(LSX and carb. compatible) under bed gas tank

[Painter D]

I'm planning running my sbc 350 in my 58' for the time being but in a year or so am planning on upgrading to an LS setup. However I'd like to get the fuel tank situation handled now. So can anyone recommend a nice aluminum tank that will satisfy both (carb. and EFI) needs for 55-59 trucks ?

[OKGMC4]

I made a carb tank work on my 5.3l. I had aluminum rings made to adapt a GM fuel pump into my tank, then drilled the tank and mounted it. Now I can get a replacement pump at the parts store instead of special mail order stuff.

[1project2many]

I made a carb tank work on my 5.3l. I had aluminum rings made to adapt a GM fuel pump into my tank, then drilled the tank and mounted it. Now I can get a replacement pump at the parts store instead of special mail order stuff.

That's a good idea because you don't need baffles in the tank. The only recommendation I'd make is to design the tank to use the pump and sender assembly (like above) from a 1994 Cavalier with a 2.2l engine. When the pump fails in the one above you have to replace the entire pump/pickup assembly at a cost of $200 to $400. The only GM one I've found that has a separately replaceable pump is the 93-94 Cav 2.2 and the pump itself is the same size as a higher flowing 1986 Corvette version.

[Painter D]

Anyone else?

[Speedbumpauto]

It's not aluminum but I used a Tanks Inc. 17 gallon tank for a 49-52 Ford car. You can see it on their web site. It has options for an in tank HP pump which I used. I'm running a FAST 2x4 throttle body set up on a tunnel ram est. 550 HP. Using the proper regulator with a return line which you would need to plumb anyway, you could regulate the system to 5 psi for your carb and then run it open when you convert. Every part of this tank worked well for me. I used a hot rods gas door in the D/S rear fender so the fill spot was perfect and it doesn't hang down like lots of the others. The down side is it's only 17 gallons, but at my age, I'll need to stop and pee before I need to stop for gas.......even with a big block.

[Jemo]

I have a carbed 5.3L in my '59 and used the CPP under bed tank. It's meant for either so if you're not using the return line, you just plug the return bung in the tank with a pipe fitting. If I ever decide to go EFI, it would be easy.
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[Painter D]

Originally Posted by Jemo

I have a carbed 5.3L in my '59 and used the CPP under bed tank. It's meant for either so if you're not using the return line, you just plug the return bung in the tank with a pipe fitting. If I ever decide to go EFI, it would be easy.
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This sounds like what I need ,got any pics of it?

[Jemo]

I'm sorry, I could only find one pic which doesn't show much. On the bottom of the tank, there are two welded bungs for supply and return.





Hope this helps a little bit. I'm about 40 miles from you if you ever want to stop over and take a closer look.

[Painter D]

Thanks for the pic and info it helps a lot. Anyway you could tell me how far below the frame it hangs?

My truck is going to be extremely low so ground clearance is an issue.
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[solidaxel]

[QUOTE=Jemo;5561180]I'm sorry, I could only find one pic which doesn't show much. On the bottom of the tank, there are two welded bungs for supply and return.

What kind of performance are you expecting with a carb and a dist Vs. loss of MPG and at what cost.
Is there that much loss with the carb Vs. fuel injection and all the management systems

Fuel tank will be a issue for me in the near future, thanks

[Jemo]

Sorry for the delay...

That is one of my concerns. The tank sits low. I'd say it's maybe 1/2" above the lowest point of the differential. I can measure it this weekend but might need a reminder.

As far as performance and mileage, it wasn't really a concern with the carb since I only plan to drive it on the weekends, etc. My last LSx swap did have EFI and was a totally stock 5.3L. It was plenty fast to me and would easily break the tires loose. I'm not a real aggressive driver though so others might not agree with the power. On this truck, I just wanted to do something different. The carbed LS doesn't use a distributor in my case but it is possible. Mine is a kit from Edelbrock and uses a MSD box. I installed a cam in this one just for the sound more than the performance but it's supposed to add 30+ hp. I haven't driven the truck yet. I'm having a brake bleeding problem and haven't worked on the truck in weeks! Lack of motivation.
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[_Ogre]

efi pumps and carburetor pumps have different pressure requirements
typical carburetor needs 7-10 psi and efi needs 45+ psi
not sure how your going to get one pump to satisfy both pressures
even if you use a pressure reducer i'd think that you'd be pushing so much fuel by the reducer that you would have overheating problems
you could get an efi tank with pump and not use the efi pump, just use a standard block mounted pump

i bought my tank from no limit engineering, 20 gal w/in tank pump
i did have a problem with an ethanol resistant fuel line, but i think they have fixed that incompatibility problem
the tank is quality construction of aluminum, the pump is a $75 replacement from a mid 80s chevy

[Jemo]

Ogre, you're exactly right but I think he is just asking about a tank that could go either way which the CPP tank I know will just because I've looked at mine.

Actually, the LS motors need 57 psi when injected! My carbed LS just uses the typical 5-7 psi.
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[G&R's57GMC]

You could use a 65-70 Mustang tank use the stock pick up for the carb and an in tank pump for the FI . Once you've sorted out the sender you'd be good to go.

Tanks Inc has what your looking for.

[Painter D]

Originally Posted by Jemo

Ogre, you're exactly right but I think he is just asking about a tank that could go either way which the CPP tank I know will just because I've looked at mine.

Actually, the LS motors need 57 psi when injected! My carbed LS just uses the typical 5-7 psi.
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This is correct, just need a tank that will go either way

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by 69chevyshort

This is correct, just need a tank that will go either way

Sorry I got off the subject !