Enderle 110 Fuel Pump: The High-Output Legend for Extreme Racing Fuel Demands

For professional drag racers and dedicated land speed competitors pushing the absolute limits of internal combustion, the Enderle 110 fuel pump stands as an undisputed icon of high-volume mechanical fuel delivery. This isn't a pump for street cars, weekend bracket racers, or budget builds. The Enderle 110 is engineered specifically for one purpose: to supply massive quantities of fuel, primarily methanol or nitromethane mixtures, to the largest and most powerful competition engines, particularly those utilizing mechanical fuel injection systems common in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Top Alcohol, and premier heads-up classes. Its unmatched flow capacity, rugged reliability under extreme pressure and temperature, and long-proven pedigree make it the gold standard where failure is not an option and flow requirements eclipse anything else on the market.

Understanding the Core Mission of the Enderle 110

The fundamental reason the Enderle 110 exists is simple: volume and pressure under the most demanding conditions. Engines consuming hundreds or even thousands of horsepower worth of fuel per minute need a delivery system that keeps up without faltering. Unlike common electric fuel pumps designed for gasoline in street or mild performance applications, the Enderle 110 is a purely mechanical pump. It is typically driven directly off the engine's crankshaft via gears, a belt, or sometimes a dedicated jackshaft. This direct drive provides consistent power directly proportional to engine speed, ensuring fuel delivery scales perfectly with engine demand. The pump generates its high flow and pressure purely through robust internal mechanical components – gears and bearings built to withstand the constant punishment of professional-level racing.

Technical Specifications Defining the 110

While Enderle offers various pump models, the "110" designation specifically refers to its nominal displacement – 110 cubic inches per revolution. This is a massive figure in the fuel pump world. To put it into perspective, consider the following:

  • Flow Rate: The theoretical flow potential of a 110 cubic inch pump is enormous. At 7000 RPM (a common engine speed for bracket racers), such a pump can move over 750 gallons per hour. Even at more modest drive speeds typical for very high horsepower engines, flow rates easily exceed 500 GPH. This dwarfs even high-end electric pumps.
  • Pressure Capability: While primarily known for volume, the Enderle 110 generates significant pressure. It is routinely capable of sustaining system pressures of 50 PSI or more. Crucially, it maintains this pressure consistently at very high flow rates, a combination where many other pumps struggle.
  • Construction: Durability is non-negotiable. The pump body is made from high-strength, aerospace-grade aluminum alloys. The heart of the pump consists of precisely machined steel spur gears and heavily oversized tapered roller bearings running in pressurized oil circuits. Seals are designed for compatibility with aggressive racing fuels like methanol and nitro.
  • Drive Requirements: Driving a pump of this size demands significant engine power – often 20+ horsepower or more. This parasitic loss is substantial but necessary for the level of performance delivered. Drive systems must be engineered to handle the significant torque required.

Core Applications Where the Enderle 110 Reigns Supreme

The Enderle 110 isn't a universal solution; its niche is deliberately narrow and extreme:

  1. Top Fuel Dragsters & Funny Cars: These behemoths, consuming upwards of 15 gallons of nitromethane per second at full throttle, are the ultimate testament to the Enderle 110's capability. Multiple 110 pumps are often staged in series to deliver the phenomenal flow rates required.
  2. Top Alcohol Dragsters & Funny Cars (TAFC/TAD): Running primarily methanol or methanol/nitro blends, these engines require flow rates still far beyond conventional pumps. The 110 is the standard, often driving massive mechanical injection systems like the Enderle Bird Catcher or Barry Grant "Bathtub" nozzles.
  3. High-End Pro Mod, Pro Stock (Traditional), & Limited Engine Sportsman Classes: Dedicated racers in premier heads-up and door car classes frequently running mechanical injection on alcohol will often specify the 110 to ensure ample fuel supply at peak power and provide a significant safety margin.
  4. Land Speed Racing (Bonneville, El Mirage): Vehicles attempting high-speed records often employ large-displacement, highly boosted engines running methanol. Reliability and sustained high flow over longer runs make the 110 a preferred choice in this demanding environment.
  5. Large Displacement, High RPM Nitro Engines (Drag Boats, Tractors, etc.): Any application where a mechanically injected engine demands fuel flows measured in hundreds of gallons per hour will likely turn to the Enderle 110.

