Track Ready, Street Friendly Fuel Tanks From Rick's and Vaporworx.

[ErikLS2]

Has anyone received one of these yet? I ordered when these first were available, haven't gotten mine yet. Not like my car is waiting for it to be driveable though so I'm in no real rush other than I'm looking forward to seeing it.

[Reckn8]

Erik, I just talked to Hector and it is a 4 week order process. When did you place your order? The 65 Cutlass is going to get a little make over this winter. BTY the number that you posted for Brown/Brown is Randy's direct line. Very good friend of mine.
Paul

[Derek69SS]

Definitely on my "must have" list... will probably be ready to order in about a month or two.

[Denvervet]

havent' seen mine either...kind of same boat your in.Want to see it but not quite ready to fire her up either. I'm waiting to get it before I order my fuel pump, regulator assembly, etc

[ErikLS2]

Erik, I just talked to Hector and it is a 4 week order process. When did you place your order? The 65 Cutlass is going to get a little make over this winter. BTY the number that you posted for Brown/Brown is Randy's direct line. Very good friend of mine.
Paul

I'm going on like 9 weeks now I think. I didn't order right from Hector though.

How good of a friend is Randy? The guy I know at that number is named Rick. LMAO

[CarlC]

Erik,

If you ordered your tank through a distributor of Rick's I suggest talking to them. They should be able to work things out for you.

[greg5436]

i ordered one directly thru hector 9 or 10 weeks ago and i haven't seen mine yet. greg

[CarlC]

In leiu of getting the video done, here’s the step-by-step procedure to installing the corner pickups, hoses, and fuel module.

NOTE: The fuel pump module must have a 4th-gen Camaro LS1 pressure regulator installed using the vaporworx adapter prior to installation into the fuel tank. Instructions for this proceedure are available from Vaporworx, your tank manufacturer, or distributor.

First, the corner pickups and brackets need to be removed from the tank. The bracket orientation should be marked on each. Note in the photo that the orientation is reversed, just like standing in front of the tank and looking aft.

Each pickup needs a long corrugated fuel hose attached. They hose is then clamped with an Odiker clamp (0.375" - 0.437"). The clamp must slide on to the pickup first before the hose is installed.

Next, each of the hoses is attached to the “Y” using the same size Odiker clamps as used above. In the photo shown, the open leg of the “Y” will point toward the LH side of the car. This orientation is used when the GM 33-240 ohm 5^th gen sending unit is used. For applications where the fuel level sending unit is built into the tank, it is known as the standard fuel level sensor. It is located just to the left of the fuel pump module. For the standard fuel level sensor the open leg of the “Y” should point to the RH side of the car.

For 5^th-gen clip-on sending units:



For the standard fuel level sending unit located on the LH side of the pump module:



On a flat surface clock the pickups and the “Y” so that all components lay flat. Also install another long corrugated fuel hose on the open end of the “Y.” This hose will eventually attach to the fuel pump module. When completed it should look like the assembly shown below. This assembly is for the standard fuel level sensor.



When using the 5^th-gen fuel level sender the hose that attaches to the fuel pump module must be extended. Use a 1” long 5/16” or 3/8” stainless tube to spice a short corrugated hose on to the end of the long one. Use two Odiker clamps to secure the splice. Note how the hose loops around counter-clockwise. This is how the hose assembly will mount in the tank. If you use 3/8” tubing you will need the same clamp size and hose expansion technique that is used in the venturi pump connection later in this installation procedure.



For those with the standard fuel level sending unit, the hose assembly will look like that below:



Now it’s time to secure the pickups to the brackets. Insert the pickup into their respective bracket. Using a heat gun, carefully heat just the exposed top of the pickup. Use a blunt object, such as the end of a Sharpie, to deform the soft plastic so that the pickup will not detach from the bracket. Do not use a torch or other method that will excessively heat the plastic. It must be done slowly and carefully. Do this to both sides.


