1978 LS3 engine swap
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2015
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From: colo
1978 LS3 engine swap
I have been considering installing an LS3 in my car. I think I have pretty much everything figured out except for an electric fuel pump.
I would like to have an in-tank pump if possible. I live in Denver,Co area.
I would like to have an in-tank pump if possible. I live in Denver,Co area.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Forked River NJ
Look at tanksinc website. They have Vette fuel tanks that already are setup for an intank electric fuel pump. Or you can just get an electric pump and modify the existing tank. I like the intank pumps as they are quiet and run cool. I have their intank pump in mine. They did not have the tank when I did mine. Another forum member close buy has the tank and pump setup.
Just looked it is not for a 78 but it might fit. Give them a call.
Just looked it is not for a 78 but it might fit. Give them a call.
Last edited by Gordonm; Dec 28, 2015 at 09:29 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: colo
I would like to try and use my existing tank because of the built in bladder. I have read several websites about modifying the fuel pick up, but haven't figured out which pump would work, and if I would have to run 3/8" tubing for the supply.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Forked River NJ
You can modify the existing system to work but realize the LS3 runs on 60 psi of fuel and requires the pickup to be covered at all times. A momentary uncover drops pressure and the engine will stumble. I used an in tank pump with a separate pickup. I did run a different fuel injection system before the LS3 which I modified the tank also. Used a small sump and the external pump was very close to the tank. It worked but was a little noisy. It sounds like you want to use the existing pickup tube in the tank. I'm sure it has been done but I'm not sure how. It was never designed for fuel Injection and you need lots of flow with good pressure.
Burning Brakes
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From: Wentzville MO
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Wentzville MO
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New York
I am using a FAST fuel pump intank . I ran high pressure braided fuel lines , if you do go intank use a quality pump that can supply up to 60psi and flow like he!! .. Dont skimp .. I use a holley FI fuel regulator
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From: San Jose CA
FWIW, the 78-82s have a lining inside the tank that apparently very commonly cracks and allows water to collect between the lining and the tank shell. I went with a new tank and added an Aeromotive Phantom system to mine. I'd consider the Holley Hydramat setup if doing this again.
I agree with Gordon, sump it. The 82 sending unit will get you the pressures when the car is cruising and light acceleration, but if the tank is low and you start to drive around the edges of the traction circle you will find that you'll starve the pump. 3/8 tank was low enough to make my low fuel light trip when I was running longer sweepers.
I agree with Gordon, sump it. The 82 sending unit will get you the pressures when the car is cruising and light acceleration, but if the tank is low and you start to drive around the edges of the traction circle you will find that you'll starve the pump. 3/8 tank was low enough to make my low fuel light trip when I was running longer sweepers.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 237
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From: Springfield MO
For my LSx twin turbo build I just bought a replacement tank with no bladder, put a sump on it, and hooked up 2 044 inline pumps. It will be supporting 1k hp at 58psi so I would assume if you just threw a 044 inline on somewhere you will be fine.