What the Enderle 110 Is NOT Suited For

Understanding its limitations is crucial:

  • Gasoline Engines: The internal seals and materials, optimized for alcohol/nitro, are generally incompatible with gasoline. More importantly, the astronomical flow rates and drive power requirement are completely unnecessary for gasoline engines, even high-powered ones.
  • Street Vehicles: The noise, vibration, size, drive complexity, and fuel incompatibility make it entirely impractical for street use.
  • EFI Engines: The Enderle is purely mechanical and lacks the electronic control necessary for modern Electronic Fuel Injection. It cannot function with an EFI system.
  • Mild Performance or Budget Builds: The cost, complexity, and overkill nature of the 110 make it irrelevant for engines not demanding its specific extreme capabilities. Smaller mechanical pumps or high-output electric pumps are far better choices.
  • Low RPM Applications: Because its drive is direct-coupled to the engine crank, flow at idle and low RPM is very high relative to fuel demand in most contexts (except massive nitro engines), leading to potential pressure control challenges if bypass systems aren't perfectly tuned.

Installation and Setup: Demanding Precision

Installing an Enderle 110 pump is a serious engineering task, not a simple bolt-on:

  • Drive System: Designing and mounting a robust drive system (gears, belt, or jackshaft) capable of handling significant torque without deflection or failure is critical. Pulleys or gears must be precisely sized to achieve the desired pump RPM relative to engine RPM. Adequate bearing support for jackshafts is essential.
  • Mounting: The pump itself is large and heavy. It requires a rigid mounting location with substantial reinforcement to prevent cracking the bracket or pump ears under vibration. Proper alignment with the drive system is mandatory.
  • Fuel Plumbing: Feed lines (typically 1/2" ID or larger AN) and return lines must be large enough to handle the flow without restriction. Filters must have adequate capacity and be compatible with alcohol/nitro. High-quality fittings and hose are non-negotiable. Suction lines must be meticulously sealed to avoid air leaks.
  • Bypass System: Since the pump moves vastly more fuel than the engine consumes at any given moment outside full throttle, a high-capacity bypass system is essential. This usually involves an external adjustable bypass regulator plumbed between the pump outlet and the fuel tank return. Proper bypass setup controls system pressure and prevents overheating fuel. It must be robust enough for the flow rates involved.
  • Oil System: The pump's internal bearings require a pressurized oil feed, typically taken from the engine's main oil galley (filtered) via an AN line (often -6 or -8). An oil return line (larger, often -10 or -12) must drain back to the engine pan or oil tank smoothly. Correct oil type and pressure are vital for pump longevity.
  • Priming: Mechanical pumps don't self-prime easily. Systems require initial priming via a hand pump or other means to fill the pump body and suction lines before starting.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Longevity

Properly installed and maintained, the Enderle 110 is remarkably durable. However, neglect or error leads to rapid failure:

  • Oil Supply: This is paramount. Clean oil at the correct pressure (manufacturer specs vary, consult manual) and volume must be constantly supplied. Loss of oil pressure while running quickly destroys the bearings. Use the recommended racing oil type.
  • Cooling Fuel Flow: Adequate fuel flow through the pump, even via the bypass, is critical to prevent overheating, especially when idling. Overheating causes bearing failure and vapor lock.
  • Filtration: Aggressive fuels carry debris. Excellent filtration before the pump (suction filter) and protecting the injection system (post-pump filter) is mandatory. Inspect and clean/replace filters regularly based on usage. Bypass circuit filters also need attention.
  • Inspection: Regularly inspect for leaks (oil and fuel), check mounting hardware security, listen for unusual noises (whining, grinding), and monitor system pressure consistency.
  • Bearing Preload: Some rebuilds require precise bearing preload adjustment using specific shims. This requires expertise and specific tools.
  • Common Failure Points: Bearing seizure due to oil starvation or contamination is most common. Gear wear occurs with severe contamination. Seal failure happens with incompatible fuels or age. Drive coupling or shaft failure occurs with misalignment or excessive load. Pressure drop usually indicates worn gears or significant internal leakage.
  • Rebuilding: Rebuild kits with gears, bearings, seals, and gaskets are available. Rebuilding requires a clean environment and meticulous attention to detail. Consider using a reputable shop specializing in high-performance mechanical pumps for complex rebuilds. Document the pump's history.