Apply a light coating of oil to the venturi pickup connection on the bottom of the reservoir module. This is the 3/8” grey quick connector.

The hose end that attaches to the fuel module needs to be expanded. Using a large ½” drive socket, or similar tool, insert the open end of the hose so that only approximately ½” of hose is exposed. Using the socket or similar tool will shield the corrugated section of hose from heat.



Slowly and evenly heat the end of the hose until it softens. Immediately remove the hose from the tool and slide it on to the venturi pickup connection on the pump. It is imperative that the corrugated section of the hose not be heated. Allow the hose to cool to room temperature, then remove it from the module connection.



Install the hose assembly into the tank. Align the brackets so that the pickup seats squarely on the floor of the tank. Attach the brackets to tank bulkheads using a nut and lock washer and tighten securely. The pickup should be lightly preloaded against the bottom of the tank.



Note how the fuel pump module will install into the tank. The venturi pump connection will be at approximately 10:30. Hence, the hose assembly will need to loop around the module to make the final connection. In order to have the correct clocking of the hose attachment, lay the hose in the tank in the approximate location that it will be after the module is installed. Rotate the hose end slightly so that the hose assembly suspends itself approximately 1” off the floor of the tank. Place a line on the hose end at the 12:00 position as shown in the photos.

For the 5^th-gen fuel level sending unit:



For the standard fuel level sending unit:



Install the green fuel module o-ring seal into the fuel module mounting ring.

Place the fuel pump module on a flat surface. Place a line along the top of the venturi connection at the 12:00 position similar to that done on the hose above.

Leaving the hose in the looped configuration like that in the pictures above, attach the fuel hose to the venturi pickup and clock the line on the hose to the line on the connector. Secure the hose with an Odiker clamp (0.453" - 0.531.) You may need this same clamp size for splicing two hoses together when using 3/8” tubing. Note that when the module is installed the hose should return to the looped shape that was created above.


For 5^th-gen fuel level sending units: Note the fuel pump module will seat in the middle of the loop created by the hoses.



Install the module into the tank taking care to loop the hoses correctly and that the hoses along the front wall of the tank route between the module body and the tank wall. A coat hanger wire works well to hold the hose against the tank wall during installation. The fuel connection on the top of the module should be pointing forward.

Push the module top down until it seats evenly on the mounting o-ring. You may find it necessary to move the module reservoir slightly forward or aft in order to get the top to seat evenly.

Install the cam ring until the cams seat on the module lugs. Using a large pair of Channel Locks rotate the cam ring until it seats against the mounting lug.



After the cam ring fully seats tighten the locking screw on the top of one of the seven mounting lugs. Module installation is now complete.



Fuel line attachment can be done using a variety of methods. It is highly recommended that a method be used to support the attachment lines so that as little force as possible is applied to the module connection. The connection is made of plastic and is susceptible to breakage. Shown is a sample of a -6 connecting line using a Russell 3/8” GM quick connect to -6an adapter. The end of the connector is attached to the fuel tank via a welded-in #10-32 bung. It is important that a flexible line be used between the tank and the body of the car. This allows for movement during a rear end collision. A #10-32 bung, clamp, and screw assembly is available from Vaporworx.




The fuel pump wiring can be done as shown below. Note that the power connections are listed on the pump. The wiring colors are the same as what GM provides: Grey = pump (+), Pink = pump (-). For the 5^th-gen sending unit all wiring is done through this connector with the brown wire going to ground and the blue to the fuel gauge. It is highly recommended that a four-cavity plug be installed at the back of the tank just below the trunk floor. This will allow for easy removal of the tank wiring. If the extra plug is not used it is very difficult to install the plug on to the module and balance the tank without damaging the module or plug. Vaporworx carries some wiring harnesses in stock compete with secondary plug and extension wiring.




