1968 327/350 fuel filter

[Ted K.]

The correct fuel filter for the 1968 327/350 has a fitting for a return line to the fuel tank. I assume it is to relieve any excessive fuel pressure when not under hard acceleration. These filters are hard to find. If I were to install a straight in line filter without the by pass would the higher fuel line pressure be excessive for the carb? Would the float needle handle it and not affect permormance?
Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 327/350 fuel filter

Ted the GF432 filter for your 68 is available from more than one Corvette parts establishment. I did a quick check with two and each one had the filter. The price is really high compared to what I paid for my last one. Check out the Corvette parts places, the two I checked had a $17.00 difference on the GF432. Perhaps the shipping and handling would make the difference of the less expensive one.
Wish I would of bought a case of them 25 years ago.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 327/350 fuel filter

The correct fuel filter for the 1968 327/350 has a fitting for a return line to the fuel tank. I assume it is to relieve any excessive fuel pressure when not under hard acceleration. These filters are hard to find. If I were to install a straight in line filter without the by pass would the higher fuel line pressure be excessive for the carb? Would the float needle handle it and not affect permormance?
Thanks

Ted-----


The AC GF-432 fuel filter is still available from AC Delco (but not through the GM parts system). Two problems:

1) It lists for about 65 bucks, each

2) The filter shell on the current piece is larger than originals. Therefore, it will not fit in the original filter bracket and a fabricated bracket will need to be used.

Personally, I would not remove one of these filters from the system based upon assumptions made on the reasons for its inclusion in the system. The filter component of the assembly is likely not necessary since after 1969, the only filter that was used was the carb inlet filter (which 68-69 carbs also have). However, a fuel return was used for all 1968-81 Corvettes, except most 68-72 with Holley carburetors. For 1968-69, the fuel return was from the filter; for 1970-81 it was from the fuel pump.

My suggestion would be to obtain a current GF-432, fabricate in a professional manner a bracket for it, and be done with it. Unless you have really bad gas in your area or drive the car way more than most folks drive there older Corvettes, you'll never need a replacement.