Comparing the Enderle 110 to Alternatives

While dominant in its niche, alternatives exist:

  • Smaller Enderle Pumps (80, 60, etc.): Suitable for lower horsepower alcohol or blown applications where 110 flow is overkill. Lighter, less parasitic loss.
  • Hilborn "Fire Pump": Another high-end mechanical pump competitor with a similar pedigree and flow capacity for nitro/alcohol.
  • Electric Pumps (Magnafuel ProStar 140, Fuelab Prodigy 2000+): Modern brushless DC pumps now offer very high flow rates (300-500+ GPH) suitable for many serious alcohol EFI applications or gasoline engines far beyond conventional limits. They offer simpler installation (wiring vs. mechanical drive) and greater adjustability with controllers. However, they consume electrical power, can be sensitive to voltage, lack the sheer brute-force displacement guarantee at peak RPM of a mechanical pump, and rarely match the sustained ultra-high pressure/flow combo needed for big nitro mechanical injection.

Cost Considerations: Investment vs. Necessity

The Enderle 110 fuel pump is a significant investment:

  • Pump Cost: The pump alone is a substantial expenditure, costing several times more than high-end electric pumps.
  • Drive System Costs: Designing, machining components (gears, brackets, jackshaft), and bearings for the drive system adds significant expense. Belt drives need custom pulleys and belts.
  • Plumbing & Filtration: High-flow AN lines, fittings, filters, and regulators suitable for these flow rates are costly. Think -12, -16, or larger.
  • Installation Labor: Proper installation requires considerable fabrication and machining expertise. Professional installation is common.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Rebuild kits and periodic professional rebuilds are part of long-term ownership.

This cost is justified only for applications where nothing else can meet the fuel delivery demands reliably. For the racers in its target market, the pump is a necessary, mission-critical component, and the investment is a fundamental part of being competitive at that level.

The Enderle Legacy and Why the 110 Endures

Enderle Fuel Injection has been a cornerstone of American drag racing and land speed racing since the 1950s. The company pioneered mechanical fuel injection systems for these sports. The 110 pump evolved as a solution to the relentless demand for more power, which required ever-increasing fuel flow. Decades of refinement in metallurgy, bearing design, and manufacturing precision have cemented its reputation. Its success stems from a combination of brute strength, proven reliability under duress, and an inherently simple mechanical principle scaled up for extreme duty. While the technology is "old school" in concept, its execution remains unmatched for its specific, extreme application.

Selecting the Right Enderle Pump for Your Needs

While the 110 is the flagship, choosing involves assessing actual needs:

  1. Engine Type & Fuel: Nitro demands far more volume than methanol. Methanol needs more than gasoline.
  2. Target Horsepower: Calculate approximate fuel flow requirements (lbs/hr or GPH) based on expected horsepower and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) for your fuel type. Add a significant safety margin. Consult pump flow charts showing GPH vs. pump RPM.
  3. Drive RPM: Determine the practical pump RPM you can achieve relative to engine RPM based on your drive system configuration. Flow is proportional to pump RPM.
  4. Drive Method: Assess feasibility and cost of gear, belt, or jackshaft drive. Belt offers flexibility but less positive engagement than gears.
  5. Expert Consultation: Discuss specific needs with Enderle tech support, experienced engine builders, or fuel system specialists familiar with the demands of your racing class. They can advise if the 110 is necessary or if an 80 or 60 series would suffice, saving cost, complexity, and parasitic loss.

Conclusion: The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

The Enderle 110 fuel pump is not merely a component; it is an engineering solution forged in the crucible of motorsport’s most extreme disciplines. It embodies the principle that when performance requirements push beyond the boundaries of conventional technology, specialized, purpose-built machinery emerges to meet the challenge. Its legacy is built on delivering staggering volumes of fuel reliably, hour after hour, at speeds and pressures that would destroy lesser pumps. For the teams competing at the pinnacle of drag racing and land speed, where engine failure often starts with fuel system failure, the Enderle 110 provides the critical confidence that the fuel supply is one less variable to worry about. Its cost, complexity, and demanding installation requirements are not shortcomings, but the necessary price of admission to this elite performance tier. If your racing ambitions demand flow rates measured in hundreds of gallons per hour for nitro or alcohol, the Enderle 110 remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of mechanical fuel pumps. It is the definitive solution where only the maximum will suffice.

Back to blog