Radium Engineering Fuel Hanger Surge Tank, BMW E9X N54/N55

Compatibility

BMW E90 3-series (N54 / N55)
BMW E91 3-series (N54 / N55)
BMW E92 3-series (N54 / N55)
BMW E93 3-series (N54 / N55)

NOTE: This system is also compatible with the E90/91/92/93 M3 fuel tank. However, because the M3 uses a brushless fuel pump, the installer must devise a solution for triggering the new surge tank fuel pump(s). This is not covered in the installation instructions.

Overview

The Radium Fuel Hanger Surge Tank is a revolutionary way to eliminate fuel starvation that can occur during high performance driving, while also providing a way to upgrade the fuel pumps for high-horsepower engine modifications. This system installs inside the BMW fuel tank on the opposite side of the factory fuel pump and can hold one or two high-flow aftermarket fuel pumps. The OEM fuel pump is used to pump fuel into the FHST, while the pumps inside the FHST supply fuel to the engine.

The system is E85 compatible and does not require any permanent modifications for installation.

Read below to see how the FHST works.

BMW Fuel Tank

The OEM saddle bag fuel tank is quite complex. The venturi jet pump is driven by the feed line instead of the return (M3 has 2 venturi jet pumps). The post pump filter and FPR are integrated into the LH side of the tank where the FHST mounts.

Radium FHST

When these BMWs experience high lateral Gs, they inherently suffer from fuel slosh. The FHST is the best solution in preventing fuel starvation. As described below, the FHST pump(s) are supplied with fuel from 3 different sources: the OEM electric "lift" pump, the fuel pressure regulator (FPR), and the integrated 1-way valve.

Note that the BMW fuel pump is still retained but is now repurposed as a "lift" pump to fill and maintain volume in the FHST. The lift pump fills the FHST canister through a special orifice in the FHST. This keeps the required pressure for the venturi jet pump(s) to be active and deliver fuel to the lift pump. When a low demand of fuel is present, the FHST canister will overflow back into the LH side of the OEM tank. Fuel will then cycle back into the FHST through a 1-way valve integrated to the bottom of the FHST. Unlike traditional surge tanks that rely heavily on surge tank pump and lift pump flow matching, the FHST uses an extra source that negates this important relationship. No matter what is dynamically changing with the other 2 fuel sources, the high flowing 1-way valve will constantly supply fuel to the FHST canister until the LH side of the gas tank becomes extremely low. At this point, it is up to the lift pump and the FPR to supply the last few ounces of fuel to the FHST. 

Integrated Fuel Pressure Regulator

Like OEM, a fuel pressure regulator (FPR) is integrated into the unit.

Furthermore, if an intake manifold signal is installed, this FPR can operate at a 1:1 ratio permitting fuel pressure to proportionally increase with boost pressure. The returning low pressure fuel from the FPR is sent back into the surge tank keeping it full. A 6-hole diverter evenly disperses fuel inside the canister preventing air bubbles and foaming.

Plumbing

To clear the OEM fuel pump cover plate, the 8AN ORB threaded feed port features a preinstalled low profile 8AN male fitting.

As shown above, sock filters are used on the fuel pump inlets. But because the FHST eliminates the OEM post pump filter, a low micron filter will need to be purchased separately. See the 20-0475-0X fuel feed kit below.

Electrical

The custom designed stainless electrical studs easily handle the high current demand that compact bulkhead connectors lack. These serviceable connections are properly sealed and impervious to all standard and exotic fuels. Nonconductive acorn nuts are provided to prevent any accidental short circuiting. Electrical hardware is included for the fuel pump(s) and OEM level sender. Furthermore, the in-tank wiring is insulated with high quality chemically resistant ETFE.

These kits include 1 relay, 1 fuse, and all associated wiring and hardware to install 1 surge tank pump.

Pump Configuration

Both kits come partially assembled. There will be enough components included to run one or two surge tank fuel pumps.

P/N: 20-1970 (shown below) is compatible with the following fuel pumps:
Walbro GSS342
AEM 50-1200

P/N: 20-1972 (shown below) is compatible with the following fuel pumps:
Walbro F90000267
Walbro F90000274
Walbro F90000285

Features

-Drop-In OEM Replacement
-Permits 1 or 2 Surge Pumps 
-1:1 Fuel Pressure Adjustments
-Fuel Starvation Protection
-Integrated 1-Way Fill Valve
-High Current Electrical Hardware
-Compatible with Various Pumps
-Anodized Aluminum Construction
-Gasoline and Ethanol Compliant
-Anodized Aluminum 8AN Male Outlet Fitting
-Anodized Aluminum Surge Tank Canister
-Fuel Resistant Tubing and Wiring
-Stainless Steel Hardware
-Relay(s) and Fuse(s)

OPTIONS

FUEL FEED KITS:

FUEL HANGER FEED, BMW 

NOTE: Because of the exhaust system, these fuel feed kits are NOT compatible with the M3.

A -8AN PTFE fuel feed line secures to the FHST outlet, as shown below. The fuel line clears the OEM fuel pump cover and all suspension related parts. No cutting or drilling is required.

The PTFE hose is routed underneath the vehicle and sent to a Radium Engineering fuel filter secured to the body using OEM hardware.

From there, a SAE quick connect fitting is provided to reattach the OEM N54/N55 fuel line.

Depending on the kit selected, the fuel filter will be assembled with 1 of 2 different elements. 

INCLUDES

-Fuel Filter (-03 Stainless or -05 Microglass)
-Fuel Filter Billet Clamp 
-BMW Fuel Filter Mount
-Black Adapter Fittings
-Stainless Steel Hardware

 FUEL HANGER FPR BLOCK-OFF

The following fuel hanger surge tanks: 20-0970, 20-0972, 20-1970, 20-1972 can be converted from a built-in regulator dead head system, to a return style system. We understand some users want to run an engine bay mounted regulator with a return line back to the tank. This kit makes that possible. The parts in the kit disable the built-in regulator allowing the use of an external regulator elsewhere in the system. The hanger top plate features a return port that can be used for the return line from the external regulator.

As shown above, a FKM O-ring, anodized aluminum plate, and stainless steel plug are included. NOTE: A 6AN ORB fitting is required for the return port in order to attach a hose. Keep in mind, this fitting must be low profile.

NOTE: A fuel pressure regulator (not included) must be installed downstream in the system. This procedure is not discussed in the instructions.