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Aeromotive has been building high performance fuel systems for Mustangs for a number of years. What many enthusiasts may not realize is that they offer fuel systems and tanks for virtually any year Mustang out there. These tanks and systems can support everything from a mild street build or restoration, up to some of the most brutal drag strip and road course warriors built today.
The Fox-body -Where The Revolution Began
Aeromotive came to extreme popularity in the Mustang market at the height of the Fox-body drag racing craze. Seeing the need for a complete solution, they developed first a sump, and later a full on tank that is a direct fit for most ’86 to 2004 Mustangs.
With the Fox-body and even the SN95 creeping up in age, these tanks are a more sound choice than ever, especially if you’re planning on doing some horsepower upgrades.
This is the original Aeromotive sumped tank that was developed over a decade ago for Fox-body Mustangs
Evolution of the Tank
The tanks offered by Aeromotive today are the end result of years of development, and a major step up from the sumped tanks they started with years ago. When Ford unleashed the Terminator Cobras onto the streets, they did so with a completely redesigned fuel tank. On the outside these tanks appeared to be the same old stock design used for years. It is on the inside that the dramatic differences were made. Since the Terminator was designed to annihilate the drag strip and handle as well, Ford built baffling into the tank to better control the slosh of fuel and prevent the fuel pump from starving. Recently these tanks were discontinued by Ford, and seeing an opening in the market Aeromotive took initiative.
These two photos show the prototype tank which was used to test the new Stealth tank design. This tank was actually installed in Aeromotive's in house 1986 Mustang GT.
The new tank offering from Aeromotive is based on the original Cobra design, but allows for use of Aeromotive Stealth fuel pumps. This tank is a direct replacement on all 86-98 1/2 Mustangs. Earlier models will require some modifications for fitment, and Aeromotive is currently working on a design unique to the later model cars.
When combined with the A1000 pump, these tanks help create a fuel system that can support up to 1,000 hp in forced induction applications and up to 1,300 hp on naturally aspirated applications. In carbureted applications those numbers go up to 1,500 hp naturally aspirated and 1,200 hp, forced induction.
If you’re planning more power than what the A1000 can handle, and want to hide your fuel system in the stock tank, the Eliminator pump will do the job. Rated for 1,900 hp naturally aspirated and 1,400 hp with forced induction on fuel injection engines. These numbers climb to 2300 hp naturally aspirated with a carburetor and 1,700 hp forced induction with forced induction and carburetors.
Left the A1000 Stealth Pump, Right: The Eliminator Stealth Pump. Both these pumps fit inside the tank, your competition will never suspect that your car is serious enough to pack this type of fuel system.
86-98 1/2 Aeromotive Stealth fuel tanks include the tank and pump. Part numbers available are:
- 18685 A1000 Stealth Tank
- 18686 Eliminator Stealth Tank
- 18690 Stealth Tank Only
If you’re looking for a complete fuel system from the tank, to the pump, all the way to the fuel rails, then you’ll want to use:
- 17130 A1000 System
- 17131 Eliminator System
Both the above systems include the tank, pump, fuel rails, filters, fittings and hose. They literally give you customers everything they need to install a complete fuel system in their car.
Aeromotive’s test bed for prototyping their Fox-body fuel system was this ’86 Mustang GT.
2003-2004 Cobra Offerings
Since the car will likely run and drive normally on a single pump, if one of the secondary pumps fails, you may not know it until you accelerate hard, which then leads to a lean condition and possible engine damage.
As long as your tank is still in good shape, owners of Terminator Cobras might want to look into an Aeromotive drop in pump replacement. In the past we’ve seen numerous solutions for improving the fuel system capability of the returnless system in these cars that involve multiple pumps. That solution while it works, can leave owners and engines vulnerable to catastrophe, “Since the car will likely run and drive normally on a single pump, if one of the secondary pumps fails, you may not know it until you accelerate hard, which then leads to a lean condition and possible engine damage,” says Aeromotive’s Jesse Powell.
According to Powell, the smarter solution is to replace the pump assembly with a single pump, and convert the car to a return style system. This eliminates the issues associated with running multiple pumps, and ensures proper fuel delivery to the engine under all conditions.
Aeromotive offers two direct drop in pump assemblies for the 03-04 Cobra OEM fuel tanks:
- 18679 -A1000 Drop in ’03-’04 Cobra pump assembly.
- 18680 -Eliminator Drop In ’03-’04 Cobra pump assembly.
Coyote and 5.4 Swaps
It seems every week we learn of another new Coyote swap project. That being said, if you’re planning a Coyote swap on your Fox-body, SN95, or other Ford, Aeromotive is now offering a fuel rail kit to go with their systems. Part number 14130 will connect your Coyote engine to any of the Aeromotive Fox-body systems, replacing the rails that were included in the system.
The complete Aeromotive A1000 Fox-body fuel system.
If you’re planning to step things up big time, with a 5.4L DOHC engine then check out part number 14144, which are the proper rails for that application.
For more information on what fuel system is right for your Mustang whether it’s classic or late model, check out the Aeromotive web site, tech line, or an authorized Aeromotive dealer.
