What tank for LS swap

[Kainedogg]

I pretty much have everything ordered or installed from the engine to stand alone wiring harness and ecm. Where I am now...is fueling. I have an '84 C10 with just one tank and would like an affordable option for sending fuel to my ls motor. Not sure if it was this site, but I believe it was stated that an '87 tank with baffles would be ideal and I would need to order a good pump. Any input would be appreciated. Running two small turbos as well, so whatever pump I use needs to support 500 hp.

[speedmachine]

you could do something custom like a cell or get a tank and a pickup/float assembly from an 87 with tbi. all that tank has thats different is a bowl in the bottom.... i recommend the in tank pickup assembly because of the major benefit of keeping the pump cool and protected. as far as pump is considered i only run Walbro pumps and your going to need at least a 255lph.

[dealrcn]

Gonna be a sweet ride. I'm in the same position you are. I was wanting a tank to go behind the differential between the frame.
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[1981Stepside]

Sounds correct to me. You will need a baffled tank to prevent the pickup from running dry when hooking a corner. Depending on what kind of flowrates you can find, you might be able to get away with an in-tank pump to replace the stock one on the sending unit, otherwise you may need to install a high flow inline pump.

[1981Stepside]

holy multiple instant reply!

[Kainedogg]

I have an extra external Walboro 255lph pump sitting on the shelf, which does me no good if I go intank. So the '87 is not baffled, just a bowl to prevent starvation?

[Rich84]

I used my stock tank with an exterior pump pulling thru the stock sending unit..with no fuel starvation problems at all for my TPI set up..50lbs. at the rail.
If the pump dies quickly I will go to the 87 tank with a TPI pump in TBI sending unit...We'll see how long it lasts.

[Rich84]

I think ther is plastic baffles in it..At least the one I saw.

[Kainedogg]

Wait Rich, you are saying you used your stock tank (pre 1987) with no issues? Nice. Now how the hell did you connect your hoses and external pump to that tank? I only have one tank, on the passenger side.

[Kainedogg]

How did you plumb your return. More details the better. Maybe I can knock this thing out by Christmas.

[Rich84]

I have a driverside tank...I used all existing lines. Where the lines leave the tank and go across under the bed is where I put the pump. All rubber lines where changed to fuel injection type hose. 5/16 steel line used for return, 3/8 for supply and the 1/4 is the vent..The lower the better for the pump and keep the filter as close as possible.

[Pyrotechnic]

I don't even have fuel injection and I'm having problems with the stock carbureted tank. I run a Holley blue pump with a return style regulator. If the gas tank is less than half full, the fuel slosh uncovers the pickup under braking and acceleration and I can hear the pump sucking air. The slosh is also quite obvious on the fuel gauge.

Remember, these tanks are several times longer than they are wide. The slosh under acceleration and braking is really ridiculous. I would consider a 1987 TBI tank and sender a MUST for any truck with an electric fuel pump. It's very bad for any electric pump to be constantly trying to pump air.

I've been careful not to accelerate hard when the tank is low. I wanna keep my pistons unmelted.

[Rich84]

I would agree that the 87 tank and intank pump is the correct way to do it.. but it can work with an external pump. I don't go below a 1/4 tank of gas and I have never had a problem. It's one year old and we will see how long the pump lasts.

[Rich84]

This is probably not the best location for pump life. But it is easy to get to.
Locating the pump inside the frame should be easier with a passenger side tank..It will be lower then the tank and close..2 things this location is not.

[K20chevy]

Depends on if you are running the full LS emission system too. I am and I´m using a ´08 Sierra Denali Truck pump in a custom made aluminum fuel tank.

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by Rich84

I would agree that the 87 tank and intank pump is the correct way to do it.. but it can work with an external pump.

I agree it does work....with some care of course. I've run mine the way it is for several years now, just being careful to make sure the tank is at least half full. It was a temporary solution that ended up staying much longer than planned. A fuel cell with a bottom sump is my ultimate goal.

For boost or nitrous, don't even think about running an unbaffled tank. Just not worth betting thousands of dollars of motor on saving less than $100 for a brand new TBI tank.

[Kainedogg]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the pic Rich. How is your return run? Just to get the truck running I will do it the wrong way...but long before the turbos go on I will get an '87 tank with a good pump and tie the external pump in with a hobbs switch.

[Kainedogg]

Am I looking down at the truck with the bed off?

[Rich84]

Yes the bed is off in that crooked picture..lol