Fuel Tank Modification

[mattcrp1]

Hi all I just had a question. If you are using the stock tank but need to modify so you have a sump, can you just do what this guy did? Does anyone see a problem using a plastic tank top. Check out this link.

http://www.gearhead-efi.com/gm-ecm-p...onversion.html

My tank is a stock 76 swb 16 gallon. I know you can buy a brand new 87 tank but you still need an updated fuel pump to meet the 50psi. Just a thought.

Thanks,

[jorgensensc]

Here is my .02. I used the 87+ tank with the sending unit from a 1992-94 s10 blazer with the 4.3 CPI engine option. The fuel pump puts out 80 PSI so you will need to run a c5 corvette fuel pressure regulator/filter. I have right at 200.00 in my setup and it works great! At the end of the day the other setup is still prone to issues as well as gauge ohm readings not matching. Again, just my .02. Then you get all new stuff that you know will work.
Shawn

[mattcrp1]

That's great advice. Did you buy a new one or get a good used one? I was not aware that the s10 blazer sender/pump unit would fit. I am still putting my set up together so the information gathering is still going on.

[JJH Jimmy]

Here is another idea for you. This place sells parts to retro fit your tank.

http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...=cat/cat61.htm

[mattcrp1]

Thats a great Idea.

[mattcrp1]

The main reason for wanting to modify the tank is to meet the smog requirements for the 2002 engine I am using. I know GM sells an emissions leagal retrofit engine system that uses an EVAP canister that I assume is all inclusive. Does anyone know for sure if the EVAP set up with the GM set up is all inclusive.

[mattcrp1]

Like this

[jorgensensc]

No idea, but why are you concerned about that? Emissions requirements are applicable to the year vehicle, not the engine. Some states require that a replacement engine be the same year or newer than the vehicle it is installed in, but you have that covered also. So I'm curious, why are you worried about the emissions stuff? It's going to be more of a pain than its worth. Even without the smog equipment the newer engine is going to be better for the environment than the old one for sure!

[jorgensensc]

Ok, so my curiosity got the best of me. I looked it all up and now realize that your truck is a '76. In California. So I see your dilemma. From what I understand you should do your best and then take it to a referee, but plan on going back a couple of times. How married are you to this exact truck? It may be easier to sell it and go with a pre-75 truck. I can't tell exactly if it is 75 and up or after 75 that require the smog stuff. Have you looked at a newer truck gas tank to see if you can make it fit? Maybe a 2002+ short bed gas tank will mount without too much work. Just a couple of ideas for you.

[mattcrp1]

I Got the truck for a steal and I have a thought that here in California these post 75 truck go cheap because they are a real pain to smog. I got the least emession laiden engine combo I could find and my only issue that has me a little puzzled is the EVAP. I really dont mind dealing with the retro fit stuff. I did look up the GM ERod engine pdf and the EVAP canister set up is really simple. I think I may be over thinking this. I have dealt with a referee in the past and I did used to have a smog license here in the Bay Area.

This is the pdf EVAP section:Evaporative System:
Your kit comes with an evaporative emissions canister. The canister
can be mounted anywhere between the tank and the engine (It is
not recommended to mount the canister on the engine itself). This
canister needs to plumbed to the fuel tank vapor line and to the purge
solenoid on the engine. It is important that you use an evaporative
compatible fuel tank system so that the fuel tank is not vented to
atmosphere. It is also very important that the fuel tank have a vapor
dome to prevent fuel from being sucked into the vapor line. On
some tank systems it may be necessary to have a liquid check valve
installed in the vapor line between the tank and the canister. NOTE:
Make sure that all hoses used are fuel and alcohol compatible.

[jorgensensc]

Hmmm. I may be simplifying this, but you know more than I do. Seems to me you get an 87 tank, drop in the s10 fuel pump I was telling you about, go to a junkyard and grab an evap can off a newer truck, and plumb it all up. Doesn't it just have to look like it is there and functional? Does it have to pass 2002 truck smog requirements or 1976 truck smog requirements? Seems even with a half a$$ system on it it will beat the 1976 truck requirements.

[mattcrp1]

oops

[mattcrp1]

I like that, simple is often better thanks for the idea.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by mattcrp1

I Got the truck for a steal and I have a thought that here in California these post 75 truck go cheap because they are a real pain to smog. I got the least emession laiden engine combo I could find and my only issue that has me a little puzzled is the EVAP. I really dont mind dealing with the retro fit stuff. I did look up the GM ERod engine pdf and the EVAP canister set up is really simple. I think I may be over thinking this. I have dealt with a referee in the past and I did used to have a smog license here in the Bay Area.

This is the pdf EVAP section:Evaporative System:
Your kit comes with an evaporative emissions canister. The canister
can be mounted anywhere between the tank and the engine (It is
not recommended to mount the canister on the engine itself). This
canister needs to plumbed to the fuel tank vapor line and to the purge
solenoid on the engine. It is important that you use an evaporative
compatible fuel tank system so that the fuel tank is not vented to
atmosphere. It is also very important that the fuel tank have a vapor
dome to prevent fuel from being sucked into the vapor line. On
some tank systems it may be necessary to have a liquid check valve
installed in the vapor line between the tank and the canister. NOTE:
Make sure that all hoses used are fuel and alcohol compatible.

If and when you want to change the canister what do you replace it with ?

[Blackpony]

Another option is to get an 87 tank along with an 87 hanger assembly then install a walbro universal 255 pump in tank. Other then running power to the tank it will be a direct bolt in.

[mattcrp1]

Is the 87 hanger different than the 76?

[Blackpony]

Yes, the 87 assembly contains a fuel pump along with the fuel gauge sender. It's a direct fit for I know the driver side tank, just the 87 tank has baffles to keep the pump in fuel where the older tanks do not.

[mattcrp1]

Gottcha. I misunderstood you when you said hanger, I thought you where referring to the holder of the tank to the frame not the electric fuel pump holder in the tank. Thanks. I think that the advice given from those that have been there is the best and I believe that an '87 tank and suitable sender/hanger will fit my needs thanks every one.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by mattcrp1

Gottcha. I misunderstood you when you said hanger, I thought you where referring to the holder of the tank to the frame not the electric fuel pump holder in the tank. Thanks. I think that the advice given from those that have been there is the best and I believe that an '87 tank and suitable sender/hanger will fit my needs thanks every one.

And as a added benefit it will match your fuel gauge on your dash !!
My 78 gauge was non functional for years, replaced the "hanger" for the fuel pump with a new 87 type (and a 50# pump) both work great!

[Blackpony]

Originally Posted by mattcrp1

Gottcha. I misunderstood you when you said hanger, I thought you where referring to the holder of the tank to the frame not the electric fuel pump holder in the tank. Thanks. I think that the advice given from those that have been there is the best and I believe that an '87 tank and suitable sender/hanger will fit my needs thanks every one.

[mattcrp1]

Thanks guys, I called LKQ and got an '87 16 gallon tank with hanger/sending unit installed and delivered for $120. I'll look for my fuel pump next and clean and install my tank. Thanks again for all the great advice.

Matt