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Old 07-03-2023, 09:49 PM   #1
hotrod3132
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Default Rootlieb speedster kit

Does anyone know if a fuel pump is needed on a model a speedster with a Rootlieb kit Thanks
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Old 07-04-2023, 06:58 AM   #2
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

If you get on any kind of incline while driving, the engine would be starved for fuel.
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Old 07-04-2023, 09:17 AM   #3
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

Yes if you don’t want to keep the tank at least 1/2 full at all times to get reliable gravity flow. I run a small in-line electric pump and it works fine. Make sure the fuel cap is vented.
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Old 07-04-2023, 11:01 AM   #4
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

The Rootlieb has the tank behind the driver, so a pump is needed, no matter what others say.
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Old 07-05-2023, 05:06 AM   #5
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

As long as the tank is higher than the carb, then gravity will do its job without a pump. That's how I have it on my car.
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Old 07-05-2023, 10:09 AM   #6
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

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old31, how do you fair on steep hills?
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Old 07-05-2023, 04:23 PM   #7
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Brierley View Post
The Rootlieb has the tank behind the driver, so a pump is needed, no matter what others say.
Quote:
Originally Posted by old31 View Post
As long as the tank is higher than the carb, then gravity will do its job without a pump. That's how I have it on my car.
Both are correct, but for the Rootlieb kit with the tank mounted using the supplied supports, the fuel level will be below the carb inlet unless you have a few gallons in it, as I quickly found out after stalling out on a test drive. I actually have two pump systems; an electric pump and an air pressurization system that puts 1-2 psi air in the sealed tank like in the old-time race cars. I use the air pressure for short trips and as a fun thing, and turn on the electric when I don't want to deal with the monitoring the air pressure. I installed an air valve on the gas cap so I can vent it when running electric.
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Old 07-06-2023, 07:27 PM   #8
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

I toyed with the idea of building a speedster with one of their kits. I didn't even wonder whether I needed a fuel pump. It was going to have one. I figured that there would need to be a lot of fuel in the tank to supply the carburettor and as it got lower, the pressure would drop too much to keep up an adequate supply.
BGTW, I abandoned the idea of using a Rootleib kit when I looked at the prices and calculated what it would cost by the time it was here - way more than the finished car would have been worth.
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Old 07-07-2023, 07:32 AM   #9
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

BGTW, I abandoned the idea of using a Rootleib kit when I looked at the prices and calculated what it would cost by the time it was here - way more than the finished car would have been worth.

with a good set of drawings, Im sure you could do the same for much less $
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Old 07-07-2023, 05:17 PM   #10
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by ronn View Post
BGTW, I abandoned the idea of using a Rootleib kit when I looked at the prices and calculated what it would cost by the time it was here - way more than the finished car would have been worth.

with a good set of drawings, Im sure you could do the same for much less $
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That's probably so but where do I get a good set of drawings and by the time I spend MANY hours making it, I don't think it would be worth while. A speedster is, after all only an expensive toy.
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Old 07-09-2023, 01:33 PM   #11
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

only an expensive toy............

LOL!

thats what all As are!
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Old 07-09-2023, 07:21 PM   #12
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

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only an expensive toy............

LOL!

thats what all As are!
Unless you drive them. I've done many trips in one of my As that many youngsters wouldn't do in their modern cars.
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Old 07-10-2023, 11:49 AM   #13
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

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old31, how do you fair on steep hills?
So far no problem with steep hills.
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Old 07-10-2023, 11:53 AM   #14
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Default Re: Rootlieb speedster kit

Synch, Ive read your exploits and yes, youre a better man then me.

Wouldnt even consider what youve done. Youve worn model As out!

of course not difficult to do out in that desert.......... lol


So far no problem with steep hills.

good to know.......
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