SEMA 2013 winners: Aeromotive leads the way with new high performance in-tank fuel pump

By Archie Bosman
Photography by Moore Good Ink
 

Steve Matusek and his Aeromotive team were thrilled to win Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product at this year’s SEMA show with their Stealth—a new, universal in-tank fuel system.

Though the judges awarded their highest vote to the Street Rod/Custom Car brigade, it’s more likely the Muscle car troops, particularly those with contemporary engine transplants, will be the ones most enthralled by the innovative powers of the Kansas fuel system specialists.

Aeromotive’s new pump design can be installed in any stock fuel tank and, significantly, it operates with both carbureted and EFI engines. More pertinently still, it is of universal fitment and as such installs in tanks from 6in to 11in deep, including those made of plastic, steel or aluminum. Also worth noting, it seals whether the tank has a corrugated or smooth surface. “We created a scenario where you could put an electric pump in any gas tank,” said Matusek. “It took us a while to get it right but we got there,” he added with some satisfaction.

Additional qualities: vapor lock and cavitation eliminated

Nowadays in some circles an in-tank pump is the preferred fuel pump type because it eliminates such issues as cavitation and vapor lock in high volume fuel systems. Furthermore, and to its credit, the Stealth is equipped with an internal fuel-resistant baffle to prevent unwanted fuel movement, which allows the pump to remain submerged at all times, even with low fuel levels or aggressive driving. When a fuel pump runs dry, even for a split second, it causes wear in the pump, and usually impedes performance. In contrast the Stealth can operate with the inlet uncovered without losing its prime.

Based on an OEM concept, Aeromotive developed a formula which included encasing the pump in fuel-resistant foam, which keeps the fuel in contact with the pump at all times. It is also equipped with a high flow pre-pump filter and a turbine pump mechanism that aids durability.

Stealth-v-custom tank

Finally, it is claimed that the new Stealth fuel system can be installed in an hour. If so, this is a pretty compelling argument in favor of convenience and economy compared with the tedious prospects of installing a new custom tank or fuel cell.

Chat with Steve personally at the PRI show Dec 12-14 Indianapolis, he’ll be accessible at booth #1828 in the Green Hall.

For further information contact:
Aeromotive Inc.
7805 Barton St.
Lenexa, KS 66214
Phone: (913) 647-7300
Email: info@aeromotiveinc.com 
or at Aeromotive.com

Other SEMA award winners included: