View Full Version : Rick's / VaporWorks Electrical connectors -- source?
gmachala404
12-22-2011, 01:10 PM
I just got a Rick's VaporWorks tank for my 71 Chevelle LS3 project. The fuel pump module in the
tank has a connector on top of it for the wire harness. Does anyone know a source for a pigtail
male connector for this? I called Rick's and they said they don't ship the connector pigtails with
the tanks and they are $85.00 which seems really expensive for what it is. I called local auto
parts stores and they have pigtails for about $40.00 which is still rediculous. Is there another
source for these connectors?
rocketrod
12-22-2011, 02:15 PM
I have a VaporWorxs tank also. I just went through this....I would recommend you contact CarlC and discuss what options are available and makes the most sense for your build. I ended up buying Carl's pre-made harness. I also replace the problematic VDO fuel level sending unit with the 5th gen fuel level sensor.
tiznodd
12-22-2011, 04:56 PM
Carl knows these things inside and out - I would highly suggest speaking with him. I used his pre-made harness as well. Everything he sent me was top-notch.
gmachala404
12-22-2011, 07:45 PM
I tried calling him but no answer today. Ricks said the connector from Carl is 85 bucks which is crazy for one
Delphi connector. I really feel like with spending 1500 bucks you should get a pigtail at least. The VDO sensor
is problematic? What is wrong with it? After waiting four months for this tank I am about at my wits end already!
MuscleRodz
12-22-2011, 08:49 PM
you will need a little more than just the delphi connector. Leave Carl a message, he will call you back as soon as he can and get you the rest of the pieces you need to make the install simple
CarlC
12-23-2011, 12:11 AM
The harness from Rick's is complete two-piece assembly ready for installation. It is meant to be used in a traditional relay arrangement using the 5th-gen fuel module with the 4th-gen fuel pressure regulator.
The photo below shows the most popular version, a 1st-gen F-body with a top-mount fuel level sensor. The short harness on the right is meant to stay with the tank during R&R. Plug it in to the module and tape it down on the tank centerline. The plug connecting to the longer harness on the left will be placed just under the trunk floor near where the wiring routes into the trunk for the stock fuel level sensor wire. This setup allows the interconnecting plug to be used to make the R&R easier and reduces the chances of module damage,
This harness is 6-1/2' overall with 40 individual parts, 13 of them unique. It includes all of the wiring needed for the pump power and fuel level sensor. Installation instructions and general design considerations can be found here http://vaporworx.com/VaporWorx%20Fuel%20Module%20Wiring%20Harness%20Ins tructions.pdf
Rick's has some in stock, but depending on the application it may require a different short harness to be built. That usually takes 2-3 days to build, but I have many in stock of various lengths, fuel sensor arrangements, etc. The following photos are for a 1st-gen. Other body styles may need to have the interconnecting plug placed in a different location. This is no problem to do, but I do need to know what length is needed for the short harness. This can be done using the following as a guide.
1) Draw a line from left-to-right along where the front of the fuel tank will be. This can be approximated fairly closely in some applications by using the tank strap mounting points.
2) Find the left-ro-right centerline of the car and place a mark on the line made in Step 1.
3) From the mark measure back 5". Make a mark. This is the approximate position of the module power plug.
4) Using a piece of household wire THHN or similar, bend a wire to mimic the short harness. Cut the wire to length so the interconnecting plug is placed in the most appropriate position for your car.
5) Un-bend the wire and measure. This is the basic harness length. It will be made longer in applications where the harness will route forward since normally the module plug faces aft. Hence, it will need to be looped forward. In this case add 7" to your measured OAL. If the harness routes aft as shown below, no additional length is needed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here's a CTS-V short harness laid out as it would be just before tank installation. The 5th-gen harness will be similar. Note the interconnecting plug near the filler neck. Imagine trying to balance the tank on a jack, your chest, etc. and plug in the module, keep the wiring sorted, etc. Not easy, and if the tank tips over there a good chance something is going to break.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Looking up from the ground, below is what the interconnecting plug looks like. There are two plugs for this application since the MAP wiring also runs through the same hole in the trunk floor. That's a lot of wires, but it all fits. Note that license plate that normally would be removed to make access easier.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
gmachala404
12-23-2011, 08:46 PM
I have already got a Speartech harness with pump relay and LS3 computer and wiring. I have the tank in the car with the fuel level sender hooked up and a quick disconnect on the module. The pump is a 2010 Camaro module. The 4 pin connector is accessible to plug in with
the tank in the car. Isn't the only thing I need the 4 pin connector and wire ground side of the pigtail to ground and connect the Speartech
fuel pump hot wire to the fuel pump positive?
CarlC
12-25-2011, 12:16 PM
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