Wassup everyone. Recently picked up a skunk2 composite fuel rail for $40! Great condition, nothing wrong. However, I was wondering if there is any disadvantages or advantages when it comes to Skunk2 vs AEM fuel rails. I can easily trade this for an AEM + cash so it doesn't bother me which I go with. What do YOU GUYS prefer and why. Let me know, thanks!


I'm basically just building a mild n/a motor. Nothing special

What I have:

- B18c1
- Stock internals
- Skunk2 Pro series Intake Manifold
- Skunk2 70mm Alpha Throttle Body
- 2.5" Go-Autoworks Cold Air Intake
- Greddy 2.25 4-2-1 Header
- Stock Cat
- 2.5" midpipe
- Spoon n1 2.5" axleback

Upcoming:

- 310 Injectors
- Skunk2 Alpha Header
- Supertech Full Valvetrain upgrade (Retainers, Springs, Valves, Valveguides, etc)
- Skunk2 Tuner 2 cams
- AEM Fuel Pressure Regulator

 

Stock

 

Aftermarket fuel rail is a waste of money.

 

On an NA setup the only benefit of a fuel rail is looks and ease of running AN fittings. That being said I have a Skunk2 composite and I love the way it looks. I built my fuel system off of spare parts in my garage and am using all AN lines with an Aeromotive FPR and it was much easier to plumb that to an aftermarket fuel rail. Skunk 2 claims there is a benefit of reduced temperatures (I don't know what gains that would provide from a colder rail) but I can tell you it stays cold to the touch under the hood.

 

Absolutely agree with you guys, my plan was to originally flip the fuel rail for profit. However, with it being so cheap, might as well throw it into my build. Or get the aem if it is "better" and pocket some cash. Mainly suggestions. All is appreciated. Thanks!

 

If anything, I would stick with the "composite" rail. Anything that will conduct less heat is a good thing.

 

Thank you Econo'Box for your input, I was wondering if their claims on cooler fuel temps were true or not. Now, idk if cooler fuel temp will increase horsepower, because the injector fires so close to the head. But with top feed injectors or injector positions on such itb's as the Toda, the fuel has a cooling effect on intake air, thus increasing VE. It may work with stock injector positioning though, who knows

 

OP better find some engine management first before you go throwing the rest of that **** at it.

 

Yeah, i'm tuned on chrome with this set up. When all is done, i'm doing s300.

 

Obviously most of you haven't used Skunk2 Composite Fuel Rails; they require non-factory O-rings. IIRC you have to purchase new ones in packs of 100 from Skunk2 or some stupid number like that. AEM utilizes factory style O-rings and would be a better choice as far as parts availability. If you are worried about a fuel rail heating up your fuel some then you have other issues.

 

I like that the Skunk2 fuel rail has a .625" internal bore versus the AEM .500". I can assure you all motor you will never need more than the stock rail. The benefits of aftermarket are AN fittings and usually an extra port for a fuel pressure gauge.

Go with the AEM and put the $80 you save towards a good fuel pressure regulator.

 

Thanks for the response. What you said is what I am looking forward to hear.

 

waste of money for aftermarket unless your switching to a completely different style injector then maybe you can have a slight difference.