive Fuel Pumps Lead the Market

Aeromotive isn’t just another fuel pump brand—it’s a specialist in high-performance fuel delivery systems. Founded by fuel system engineers with decades of experience in aerospace and motorsports, the company has built its reputation on solving one problem: ensuring fuel arrives at the engine exactly when and where it’s needed, even under the most demanding conditions. Here’s what makes their pumps indispensable:

1. Unmatched Flow Rate and Pressure Stability

High-performance engines demand more fuel—often 2-3 times the volume of stock systems. Aeromotive pumps are engineered to deliver. For example, their popular 11107 Series (the “Stealth” pump) can flow up to 800 liters per hour (LPH) at 13 volts, while maintaining ±1% pressure stability. This consistency prevents fuel starvation during hard acceleration, cornering, or wide-open throttle (WOT), where even a 0.5-second drop in pressure can cause misfires or engine damage.

2. Compatibility with Modern Fuels

Today’s fuels—ethanol blends (E85), race gas, and even methanol—have different chemical properties than standard pump gas. Aeromotive designs its pumps with materials resistant to corrosion and vapor lock. Their E85-compatible models, like the 11203, use hardened stainless steel components and Viton seals to withstand ethanol’s abrasive nature, extending pump life by 30-50% compared to generic pumps.

3. Quiet Operation and Compact Design

Stock fuel pumps often whine under load, but Aeromotive prioritizes noise reduction. Their brushless DC motor technology minimizes vibration, and the compact, billet aluminum housings fit neatly into tight spaces—critical for custom builds where space is limited. The 11109 “Phantom” pump, for instance, measures just 3.5 inches tall and 2.5 inches in diameter, making it ideal for under-hood or trunk-mounted fuel cells.

Choosing the Right Aeromotive Fuel Pump for Your Engine

Selecting the correct pump starts with understanding your engine’s demands. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Calculate Required Fuel Flow

Fuel flow is measured in pounds per hour (LB/HR) or liters per hour (LPH). To find your engine’s needs:

  • ​Naturally Aspirated (NA):​​ Multiply maximum horsepower (HP) by 0.5 (for 91-octane pump gas) or 0.6 (for E85). Example: A 600 HP NA engine needs 300-360 LB/HR.

  • ​Forced Induction (Turbo/Supercharged):​​ Multiply HP by 0.7-0.8 (due to higher fuel consumption under boost). A 600 HP turbo engine may need 420-480 LB/HR.

Aeromotive provides flow charts on their website, but as a rule:

  • ​Low-Boost/NA (Up to 600 HP):​​ 11107 (800 LPH) or 11106 (550 LPH)

  • ​High-Boost/Turbo (600-1,000 HP):​​ 11213 (1,200 LPH) or 11214 (1,600 LPH)

  • ​Methanol/E85:​​ 11203 (1,000 LPH E85-rated)

Step 2: Match Voltage and Duty Cycle

Aeromotive pumps operate best at 13.8-14.4 volts. If your vehicle’s charging system is weak (below 13.5V at WOT), pair the pump with a voltage booster (like Aeromotive’s 13129) to maintain flow. Also, check duty cycle—continuous duty pumps (e.g., 11107) handle 24/7 use, while some racing pumps are designed for short bursts (ideal for drag cars).

Step 3: Consider Fuel Type and Cell Location

If you’re running a rear-mounted fuel cell, opt for a pump with a long wiring harness and pre-terminated connectors (e.g., 11107 comes with a 15-foot harness). For methanol, ensure the pump’s seals and bearings are methanol-compatible—Aeromotive’s “M” series (e.g., 11203-M) is specifically engineered for this.

Installing an Aeromotive Fuel Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide

Improper installation is the leading cause of fuel pump failure. Follow these guidelines to avoid costly mistakes:

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Socket set (metric and standard)

  • Fuel line disconnect tool (for quick-connect fittings)

  • Dielectric grease (for electrical connections)

  • Teflon tape or thread sealant

  • Pressure gauge (0-200 PSI)

  • Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1: Depressurize the Fuel System

Start by turning off the ignition and removing the fuel pump relay/fuse. Crank the engine for 5-10 seconds to drain residual pressure. Never skip this step—pressurized fuel can spray and ignite.

