System Operation

The function of the fuel and air control system is to manage fuel and air delivery to each cylinder to optimize the performance and driveability of the engine under all driving conditions. The fuel supply is stored in a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fuel tank located in front of the rear wheels. The fuel sender allows retrieval of fuel from the tank and also provides information on fuel level. A fuel pump contained in the modular fuel sender pumps fuel through nylon pipes and an in-line fuel filter to the fuel rail. The pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above the regulated pressure needed by the injectors. Fuel is then distributed through the fuel rail to eight injectors inside the intake manifold. Fuel pressure is controlled by a pressure regulator mounted on the fuel rail.

The fuel system in this vehicle is recirculating; this means that excess fuel that is not injected into the cylinders is sent back to the fuel tank by a separate nylon pipe. This removes air and vapors from the fuel as well as keeping the fuel cool during hot weather operation. Each fuel injector is located directly above each cylinder's two intake valves. An accelerator pedal in the passenger compartment is linked to a throttle valve in the throttle body by a cable. The throttle body regulates air flow from the air cleaner into the intake manifold, which then distributes this air to each cylinder's two intake valves. This allows the driver to control the air flow into the engine, which then controls the power output of the engine.