87 fuel tank in a 78

[solidaxel]

Will a passenger side tank from a 87 with TBI fit in a 78 passenger side?

Can I get a fuel pump to fit that tank and work with my 2004 5.3, what else will I need beside fuel line?

[ghettoluxury]

Yes it is a direct bolt in, 16gal-16gal or 20gal-20gal. Use the fuel pump for a 96 Silverado with a 350 on the sending unit for the 87.

[solidaxel]

Thanks that is what I wanted to hear

Who has the best price on tanks?

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

Yes it is a direct bolt in, 16gal-16gal or 20gal-20gal. Use the fuel pump for a 96 Silverado with a 350 on the sending unit for the 87.

So is the 96 sending unit and fuel pump all compatable with my 2004 5.3 injectors and regulator?
Will the sending unit be the right reading on my stock gauge in the dash?

[truckdude239]

No the 96 sending unit will not work. Use the pump for the 96 it will fit in the 86 sending unit
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[solidaxel]

O K, 87 tank, 96 pump, and a 86 sending unit!

[truckdude239]

Sorry thought it said 86 use the 87 sending unit that matches tbe tank
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[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by truckdude239

Sorry thought it said 86 use the 87 sending unit that matches tbe tank
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O K, is the 87 compatable with my 78 dash gauge (same ohms)

[truckdude239]

Yes
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[solidaxel]

Thanks!

Things to do today,
Order fuel tank
Order fuel pump
Order sending unit

[mej005]

I used an 87 tank and sending unit. Here are the part numbers I ordered from AdvanceAuto:

Tank: GM11C
Sending Unit: FG05N (passenger side) or FG05M (driver side)
Fuel Pump: EP381

You can search for coupons from advance online, I saved $40 off orders over $100 and it was free shipping. You could divide it up into two orders and save $80.

You will also probably need a filler hose and metal filler pipe, Chevy changed the size in 82 I believe. If you have a fleetside you can get them from LMC, Brothers, etc; if you have a stepside good luck because they are not reproduced.

[solidaxel]

Thanks, I have been on line for the last hour................. this saves time and $$$.

Did not think about the filler hose and pipe, I am sure I would have found out when the installation was in progress !!
Is a 87 gas cap a flush fit to the fleetside or exposed like my 78?

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by mej005

I used an 87 tank and sending unit. Here are the part numbers I ordered from AdvanceAuto:

Tank: GM11C
Sending Unit: FG05N (passenger side) or FG05M (driver side)
Fuel Pump: EP381

You can search for coupons from advance online, I saved $40 off orders over $100 and it was free shipping. You could divide it up into two orders and save $80.

You will also probably need a filler hose and metal filler pipe, Chevy changed the size in 82 I believe. If you have a fleetside you can get them from LMC, Brothers, etc; if you have a stepside good luck because they are not reproduced.

There is a $30 referral to you if I had your name and email address, send me a PM and I will add it to the referral site

[solidaxel]

Truck Dude said to use a 96 pump is the 87 pump the same?

[solidaxel]

Looks like Advanced makes up there savings on the fuel tanks !

[truckdude239]

The 87 pump is not the same it only puts out 12-15psi ep381 is the one i used putz out 80psi
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[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by truckdude239

The 87 pump is not the same it only puts out 12-15psi ep381 is the one i used putz out 80psi
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Is 80psi what a 2003 5.3 requires?

[truckdude239]

65-70 is what it uses the pressure regulator takes care of the the rest it sends it back to the tank though the return lines
Posted via Mobile Device

[solidaxel]

Thanks Truck Dude, that is what I wanted to hear.

Tank and neck on order, the rest is local here in town.

[mej005]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Thanks, I have been on line for the last hour................. this saves time and $$$.

Did not think about the filler hose and pipe, I am sure I would have found out when the installation was in progress !!
Is a 87 gas cap a flush fit to the fleetside or exposed like my 78?

I don't know about the gas cap, but the tank filler inlet was larger on the 87 tank than my 81 and I tried everything to get my filler hose to go on.

I also used advance to order my fuel line and some of the fittings and saved some money. Advance was a higher than summit by a few dollars on fittings and I think $10 on 15 ft of -6an braided stainless fuel line, but after the $40 off and no shipping I came out ahead. You can make a few orders to make the minimum and save on every order.

I'll send you a pm with my info.

[mej005]

I forgot to mention, but the ep381 fuel pump is a plug and play with the 87 sending unit.

[solidaxel]

O K, I have all the parts.
In looking at the 87 tank is the opening the same as the 78 for the sending unit/fuel pump?
I do not have the tank from the 78 on the ground yet........ but the unit float pump size looks to be the same size.
Could someone verify the diameter of the lock ring from a 78 tank, as I have the 87 in the garage and I will compare them.
Thanks

[mej005]

My 87 sending unit I purchased came with a lock ring and I think the ep381 pump did also. Either way I am pretty sure my 81 and 87 ring were the same, but I don't know about a 78 ring.

[ghettoluxury]

Yes, the opening and lock rings are the same.

[solidaxel]

Thanks all!
I am thinking I can return the 87 tank.
I will know for sure later today when I drop the 78 tank and try the new lock reing and "O" ring