Step 2: Remove the Old Pump

Locate the fuel tank (or external pump mount). For in-tank pumps, access via the access panel (most vehicles have one under the rear seat or trunk). Disconnect the fuel lines (mark them “in” and “out” to avoid mixing up feed and return lines). Unplug the electrical connector—note the wire colors (usually black=ground, red=12V, blue=signal).

Step 3: Prepare the New Pump

Inspect the Aeromotive pump’s O-ring and gasket. Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the electrical terminals to prevent corrosion. If using an external pump, mount it to a bracket with vibration-dampening hardware—avoid rigid mounts, as they transfer engine shaking to the pump bearings.

Step 4: Reinstall and Connect Lines

Slide the new pump into the tank (or secure the external mount). Reconnect fuel lines: “in” to the tank sender unit, “out” to the engine. Tighten fittings to 18-20 ft-lbs—over-tightening can crack nylon lines.

Step 5: Wire the Electrical Connection

Connect the ground wire to a clean, unpainted chassis ground (not the tank itself). Run the 12V wire through a fused relay (Aeromotive recommends a 20-30 amp fuse) close to the battery. Use the signal wire (if applicable) to connect to the engine control unit (ECU) for fuel pump prime signals.

Step 6: Test and Adjust

Reinstall the fuel pump relay/fuse. Turn the ignition to “ON” (not start) for 2-3 seconds—listen for the pump priming (a faint hum). Check for leaks at all connections. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes. Use a pressure gauge to verify system pressure matches the pump’s spec (e.g., 58-60 PSI for most EFI engines).

Maintaining Your Aeromotive Fuel Pump for Longevity

Even the best pumps fail prematurely without proper care. Here’s how to extend their life:

1. Regularly Inspect Fuel Quality

Contaminants like dirt, water, or rust clog filters and wear down impellers. Drain and clean your fuel tank every 2 years (more often if using E85, which attracts moisture). Replace the inline fuel filter (Aeromotive 12304) every 15,000-20,000 miles.

2. Check Electrical Connections

Corrosion at the ground or power terminals can reduce voltage, starving the pump. Every oil change, inspect the connections—clean with electrical contact cleaner and reapply dielectric grease.

3. Monitor Fuel Pressure

Install a mechanical gauge (or use an OBD-II scanner with fuel pressure PID) to track pressure over time. A gradual drop (e.g., from 60 PSI to 50 PSI) indicates a failing pump or clogged filter.

4. Avoid Running on Empty

Low fuel levels overheat the pump—fuel acts as a coolant. Keep the tank above 1/4 full, especially in hot weather or during spirited driving.

Troubleshooting Common Aeromotive Fuel Pump Issues

Even with proper care, issues can arise. Here’s how to diagnose them:

Symptom: No Fuel Pressure at Startup

  • ​Possible Cause:​​ Blown fuse, bad relay, or broken wire.

  • ​Fix:​​ Test the fuse with a multimeter. Swap the relay with a known-good one. Check for continuity in the wiring harness.

Symptom: Intermittent Loss of Power Under WOT

  • ​Possible Cause:​​ Failing pump (brushes worn) or clogged filter.

  • ​Fix:​​ Replace the filter first. If the issue persists, test the pump’s amp draw—an Aeromotive 11107 should pull 8-10 amps at WOT. Higher draws indicate wear.

Symptom: Loud Whining Noise

  • ​Possible Cause:​​ Air in the fuel line or dry bearings.

  • ​Fix:​​ Bleed the system to remove air. If noise continues, the pump may need lubrication (some models require periodic addition of pump oil—check the manual).

The Future of Aeromotive Fuel Pumps: Innovation for Next-Gen Engines

Aeromotive continues to innovate, with recent developments targeting hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) that still use fuel for range extension. Their new “Hybrid Series” pumps integrate smart controls to communicate with ECUs, adjusting flow based on battery charge and engine load. Additionally, 3D-printed impellers reduce turbulence, improving efficiency by 15%—a game-changer for fuel economy in high-performance hybrids.

Final Thoughts

An Aeromotive fuel pump isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an investment in reliability and performance. By selecting the right model for your engine, installing it carefully, and maintaining it proactively, you’ll ensure your vehicle delivers power when you need it most. Remember, in high-performance applications, fuel delivery isn’t a component to cut corners on—it’s the foundation of every great engine build.

Whether you’re a weekend racer, a custom car builder, or simply someone who values a responsive throttle, taking the time to understand and care for your Aeromotive fuel pump will pay dividends in performance, longevity, and peace of mind.

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