can I make the e36 obd2 fuel rail returnless?

[Sh3rpak!ng]

I had some thoughts in my head as I drove to work this morning as I often do. I am planning to switch to an obd2 rail next time I pull my motor (I am using an obd1 rail now). I went with the obd1 rail initially because it has the integrated FPR mount and I wouldn't have to fiddle with the weird obd2 regulator housing. However, I don't like the added mess of lines under the intake manifold that the obd1 rail requires, and I'd like to use my fuel rail cover.

So, I planned to install the obd2 rail in conjuction with this part from radium engineering: link



I think I'd have to add a tee at the bottom to accommodate the return from the rail, but them I thought, could I just cap one end of the rail and run it as returnless? With the return coming off the regulator housing?

[328ijunkie]

Use e39 early 528i obd2 rail. You can mount cover and has FPR integrated.

[BlackSpeed66]

Yep - I'm running the e39 rail as Dave mentioned - works quite nicely.

I did remove a bit of material from the 2 mount points on the fuel rail cover to 'close' the gap so it fits a bit better at the intake runners. Easy-peasy with a Dremel.

[spiDmang]

I also sourced an early e39 528i fuel rail. Works like a charm.

[Sh3rpak!ng]

wow I am a little dumb. I knew about that rail ages ago but for some reason ruled it out in my head thinking it didn't fit or work in some way that I didn't like. Looking at it again I have no idea what my thoughts were. I'll source one NOW!

How did you guys run the fuel lines with this rail? Over or under the steering linkage? After looking under the car at that area a couple weekends ago IIRC the hardline comes up and points towards the driver strut mount which makes it a little awkward routing fuel lines back towards the rear of the motor - can I use my hardline bender to re route the hardline so it goes under the steering linkage and points up behind the motor? (hope that makes sense)

here's a crude picture