[FONT=Arial] And here's a list of the part needed to complete the tank. I have some wiring harnesses available and can modify 5th-gen harnesses. The 5th-gen harness has two connectors that will attach to the module so if you can team up with someone the cost is much less. The wiring will need to be modified for both connectors.
Qty Desc. Vendor Part Number $ each Total

1 10-32 plug assembly Vaporworx 1032PLUGASSY
2 Walbro corner pickups Auto Performance Engineering MP-13 26 $52.00 NOTE: These may be in your completed tank.
3 15" flex hoses Auto Performance Engineering Flexhose15 5 $15.00
1 8" flex hose Auto Performance Engineering Flexhose8 3
1 Nylon "T" Auto Performance Engineering 128-3117 4 $4.00
5 Odiker clamps 0.375" - 0.437" McMaster Carr 5435k12 0.2 $1.00
3 Odiker clamp 0.453" - 0.531 McMaster Carr 5435k13 0.2 $0.20
1 Fuel level sensor GMPartsdirect.com 19208722 19.67 $19.67
1 Fuel pump module GMPartsdirect.com 19208719 192.22 $192.22
1 Cam Ring GMPartsdirect.com 10325852 7.64 $7.64
1 Wiring harness GMPartsdirect.com 92202097 87.56 $87.56
1 4th gen fuel pressure regulator rockauto.com FP10021 (Delphi) 52.79 $52.79
1 Quick connect -6 fitting Russell 640850 16 $16.00

[Samckitt]

So from reading this I take it the stock GM parts will not work for the pump/sending unit? Are the only spots that fuel is picked up at the pickups at the end of the tubes, or is some sucked in at the pump/sending unit?

[CarlC]

There is a venturi pump on the bottom of the module reservoir as well.

The stock pickup for the passenger side tank will not work in a two-pickup system.

[Samckitt]

So this fitting that the hose slips onto is not part of the factory pump/sending unit?

[BonzoHansen]

So I guess I better just hold onto this 4th gen tank I have.

[CarlC]

The grey male connector is part of the module. On 5th-gen cars the tank humps over the driveshaft. In order to draw fuel from the passenger side a venturi pump in the drivers-side mounted module is connected to a pickup in the passenger side of the tank. The grey male connector is where the hose that connects the two attaches.

[DarkoNova]

I am so confused...

[Samckitt]

I'm in the same boat with Matt.

So the 5th gen camaro pump/sending unit is the piece that fits/works in this tank? Stock it is setup similar to this aftermarket tank, it has the dual pickups because the bottom of the tank has the hump to clear the driveshaft?

[notchbackgta]

Stock it is setup similar to this aftermarket tank, it has the dual pickups because the bottom of the tank has the hump to clear the driveshaft?

Not sure about the reason Carl is talking about different sending units but the point of the pickups is so at low fuel level the pump always has a pickup in fuel during slosh. If you really read the thread Carl ran The optima Challenge with a LOW amount of fuel and had no starvation issues

[Denvervet]

Ok, so now I am confused also. Originally we were led to believe if we purchased this tank we just needed a fuel pump and pressure regulator. Now it looks like we have to purchase and install all the internals too? Then what exactly are we paying $1200 for ....just the steel tank with nothing installed? And who is vaporworx? I thought it was just a name used for this tank made by Ricks. How do I call them? Am I clueless or what ?

[CarlC]

Let's see if I can clear things up.

The fuel pump module consists of a reservoir, twin venturi pumps, single pressure pump, and module hat. There are more components but these should suffice for now. The reservoir is the large can that holds a large volume of fuel. The venturi pumps are used to keep the reservoir full of fuel. The pressure pump supplies pressurized fuel to the engine. The module hat is the externally exposed section of the module that acts as a sealing plate, electrical bulkhead, and fuel bulkhead.

