At first glance, the Aeromotive Fuel Pump Speed Controller (FPSC) looks like a simple black box filled with LEDs, screws, and resistors, but you'll be surprised to know that it's so much more. This state-of-the-art electric fuel pump control module was recently released by Aeromotive as the second-generation controller, replacing the previous model that serviced the race community for a stellar eight years. The new FPSC was designed to provide the end user with ease of programming, plus its use of pulse modulation reduces pump speed without harming the motor and ultimately its function in order to allow large, high-flow fuel pumps to be street driven by minimizing fuel heating that can rob a vehicle of horsepower and performance. "The motivation for the FPSC redesign was primarily to enhance operation and the user interface, while reducing size and weight," Brett Clow says, Aeromotive engineer. "Additional desired benefits included reduced build time and costs, along with enhanced serviceability."
Why Use The Aeromotive FPSC
"Ultimately the purpose of installing the Aeromotive billet FPSC is to control the fuel recycle rate and minimize heat transfer from the engine compartment into the fuel and thereby back to the tank," Clow says. Interestingly, reduced fuel heating in the tank is the purpose of today's "returnless" fuel systems, but with significant reduction in fuel system performance. As a side bar, "returnless" fuel systems are totally EPA driven with respect to evaporative emission control (EEC) standards. Not to say that the Aeromotive FPSC is an EEC device, or that it would eliminate fuel heating completely, but it does in fact reduce residual fuel heating in the tank in order to extend the driveability of a high-performance fuel system and as a bonus helps reduce the tendency for hot-fuel vapors to pollute the environment for the more environmentally conscious. Added benefits when using the Aeromotive FPSC include extended pump service life and quieter operation at lower rpm when cruising the streets.
Not Your Typical Boost-A-Pump Or Quick Fix Bandage Setup
There is a difference between the Aeromotive FPSC and products from other companies that boost voltage to the pump. The FPSC and boost-a-pump controllers are based on two completely different designs. In the case of a boost-a-pump unit, the concept is simple: The unit increases voltage above the fuel pumps rated voltage, increasing pump speed and thereby flow rate, and is essentially a bandage for a deficient fuel pump capacity to engine flow requirement. This is a popular stepping stone to increased fuel delivery to support more power, but the downside to using this type of setup is that fuel pump service life can be significantly shortened. Ultimately, installing the correct fuel system, including the right fuel pump, filters, fuel lines, fuel rails, and pressure regulator, is the only way to ensure that your performance machine gets adequate fuel.
"Surge tank systems are another bandage for a fuel tank that is not appropriately designed for the engine's (fuel system's) fuel flow requirements," Clow says. "Anyone using a surge tank system should strongly consider the new Aeromotive FPSC P/N 16306 to control the pump feeding off the surge because the size of a surge tank, in addition to the fact that it is separate from the main tank, requires extra care to avoid hot fuel handling problems. The use of a properly sumped fuel tank, using a specialized baffled sump like the Aeromotive P/N 18650, in conjunction with the FPSC P/N 16306, and a proper Aeromotive fuel system, combine to create a far more effective fuel system solution compared to multiple pumps and multiple tanks, not to mention cost efficiency."
The original FPSC P/N 16302...
The original FPSC P/N 16302 measures 5.20 inches wide by 3.5 inches long by 1 inch high and weighs 1.08 pounds. The new FPSC P/N 16306 is half the size and weight-3.25 inches wide by 3 inches long by 1.1 inches high. The original incorporated a solid state circuit board permanently potted into a billet enclosure; the new model features solid state circuitry as well, but takes advantage of modern, miniaturized components to significantly reduce overall circuit board size, followed with a special clear coating for moisture resistance that allows the elimination of the potting compound. In addition, the new model features an integral heat sink in the billet case, plus advanced control features and enhanced ease of operation.
The new FPSC was designed...
The new FPSC was designed to provide the end user with ease of programming, plus its use of pulse modulation reduces pump speed without harming the motor and ultimately its function in order to allow large, high-flow fuel pumps to be street driven by minimizing fuel heating that can rob a vehicle of horsepower and performance.
Aeromotive makes the installation...
Aeromotive makes the installation process a painless chore because a screwdriver, toggle switch, and 30-amp circuit breaker ensures the proper setup for your system.