All Categories

Get in touch

banner

News

Home >  News

New to car mods? Here's how to pick AN fittings that'll make your ride stand out!

Feb 26, 2025

What Are an fittings and Why Are They Important for Car Modifications?

AN fittings are specialized connectors used in automotive systems, particularly in fuel, oil, and coolant lines. They ensure a secure and leak-free connection, critical in maintaining the performance and safety of these systems. AN fittings, named after the Army and Navy who standardized them, offer precise connections due to their thread design. This design is crucial in preventing leaks, especially in high-pressure environments typical of modified fuels and systems.

In car modifications, AN fittings are indispensable. They provide the precision and reliability needed in upgraded or customized vehicle systems. Their ability to maintain system integrity under high pressure and temperature conditions is vital for safety and performance. Additionally, the adaptability of AN fittings, using various fuel quick connect fittings and options, makes them suitable for diverse applications, from fuel storage tanks to complex cooling systems.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing AN Fittings

Size and Compatibility with Your Car's System

Choosing the correct size and compatibility of AN fittings with your car's system is vital for ensuring leak-free and efficient operation. AN fittings must match the size and thread type of your car's existing system to avoid potential leaks or system failures. Check the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle to determine the correct size and type of fittings needed. This careful matching helps maintain system integrity and enhances performance.

Material Quality and Durability

When selecting AN fittings, consider their material quality and durability, as these factors significantly influence longevity and performance. AN fittings are available in various materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. Each material offers unique strengths; for instance, stainless steel is favored for high-performance applications due to its strength and resistance to extreme conditions. It's essential to choose the material that aligns with your specific needs and environmental exposures.

Pressure and Temperature Ratings

Ensuring that your AN fittings can withstand the pressure and temperature ranges of your car's system is crucial for preventing system failures. Each fitting has specific ratings, and using ones with inadequate ratings can lead to significant issues. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to guarantee that the fittings meet the required specifications for your vehicle. This step is critical in maintaining the system's efficiency and safety under varied operating conditions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Right AN Fittings

Assessing Your Car's Specific Needs

To select the right AN fittings for your car, start by assessing its specific needs. Evaluate the modifications you plan to make as each modification might necessitate different AN fittings, such as changes to the fuel or coolant systems. Consider the system-specific requirements, whether it’s the fuel system, oil system, or coolant system, to determine the appropriate fittings. Tailoring the fittings to these unique requirements can ensure optimal performance and safety. Understanding your car's needs will guide you in selecting the best-suited AN fittings and support a successful installation.

Matching Fittings to Your Car's Fuel System

When selecting AN fittings, ensure they are compatible with your car's fuel system. Check the size, material, and pressure ratings to ensure a secure fit. It's crucial to select fittings that handle the specific fuel type, whether it's gasoline, diesel, or ethanol. Compatibility with the fuel system is essential to prevent leaks or system malfunctions, which could compromise performance and safety. Always prioritize fittings that match the operational demands of the vehicle's fuel system to maintain efficiency and integrity.

Ensuring Proper Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation of AN fittings is vital for their performance and longevity. Use appropriate tools and techniques to achieve a secure, leak-free connection. Proper installation prevents potential issues like leaks, which could lead to system failure. Regular maintenance and inspection play a key role in extending the life of modified systems. Regular checks can catch issues early, ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. Following these recommendations will help maintain and enhance your car's performance over time.

Top AN Fittings Products for Car Modifications

Male AN to Metric One Way Check Valve

The Male AN to Metric One Way Check Valve is an essential component for preventing backflow in a car's fuel system, ensuring that fuel flows exclusively in the intended direction. Designed for versatility, this check valve is compatible with both AN and metric fittings, making it suitable for various car modifications and simplifying installation across different systems.

What Arean fittingsand Why Are They Important for Car Modifications?
Male AN to Metric One Way Check Valve
COLORED POWER. One Way Check Valve. This one way check valve features a Male AN fittings oneither end in sizes ranging from -6 through to -16. The valve comes with a 1.5psi spring installed and there is an optional 5psi spring where required. The length of the valve body is 29mm for the -6 and -8 or 35mm for the -10, 12and -16 unit. Available in Blue, Black and Silver....

