greg75vette
The Traffic Baron
Hey guys, yet another question. I thought I had this all figured out, until my cars configuration could have possibly screwed me over. As you know, I'm swapping in an LS1 that will be kept as EFI. I plan on running braided SS hose from the tank/pump to the fuel rail, keeping the current evap system, and either having an internal return or using a C5 filter/regulator externally. As far as I see it, here are my choices:
-Modify the tank with a sump: I've seen a thread on here with some beautiful welding by TT himself, but seems rather involved and since I can't weld, labor would be expensive. Then isn't there aeration potential with fuel sloshing?
-Modify the tank to hold an Fbody pump: This is what I was going to run with. It is cost effective and I don't have to worry about aeration due to the pump/sending units design. The pump will first lift fuel to a 'bowl' integral to the assembly, then pump out of the tank from there. This also opens me up to the Fbody aftermarket, so when the call for big power comes, I some more options. Vetteworks sells a little kit to adapt the pump to an early C3 tank (pre '74). However, I spoke to Dan of Vetteworks and he felt it may still work in '75 to '77 tanks (which is mine) as long as the liner is removed. All that is needed is about a 6" square of flat space to mount his kit (which is really some plates, but handy plates). When I dropped my tank a few weeks ago I noticed that I don't have such room due to the '75 to '77 ginormous sending unit/filler neck assembly on top of the tank. I have not spoken to Dan about this yet, so we may be able to find a solution to this. I could also by a new pre '75 tank and then modify from there, but I'll also need a new sending unit which would eat up the prime advantage to using an fbody in tank fuel pump: cost. Here's the source of the kit I speak of: Vetteworks.
-Buying a fuel cell with a sump: I figured if I had to buy a new tank to get the above to work, why not just get a new tank to fit my needs right off the bat? However, that's a whole new bag of issues with possible fitment problems like mounting and filler neck and whole locations. I don't ever plan on running a spare, so I do have some room to drop the tank a bit. I can also get a cell with foam to at least help eliminate aeration of the fuel.
-Using the current pick up with an external pump: This is by far the cheapest, but not convinced it's a good idea, especially if I'm looking to increase power any time soon. I've heard of some guys just welding on AN fittings to the old pick up lines ( or buying adapters) and hooking it up to external pumps. I think this would be alright at stock power, but once any more fuel is needed, I'll be facing one of the above options anyway. Also, there may be aeration issues and the in-tank filter sock may not be able to withstand the differential pressure across it (not reinforced on the inside) since it was not designed with EFI pressures in mind.
So who is running what? Anyone feel that one is better than the other, more practical than the other? I'm not looking to spend crazy money, but I don't want to throw it away at poor solutions either.
-Modify the tank with a sump: I've seen a thread on here with some beautiful welding by TT himself, but seems rather involved and since I can't weld, labor would be expensive. Then isn't there aeration potential with fuel sloshing?
-Modify the tank to hold an Fbody pump: This is what I was going to run with. It is cost effective and I don't have to worry about aeration due to the pump/sending units design. The pump will first lift fuel to a 'bowl' integral to the assembly, then pump out of the tank from there. This also opens me up to the Fbody aftermarket, so when the call for big power comes, I some more options. Vetteworks sells a little kit to adapt the pump to an early C3 tank (pre '74). However, I spoke to Dan of Vetteworks and he felt it may still work in '75 to '77 tanks (which is mine) as long as the liner is removed. All that is needed is about a 6" square of flat space to mount his kit (which is really some plates, but handy plates). When I dropped my tank a few weeks ago I noticed that I don't have such room due to the '75 to '77 ginormous sending unit/filler neck assembly on top of the tank. I have not spoken to Dan about this yet, so we may be able to find a solution to this. I could also by a new pre '75 tank and then modify from there, but I'll also need a new sending unit which would eat up the prime advantage to using an fbody in tank fuel pump: cost. Here's the source of the kit I speak of: Vetteworks.
-Buying a fuel cell with a sump: I figured if I had to buy a new tank to get the above to work, why not just get a new tank to fit my needs right off the bat? However, that's a whole new bag of issues with possible fitment problems like mounting and filler neck and whole locations. I don't ever plan on running a spare, so I do have some room to drop the tank a bit. I can also get a cell with foam to at least help eliminate aeration of the fuel.
-Using the current pick up with an external pump: This is by far the cheapest, but not convinced it's a good idea, especially if I'm looking to increase power any time soon. I've heard of some guys just welding on AN fittings to the old pick up lines ( or buying adapters) and hooking it up to external pumps. I think this would be alright at stock power, but once any more fuel is needed, I'll be facing one of the above options anyway. Also, there may be aeration issues and the in-tank filter sock may not be able to withstand the differential pressure across it (not reinforced on the inside) since it was not designed with EFI pressures in mind.
So who is running what? Anyone feel that one is better than the other, more practical than the other? I'm not looking to spend crazy money, but I don't want to throw it away at poor solutions either.