LS1 guys, fuel tank question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 129
From: Napanee Ontario
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
LS1 guys, fuel tank question
Looking at putting a LS1 in did you guys modify the original fuel tank or can you get a new one that will use an internal pump? If a new tank where did you get it from?
All opinions and pictures welcomed
All opinions and pictures welcomed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
82 sending unit with a 95 LT1 Vette pump. Now that I know what I'm doing, I would just modify the stock sending unit with a late model LT1 pump and save the cash I spent on the sending unit.
You will also need the pump harness. You can get the pigtail from GM.
You will also need the pump harness. You can get the pigtail from GM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Peabody Ma.
I dont think an 82 sending unit will fit a 74? Im sure others will chime in though. On my 81 I did use the 82 sending unit, Ive been told that in tank is better, but I have also read that other fourm members have had good luck with external pumps!! Good luck with your build!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Originally Posted by 70 LS1
You can get a new tank from rock valley.
I used the stock 1970 tank with an external inline pump.
I used the stock 1970 tank with an external inline pump.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 87
From: Bismarck IL.
I sent my 73 tank to Rock Valley auto parts in Stillman Valley, Il.They cut the tank ,put in a sump and a fuel pump in it. I have used this set up for 5 yrs. with my tune port and now my ls1,works great! Had a external pump before this ,it was noisey and had a vapor lock problem. The phone#is 815-645-2271.Good luck with your conversion,I love driving my 73 now.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 19
From: Northern CA
St. Jude Donor '10-'12, '25
I'm going to use an internal fuel pump from Tanks Inc. with my stock tank. I will need to modify my tank. The good thing is you can modify the pump height. I don't want to risk an external pump being to noisy or even heard. As for the sending unit right now I'm using stock, since it works with my stock gauge. However, I'm in the process of researching new gauges.
Here's a link of the pump:
http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd84.htm
Here's a link of the pump:
http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd84.htm
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
i used my 73 tank and modified a 89 truck sending unit and used a walbro 255 pump on it and mounted it into the top my tank<BUT i ran the pump dry and burnt it up,so im building a new tank over th winter with baffles.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Originally Posted by Scooter70
I copied everything that Jeff did. Stock tank with Walbro external pump pushing through a '99+ Corvette filter/regulator.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 129
From: Napanee Ontario
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Originally Posted by Gr8Wht
I'm going to use an internal fuel pump from Tanks Inc. with my stock tank. I will need to modify my tank. The good thing is you can modify the pump height. I don't want to risk an external pump being to noisy or even heard. As for the sending unit right now I'm using stock, since it works with my stock gauge. However, I'm in the process of researching new gauges.
Here's a link of the pump:
http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd84.htm
Here's a link of the pump:
http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd84.htm
Dale
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Originally Posted by mrvette
Scooter, I have an external pump on my TPI setup....but about that regulator,...what advantage does it have?? do I still need the return line?? does it use a vacuum line??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
I used the same filter/regulator,saves time plumbing 2 lines up front return line is alot shorter ,its alittle bit more money for the filter,but it works better.I got mine through napa alot cheaper then gm's price.
Like this
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/pc-...el-filter.aspx
Like this
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/pc-...el-filter.aspx
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 19
From: Northern CA
St. Jude Donor '10-'12, '25
Corvette74 - I will be modifying my tank similar to this...
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=14
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=14
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by bruced267
I dont think an 82 sending unit will fit a 74? Im sure others will chime in though. On my 81 I did use the 82 sending unit, Ive been told that in tank is better, but I have also read that other fourm members have had good luck with external pumps!! Good luck with your build!!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
Originally Posted by Budman78
82 sending unit with a 95 LT1 Vette pump. Now that I know what I'm doing, I would just modify the stock sending unit with a late model LT1 pump and save the cash I spent on the sending unit.
You will also need the pump harness. You can get the pigtail from GM.
You will also need the pump harness. You can get the pigtail from GM.
these C3's usually suck the $$ up). Can you tell more of using late model LT1 pump and pump harness w/stock sender (seems like wouldn't be sufficent wires going into tank w/stock sender?)? I will use the C5 filter/regulator in my 79 conversion, have been on the fence re walbro in tank, or external - like the idea of in tank, but hate spending more on the '82 sender.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by martinsw
Interesting concept - save $$ ( these C3's usually suck the $$ up). Can you tell more of using late model LT1 pump and pump harness w/stock sender (seems like wouldn't be sufficent wires going into tank w/stock sender?)? I will use the C5 filter/regulator in my 79 conversion, have been on the fence re walbro in tank, or external - like the idea of in tank, but hate spending more on the '82 sender.....
these C3's usually suck the $$ up). Can you tell more of using late model LT1 pump and pump harness w/stock sender (seems like wouldn't be sufficent wires going into tank w/stock sender?)? I will use the C5 filter/regulator in my 79 conversion, have been on the fence re walbro in tank, or external - like the idea of in tank, but hate spending more on the '82 sender.....The C-5 filter/reg is the way to go.
The only issue I have with the intank pump is when the fuel level is below 1/8 a tank, it will run dry in hard G turns. I guess foam would solve that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
I adapted an in-tank Bronco pump
from a 1990 Bronco. There are some pictures in my corvette pictures off to the left here.
The Bronco fuel pump comes in a cannister assembly and the fuel returns to this cannister. I can change the pump from the top and I was able to keep my original fuel tank sender. The design allows the fuel pressure regulator return flow to go back to the pump suction. This means that your pump will not lose suction and lets me use my tank without baffling.
There are now many different cannister-type pumps which would allow you to do this. That plate that sits on top of our tanks gives us many options.
The Bronco fuel pump comes in a cannister assembly and the fuel returns to this cannister. I can change the pump from the top and I was able to keep my original fuel tank sender. The design allows the fuel pressure regulator return flow to go back to the pump suction. This means that your pump will not lose suction and lets me use my tank without baffling.
There are now many different cannister-type pumps which would allow you to do this. That plate that sits on top of our tanks gives us many options.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
I used a Rock Valley stainless tank. Comes with baffles and you can pick the in-tank pump. Fits just like a stock tank. Using the 99+ C5 filter so I only have to run a return line from the filter to the tank instead of all the way to the fuel rail. Expensive, but at least I know it's done right. Not convinced on the running without baffles.