Male AN fuel filter with Shut off Valve

The Male AN Fuel Filter with Shut off Valve offers enhanced safety and convenience within your car's fuel system. It combines a robust fuel filter to ensure optimal performance with a shut-off valve that facilitates easy maintenance and repairs without draining the entire system. This integration not only prolongs the lifespan of your vehicle’s fuel components but also simplifies service routines, crucial for maintaining high performance.

What Arean fittingsand Why Are They Important for Car Modifications?
Male AN Fuel Filter with Shut off Valve
COLORED POWER.When excellent filtration is the key to fuel system performance, COLORED POWER Pro Filters provide an inexpensiveinsurance policy for your investment. For 200-2700 plus HP applications, our filter assemblies offer unmatched flow and ease of maintenance and installation.The Pro Filter includes an internal magnet to catch fine particles, are also available with a Ball Valve (shut off valve) and come in Blue, Silver or Black finshes. ...

Carby 2xAN6 Fuel Regulator

The Carby 2xAN6 Fuel Regulator is crucial for maintaining consistent fuel pressure, vital for achieving optimal engine performance. Its design includes dual AN6 ports, making it ideal for high-performance applications and custom fuel system setups. This ensures that robust fuel delivery is sustained, which is a critical factor for those aiming to maximize engine efficiency and performance within custom or even standard setups.

What Arean fittingsand Why Are They Important for Car Modifications?
Carby 2xAN6 Fuel Regulator
COLORED POWER.Machined from billet 6061 T6 aluminium and anodised, E85 and alcohol compatible. Fast response, low maintenance. Precise pressure control. These non-bypass style regulators do not require a return line to the fuel tank. ...

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing AN Fittings

Ignoring Compatibility Issues

Selecting AN fittings without ensuring compatibility with your car's existing system is a prevalent mistake. This oversight can result in leaks, system failures, or even costly repairs. To avoid such problems, it is crucial to always double-check the specifications of the fittings. Ensure they align with the make and model of your vehicle to guarantee a secure and effective connection.

Overlooking Pressure and Temperature Limits

Another common error is neglecting the pressure and temperature ratings of AN fittings. These factors are especially critical in high-performance applications where the system is subjected to extreme conditions. Ignoring these limits can lead to catastrophic system failures. Therefore, when choosing fittings, make sure they can withstand the specific pressure and temperature conditions of your car's system to avoid any potential issues.

Choosing the Wrong Size or Material

The integrity of your car's system can be severely compromised by selecting the wrong size or material for AN fittings. Such choices can lead to issues like leaks, corrosion, and a decline in system performance. To prevent these problems, always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines. By selecting fittings that cater to the specific needs of your car, you help maintain a robust and efficient system.

Tips for Proper Installation of AN Fittings

Using the Right Tools for Installation

Proper installation of AN fittings is crucial for ensuring a leak-free system, and this process requires specific tools. Using wrenches designed for AN fittings and applying thread sealant appropriately are key steps. Utilizing incorrect tools can result in damaged fittings and potential leaks. To ensure the fittings are secure, invest in high-quality tools and meticulously follow the manufacturer's instructions during installation. This not only protects the fittings but also ensures a longer-lasting and efficient system.

Ensuring a Secure and Leak-free Connection

Achieving a secure and leak-free connection is paramount when installing AN fittings. It is essential to tighten the fittings just enough to secure them without over-tightening, as excessive force can damage the threads and cause leaks. Applying the appropriate amount of thread sealant or tape is recommended to maintain a tight seal. This will help in safeguarding the functionality of your vehicle's system by preventing potential leaks that could arise from poorly sealed connections.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of AN fittings can prevent major issues down the line. This involves routinely checking for signs of leaks, corrosion, and wear. By scheduling regular inspections and promptly replacing any worn or damaged fittings, you can uphold the system's integrity and ensure it performs optimally. Maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the fittings but also minimizes the risk of unexpected failures, thus enhancing system reliability.