Deatschwerks Fuel Pump Hardwire Installation Kit: A Guide to Optimal Fuel System Performance

For automotive enthusiasts and performance tuners, ensuring that a vehicle’s fuel system can handle increased power demands is critical. One key component in this effort is the Deatschwerks Fuel Pump Hardwire Installation Kit. Designed to bypass potentially underperforming or aging factory wiring, this kit allows users to hardwire a high-flow fuel pump directly to the vehicle’s battery. This ensures that the pump receives consistent, adequate voltage regardless of the vehicle’s age or performance level.

The kit is especially recommended for vehicles over 10 years old, those producing over 400 wheel horsepower (whp), or models that were not originally designed to support high-horsepower modifications. By reducing electrical resistance and power loss, the hardwire installation kit helps maintain the reliability and efficiency of the fuel pump—critical for sustained high-performance driving.

In the following sections, we will explore the kit’s components, intended applications, and installation considerations. We will also reference a dual-pump variant and touch on installation best practices, drawing from the information provided in the supporting documentation.

Kit Overview and Key Features

The Deatschwerks Fuel Pump Hardwire Installation Kit is engineered for straightforward, reliable installation and long-term durability. It is designed to provide a direct electrical connection between the fuel pump and the vehicle’s battery, minimizing the voltage drop that can occur with older or compromised factory wiring.

Components Included

According to the product documentation, the standard hardwire kit includes the following components:

15 feet of 12-gauge SLX spec red power cable: This cable is used to connect the fuel pump to the battery, ensuring a high-quality electrical path.
5 feet of 12-gauge SLX spec black ground cable: This ground wire helps complete the circuit and stabilize the electrical connection.
30-amp in-line fuse: This fuse provides overcurrent protection for the fuel pump circuit, helping to prevent electrical faults.
40-amp automotive relay: The relay allows the fuel pump to be controlled via the vehicle’s existing ignition circuit while ensuring it receives full battery voltage when active.
4-lead relay socket with pigtails: This component facilitates the connection between the relay and the vehicle’s wiring harness.
Install instructions: The kit includes instructions to guide the user through the installation process.
DW window decal: A small promotional decal is included for visibility and identification purposes.

The dual-pump variant of the kit, as described in one of the source documents, includes additional components to accommodate two fuel pumps. This version is ideal for high-output engine builds or applications that require redundant fuel delivery systems.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The kit is designed to support a wide range of fuel pumps, including the Deatschwerks DW200, DW300, and DW65c models, among others. By eliminating voltage drop caused by long or degraded factory wiring, the hardwire installation ensures that the fuel pump receives the full voltage it is designed to operate at. This, in turn, helps the pump deliver a consistent and reliable fuel flow, which is essential for engine performance and tuning.

The documentation also notes that the kit is recommended for vehicles that are over 10 years old, as the factory wiring may have degraded over time. This can result in reduced fuel pump efficiency and potential performance issues. Additionally, the kit is highly recommended for vehicles producing over 400 whp, as these engines require a higher and more stable fuel delivery system.

Installation Considerations and Best Practices

The installation of the Deatschwerks hardwire kit involves several key steps. The user must run the power and ground cables from the battery to the fuel pump, install the relay, and connect it to the vehicle’s ignition system. The documentation emphasizes the importance of using the correct gauge wiring and ensuring all connections are secure and properly insulated.

One user who installed the kit noted the presence of a yellow and blue wire in the kit. The yellow wire is to be connected to the positive lead of the "pump side," while the blue wire connects to the positive lead on the "harness side." The red and black wires are used for power and ground connections, respectively.

When installing the kit, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This includes ensuring that the relay is correctly wired into the vehicle’s ignition circuit and that the in-line fuse is properly installed to protect the circuit from overloads. Additionally, the wiring should be routed away from heat sources and sharp edges to prevent damage or wear over time.

For dual-pump setups, the installation process is similar but includes additional components to connect and power a second fuel pump. This variant is particularly useful in applications where a single pump may not be sufficient to meet the engine’s fuel demands.

Application and Compatibility

The Deatschwerks Fuel Pump Hardwire Installation Kit is marketed as a universal solution, meaning it is compatible with a wide range of vehicles and fuel pump models. However, it is especially recommended for high-performance applications where consistent fuel delivery is critical. The kit is also compatible with various Deatschwerks fuel pumps, including the DW200, DW300, and DW65c models.