Let's remember back to when we were little kids (I'm still one) and played in the swimming pool with the garden hose. Put a nozzle on the garden hose and set it to make a tight stream. If the end of the nozzle is pointed straight up the stream goes pretty high, maybe 20' or more. The stream is a small volume of high-speed liquid. Now move the nozzle under the level of the water in the pool. Move the nozzle toward the side of the pool such that the water lifted out of the pool by the nozzle lands on the deck. By adjusting the depth and angle of the nozzle you can maximize the amount of water lifted on to the pool deck. The amount of energy leaving the very tip of the hose nozzle is the same in both examples, but now the low-volume/high-speed stream has been transferred into a high-volume/low-speed blob on the pool deck. There has been no change in the amount of work done (minus friction factors, etc. work with me here), just more mass moved in the second example. It is a bit more complex using a venturi, but the concept is still the same. Trade a high-speed/low-volume stream for a low-speed/high-volume one using some fancy engineering terms that I'll try to avoid.

For this module one of the venturi pumps draws fuel from a remote pickup. In stock applications like the 5th-gen, the tank humps over the driveshaft, like an upside down "U". In others, such as the C6, there are two seperate tanks connected at the top with a tube. The module is mounted on the drivers side of the car. The fuel in the lowest part of the upside down "U" or in the remote tank must be transferred over to the pump module. That is done with a venturi pump. The grey connector on the bottom of the pump module reservoir is the connector for the hose that goes to a remote pickup on the bottom of the upside down "U" or the bottom of the seperate tank.

The remote pickup used in stock applications will work just fine for us if only a single pickup is used. The stock remote pickup does not have a check valve to prevent air from being drawn in once uncovered of fuel. In stock applications this is fine. In applications where two or more pickups are used a method to close the uncovered pickup is needed or else air from the uncovred pickup will be pumped instead of fuel from others. The pumping medium with the lowest density will always be pumped first in a system where more than one medium is available. Think of it like this. Take a stock mechanical pump fuel system and cut a 3/16" hole in the hose anywhere between the pump and tank. What's going to be drawn by the pump, air or fuel? It's the same concept for the corner pickups. The Walbro corner pickups have a feature that closes so that air is not drawn in when fuel runs away from the pickup.

In the vaporworx design the pickups are tied together with a "Y" and attached to the grey venturi pump connector on the base of the reservoir. Check out the 3D rendering in the first post.

The venturi pumps, acting together or alone, typically have enough capacity to draw more fuel into the module than what the pressure pump needs to feed the engine. In other words, the reservoir is almost always overflowing with fuel. Since the module is located on the drivers side in stock applications, and it is always overflowing with fuel, the fuel from the passenger tank will be used first.

There is a difference between modules and sending units. Usually the "module" refers to the reservoir/hat/pump etc assembly. The "sending unit" is the fuel level sending unit. There are many fuel level sending units to choose from for our applications, but it can be boiled down to two types. The first is the standard fuel level sending unit, which is the same type that has been offered on Rick's tanks, and other aftermarket tanks, for years. It is a seperate, circular, fuel level sending unit and has a seperate hole/penetration in the top of the tank. Multiple ohm ranges are available for this setup. The second type is the one that is used on the stock 5th-gen module. It is approximately 40-240 ohm (close enough for what we do) so an aftermarket gauge can be used, or the Autometer self-calibrating type (I like these.) It clips on to the side of the pump module and plugs into the bottom of the module hat. Due to the location of the float for the 5th-gen fuel level sending unit the corner pickup feed hoses must be routed differently than the standard fuel level sending unit.

Here's a pic of the 5th-gen module with the 5th-gen clip-on fuel level sending unit.


Vaporworx is just a little company I started in order to try and bring modern fuel systems into our hobby. I am a supplier to companies like Rick's. I am not an employee for any of them. David, check the second paragraph of post #3 https://www.pro-touring.com/showthre...-and-Vaporworx. NOTE: I believe that the tanks coming from Rick's have the Walbro corner pickups in the tank already.

[Samckitt]

Ah Grasshopper, I understand now.

thanks

[Denvervet]

Carl,
Thanks for clearing some of this up. If some of us that paid for these tank setups in October had received these tanks we /I would know what we have.....or will have.