71 Fuel Tank Question
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
71 Fuel Tank Question
I will be installing some sort of holley or eldlebrock fuel injection in my 71 soon and was concerned about what modifications need to be done to the fuel tank. If anyone out there is running this type of fuel injection, let me know what mods you had to do to the tank.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Here's what I did first:
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/zwed...fi/fuelsys.htm
This worked ok, but the engine stumbled in turns with less than 1/2 tank. I had a custom aluminum tank done with baffles and a sump and it has worked perfectly:
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/zwed...i/fueltank.htm
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/zwed...fi/fuelsys.htm
This worked ok, but the engine stumbled in turns with less than 1/2 tank. I had a custom aluminum tank done with baffles and a sump and it has worked perfectly:
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/zwed...i/fueltank.htm
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Fuel Injection Fuel Tank
Zwede, I'm curious to know what makes your configuration different. When I emailed Edelbrock the same question they said no internal modifications are necessary. Also I know for a fact that everyone doing the fuel injection conversion arent building custom tanks. Was there something specific about your install?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
There are no internal modifications necessary and the car will run just fine for a while - if you don't mind filling up at every other gas station to keep the tank above 1/2. Almost every publication I've seen recommends a setup similar to Zwede's, or a separate external sump canister (which requires an additional small primary pump). I'm in the process of adding a sump during my protracted EFI installation.
Another consideration, at least in my case, is that the (very expensive) pump instructions said it could be damaged by running it dry for more than a few seconds. Every time the suction line goes dry is extreme wear on the pump. I'm not taking any chances on ruining the pump and leaving me stranded.
Another consideration, at least in my case, is that the (very expensive) pump instructions said it could be damaged by running it dry for more than a few seconds. Every time the suction line goes dry is extreme wear on the pump. I'm not taking any chances on ruining the pump and leaving me stranded.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Z-man, I totally think what you and zwede are saying makes sense BUT why would edelbrock tell me otherwise? (surely they dont need to make a sale that bad). I also am interested in the publications you are speaking of that recommend tank modifications, I would like to read them.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Here is some typical feedback. Even BMWs have similar problems...
http://216.242.145.16/products/content_p.phtml?pk=13
http://216.242.145.16/products/product.phtml?p=27
http://www.bimmerparts.net/techt/bmwtfinj.htm
http://www.sdsefi.com/techsurge.htm
http://216.242.145.16/products/content_p.phtml?pk=13
http://216.242.145.16/products/product.phtml?p=27
http://www.bimmerparts.net/techt/bmwtfinj.htm
http://www.sdsefi.com/techsurge.htm
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
40927: Call Edelbrock ask ask them about fuel starvation. I'm curious what they'll tell you. I experienced it first hand as have many others. Beyond being annoying it also kills the pump as EFI pumps are cooled and lubricated by the fuel they pump.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I have TPI on my 69 and a stock tank. I have never been below about 1/4 tank, but I have had no starvation issues. I am using an 88 Ford truck external pump mounted above the RH rail. Works like a champ. I am using the stock 1/8 return line and port.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Well,im one who hasnt had any trouble with using the stock sending unit and attaching a late model pump on the end of it.Ive used both,i had a frame mounted one which was too annoying for me,loud and buzzing so i went back to the tank mounted one.Ive run it as low as a few gallons and never had any trouble around turns.I made sure the pump and sock lay on the bottom as close as i could get it.Now saying that i am looking at replacing ta nk with something nicer like zwedes.I was to make all new lines with aeroquip socketless hose and AN fittings.