One example of the kit’s compatibility is its use with the X2 Series Fuel Pump Module for the 2011–2019 Ford Mustang. In this application, a 10-gauge hardwire kit is recommended for optimal performance. This reinforces the importance of using the correct gauge wiring based on the specific fuel pump and vehicle setup.

The documentation also mentions the use of a regulated return-style fuel system in conjunction with the X2 pump modules. This indicates that the hardwire kit is designed to work with various fuel system configurations, provided that the system is properly regulated and maintained.

Benefits and Use Cases

The primary benefit of the Deatschwerks hardwire kit is its ability to ensure that the fuel pump receives consistent and adequate voltage. This is particularly important for high-performance vehicles or those with modified engines that require a more robust fuel delivery system. By hardwiring the pump to the battery, the kit eliminates the voltage drop that can occur with factory wiring, especially in older vehicles.

Another benefit is the increased reliability of the fuel pump system. The kit includes a 40-amp relay and a 30-amp in-line fuse, which provide additional protection against electrical faults and overloads. This helps to prevent damage to the fuel pump and other components in the system.

The kit is also beneficial for vehicles that are not originally designed for high horsepower. In these cases, the factory wiring may not be capable of supporting the increased fuel demand, leading to potential performance issues or system failures. The hardwire kit helps to bridge this gap by providing a more reliable and efficient power delivery system.

Limitations and Considerations

While the Deatschwerks hardwire kit offers several advantages, there are a few limitations and considerations to keep in mind. One of the most important is the need for proper installation. The kit requires running wires from the battery to the fuel pump, which may require some mechanical knowledge or assistance from a professional installer. Additionally, the wiring must be routed correctly to avoid damage or interference with other components.

Another consideration is the need for compatibility with the vehicle’s electrical system. While the kit is marketed as universal, it is important to ensure that the wiring harness and relay are compatible with the specific vehicle model and year. In some cases, additional modifications or adapters may be required to ensure a proper fit.

For users who are not experienced with electrical systems or fuel pump installations, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. This can help to ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely, minimizing the risk of electrical issues or fuel system failures.

Dual-Pump Applications

For high-performance vehicles or those with particularly high fuel demands, the dual-pump hardwire kit is an excellent option. This variant allows for the installation of two fuel pumps, providing a redundant and more powerful fuel delivery system. The kit includes additional wiring and components to support the second pump, ensuring that both receive adequate voltage and operate efficiently.

The dual-pump setup is especially useful in applications where a single pump may not be sufficient to meet the engine’s fuel requirements. For example, in turbocharged or supercharged engines, the fuel demand can be significantly higher than in naturally aspirated engines. A dual-pump system helps to ensure that the engine receives a consistent and reliable fuel supply, even under high-load conditions.

The documentation also notes that the dual-pump kit is designed for use with a regulated return-style fuel system. This is important because it helps to maintain proper fuel pressure and flow, ensuring that both pumps operate efficiently and without unnecessary strain.

Conclusion

The Deatschwerks Fuel Pump Hardwire Installation Kit is a valuable tool for automotive enthusiasts and performance tuners who want to ensure their fuel system can support increased power demands. By hardwiring the fuel pump directly to the vehicle’s battery, the kit eliminates voltage drop and ensures consistent performance. It is especially recommended for older vehicles, high-horsepower applications, and setups that require a more robust fuel delivery system.

The kit includes high-quality components such as 12-gauge wiring, a 40-amp relay, and a 30-amp in-line fuse, all of which contribute to its reliability and performance. The installation process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to ensure a safe and effective setup.

For users interested in dual-pump applications, the dual-pump variant of the kit offers an additional layer of performance and reliability. It is designed to support two fuel pumps, making it ideal for high-output engine builds or vehicles with particularly high fuel demands.

Ultimately, the Deatschwerks hardwire kit is a well-engineered solution that helps to maintain the efficiency and reliability of a high-performance fuel system. Whether used in a single-pump or dual-pump setup, it provides a direct and stable power delivery system, ensuring that the fuel pump can operate at its full potential.