Fuel tank question

[jlwdvm]

I'm new to the LS thing so bear with me. I am looking at getting a 525 horse version of the LS3 from Scroggins for my 69 firebird track day car. I had priced out a Rick's Tank for it, but came across these on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Chevy-Camaro-Gas-Tank-Combo-for-Fuel-Injection-Tank-Pump-Sender-/221284644045?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item338597b4cd&vxp=mtr
Does this seem like a cost-effective alternative? I will be using Ride Tech 4-link with a mini tub kit if that matters. Thanks.

[69cutlassrkt]

Seems like there hasn't been much feedback on these. Its been asked a couple of time about tanksinc fuel tanks, but I guess not many have used one. It's probably better than a spectra tank.

[DCx]

I know lots of mustang guys run their tank for FI 302 swaps. Others say drilling a hole in a stock tank and using their fuel pump module works well too. I will most likely run one in my LS1 67 mustang. Im thinking of welding in the trunk floor and using a 68 camaro tank under the trunk floor. Don't like the idea of fuel lines inside the trunk.

[Twentyover]

Seems like there hasn't been much feedback on these. Its been asked a couple of time about tanksinc fuel tanks, but I guess not many have used one. It's probably better than a spectra tank.

What are the specific problems w/a Spectra tank?

[69cutlassrkt]

I know lots of mustang guys run their tank for FI 302 swaps. Others say drilling a hole in a stock tank and using their fuel pump module works well too. I will most likely run one in my LS1 67 mustang. Im thinking of welding in the trunk floor and using a 68 camaro tank under the trunk floor. Don't like the idea of fuel lines inside the trunk.

Are the mustang guys with the tanksinc tank autocrossing their cars or anything aggressive like that without issues?


Here's a thread about the spectra tanks Greg. - https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/77069-Anybody-actually-using-the-spectra-tank?highlight=spectra+tank

[jazz]

The tanks are direct replacement stock, I believe you need notched corners for exhaust with mini tubs.

[DCx]

Are the mustang guys with the tanksinc tank autocrossing their cars or anything aggressive like that without issues?


Here's a thread about the spectra tanks Greg. - https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/77069-Anybody-actually-using-the-spectra-tank?highlight=spectra+tank

No. I would think a majority of users are just trying to get their FI project running and driving. Like myself.

[jlwdvm]

Probably want to go with a baffled tank for road course driving? Options?

[69cutlassrkt]

Probably want to go with a baffled tank for road course driving? Options?

Don't know of any besides the vaporworx tank. It's like $1300 or around that. At least you would only be buying it once. I'll eventually have to upgrade my spectra tank because it needs half a tank or more to not have fuel starvation. Dcx says the tanksinc works, but if it has the same issues then you would need to modify it somehow or just buy another tank. I would rather just spend the money once.

[reedld]

What are the specific problems w/a Spectra tank?

i know of only one person with a spectra tank....He did an emissions legal LT swap in Cali in a 78 camaro. His issue is he can not go below 1/4 tank with out fuel starvation issues....and recently the pump left his wife stranded. He thought the pump was bad....after the tow home....it started to work again. I didn't think the spectra tanks were baffled.

I'd do what I did...buy a new tank, buy or build yourself a kit from vetteworks.com, put a 4th gen ls1fuel bucket in...and be done. I have run my tank down below 1/8 and no issues. I recessed the bucket so I didn't have to cut my trunk. You could put a 5th gen camaro bucket in...they are shallower than the 4th gen ones.

This is much cheaper than a custom baffled tank...

[CarlC]

The 4th-gen modules are too tall to fit into most chassis unless some major surgery is done to either the tank floor or extending the tank bottom.

The 5th-gen is a much better fit.

Simple baffles are not effective. One could go the trap door method but the design becomes complex and still leaves much to be desired. The late model fuel module is the best design and addresses most all of the needs for both street and track requirements.

There's more info here http://vaporworx.com

[reedld]

The 4th-gen modules are too tall to fit into most chassis unless some major surgery is done to either the tank floor or extending the tank bottom. [/url]

Yeah...it was a tough fit in my tank! I recessed my pump almost 2 inches so none of the lines hit the trunk. I shortened my 4th gen pump the absolute most possible...without actually cutting the bucket. I shortened the supply hose (so it did not kink) when I replaced the pump in the bucket. I replaced it only for piece of mind. I had no idea how many hours/miles were on the pump.


The 5th-gen is a much better fit.[/url]

5th gen pumps are out there on eBay ...4th gen buckets are cheaper and I would consider trying to cut the plastic bucket to shorten it. Vetteworks sells the recess for both pumps...I believe. When I bought mine, they were only doing the 4th gen.


