TPI/Fuel tank Question

[SpeedAddict02]

I am considering buying a used motor/trans setup from a tpi 3rd gen.. Just to bridge the gap between now and when the 406 is done..

I was just thinking over the whole swap, and remembered about the difference in fuel system... I was wondering, to save myself the hassle of getting an in-tank pump and modifying the pickup & sending unit, if a third-gen camaro/firebird fuel tank will fit in a 2nd gen??

I cant see why not.. But just looking for other opinions..

TIA
Joe

 

[SpeedAddict02]

eh forget it.. just remember the filler neck is on the side, rather than straight back...oh well

 

[MikeM79]

You can use a 3gen fuel sender unit in a 2gen tank. Neat trick for any 2gen fuel injection conversion

 

[Todd80Z28]

Someone told me that 3rd gen sending unit will only fit in the earlier 2nd gen tanks, not the later (78-81) tanks.

SUPREME LAZINESS- I've had a 3rd gen sending unit in my garage for two years, and have never checked this yet.

 

[ErikNORCAL]

I saw on the chevelles site that Stewart is producing a piston fuel pump that can support efi. Goes in the stock mechanical pump location. www.racepumps.com
I have an edelbrock efi unit that I'll eventually try out, I'm leaning towards this pump, even though its pricey, just because it looks simpler to install. I talked to a guy that had it on a 383 and he really liked it. Another guy on the site had it supporting a twin turbo with something like nearly 700hp. Didn't see anyone that actually was using it with an efi setup but the race pump website has a forum for questions and it looks promising.

 

[SpeedAddict02]

Mike, didnt you have to mod it somewhat to mount it in your tank?? Though I had read that somewhere.. Could be mistaken..

You can use a 3gen fuel sender unit in a 2gen tank. Neat trick for any 2gen fuel injection conversion


http://nastyz28.com/MikeM79Stuff/Stuff/3Genfuelsender.jpg

http://nastyz28.com/MikeM79Stuff/Stuff/3Genfueltank.jpg

 

[SpeedAddict02]

How much trouble would it be to plug the whole for the filler neck on a 3rd gen tank, then cut another hole for a 2nd gen filler neck in the correct location?? Probably too much.. lol

The stewarts is nice, but I am on a tight budget..

Here is my plan, in case anyone was wondering.. THinking about picking up a complete 88 TPI motor & 700r4 setup off of another member.. It is from an 88 firebird & it is a 305.. Pull the POS 229 & stock auto and drop this setup in so I can cruise and have some fun.. Figure If I install my headers & a full exhaust, a 3.42 posi rearend I having sitting, and a 2000-2400stall converter, it should be a decent cruiser..

If possible, I would like to install my vortecs on the motor, but not sure if I would need a different intake for the TPI setup, or if they are compatible from 87 up.. Dont think so though..

Anyway, Once I have the 406 bottom end done, I would then already have the wiring harness,computer,fuel system setup and tranny setup and serpentine setup that I can swap all over onto the 406.. Only needing to upgrade the intake/plenum and few other parts.. But the majority of it would already be there..

 

[MikeM79]

Mike, didnt you have to mod it somewhat to mount it in your tank?? Though I had read that somewhere.. Could be mistaken..

The two pics show the mods.

The pic with the tank cut open shows a stock 3gen unit. I cut open an extra tank to study the proposition. The mods to the unit are easy....just cut the tubing on the inside short enough to hang a Walbro pump from it. This means you will need a fuel level sender installed elsewhere through the top of the tank. Those run about $40 and are pretty easy to install.

 

[SpeedAddict02]

thanks mike.. At first i didnt see the difference, bu then i minimized the windows side by side.. thats a big difference in the b4 & aft.. I'll be getting a 3rd gen sending unit as part of the package.. Where did you mount the fuel level sender??

 

[SpeedAddict02]

The two pics show the mods.

This means you will need a fuel level sender installed elsewhere through the top of the tank. Those run about $40 and are pretty easy to install.

Is that a stock replacement for a 3rd gen, or an aftermarket one?? As for the pump, being the motor is a 305 and I'm on a budget, I'll probably try to locate a stocker...