Simple baffles are not effective. One could go the trap door method but the design becomes complex and still leaves much to be desired. The late model fuel module is the best design and addresses most all of the needs for both street and track requirements.

There's more info here http://vaporworx.com

[DCx]

This was my original plan before the tanks came out.

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2008/04/InTankFuelPumpPart2/index.php

[rickpaw]

I have Tanks Inc tank in my 67 Firebird. It works fine. Of course I have not run the car on the track or autox. The Tanks Inc tank has a small baffle where the fuel pump is.

Whatever tank you choose, I'd suggest you cut an access panel in the trunk floor to access the fuel pump (if you don't mind doing it). I copied several DSE builds and put in an access panel. Now if I need to change out the fuel pump for whatever reason, it's a 15 min job, without dropping the tank.

[no go nova]

What about using the phantom pump setup?

[DCx]

aeromotive makes a fuel tanks that look identical to the tanks inc models.

http://aeromotiveinc.com/2012/12/more-muscle-car-stealth-tanks/

summit has these for around $750

correction, i found a web site that has a tank for my car for $604. not bad at all. i am actually leaning towards this option.

[Todd in Vancouver]

Although I'm not at this point yet I have looked at some of the tanks available and I can understand and appreciate what you are going through. In my opinion, as limited as it may be, the only thing worse than over paying for a part is having to do it twice. Buying a cheaper tank may save you a few bucks now but when you consider the extra fuel line (for a return line) and added regulators and filtering it may not be as big a difference as you think price wise. Also, consider that when you are done and maybe decide to try a few race events, or "spirited driving" the Vapor Works will do it no problem and that is the key. Everything I've read about their stuff has been no problems and that counts for a lot, also it will be up to any task I ask of it. I'm just a guy building a car in his garage so I don't have any allegiance to any particular company but I can't afford to throw money away on parts that won't do what I want them to do.

I'm not an expert and there is a lot of guys on here who know much more than me but if I were you I'd call a few of these suppliers on here and ask some questions. I know I will be, but like I said, from what I've read I'll be calling the guys about a tank that will fit my mini-tubbed car and will do everything I want. Not a " I'll update it later to make it work" piece because that is a total waste of money.

[CarlC]

Todd, you're on target.

The $604 pricetag for the Aeromotive tank does not include the extra parts Aeromotive recommends vs. what is not needed for a VaporWorx standard tank. If you get what they specify....

Filter = $85
Filter mounting bracket = $65
Fuel pressure regulator = $152
(5) AN6 to ORB fittings = $80
Wiring kit = $67

That's $1,053 and does not include the additional cost of the return line and fittings. Add for that....

(2) 90* hose ends = $54
AN6 hose (15') = at least $70
PTFE will be more

So $1,053+ $54 + $70 = $1,277

And that's shopping at the lest expensive places, so additional shipping may apply.

A C5 FFR could be used, so that can knock off some of the cost.

The filters, regulators, and return hose now has to take up space and requires time to install.

The costs start to narrow quite a bit at this point.

So far there have been zero VaporWorx GM fuel module failures in the field not including those users that damaged the pump due to not following the flushing procedure during initial installation. The tank level should be at 3/4" during line flushing before final attachment to the fuel rail, and only run the pump for five seconds. Wait at least one minute before another five second flush if needed.

The reason for this procedure is that the module needs fuel pressure to operate correctly. An open line to the fuel rail does not allow pressure to be built, hence the pump will starve if the fuel level does not overflow into the module. The venturi pump, the primary method of filling the reservoir, will not work with without pressure, and if the fuel level is below the top of the reservoir, the pump will run dry.

This is only a concern during final flushing. After that there are no concerns. Like any fuel pump, don't run it dry. It will kill them.

[DCx]

Todd, you're on target.

The $604 pricetag for the Aeromotive tank does not include the extra parts Aeromotive recommends vs. what is not needed for a VaporWorx standard tank. If you get what they specify....

true but most people dont need all that extra stuff. the tank comes with 3 o ring fittings for the bulk head. the wiring should already be in the car if you are doing a LS1 swap with a stand alone harness with built in relays for a fuel pump. a corvette filter regulator is a great choice. all you need are a few russells 3/8 and 5/16 quick connect fittings for the filter regulator and the stock LS1 fuel rail. 3/8 tube, -6 braided line, or stock fuel line, and assorted AN ends and compression fittings and you have a cheap fuel system. pretty much the staple LS1 budget fuel system aside from a crudely welded sump on a stock tank and an external walbro 190lph pump.

[wayward]

I have a new tanks inc. Pa4 still in the package. http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=84/category_id=61/mode=prod/prd84.htm

$200 shipped