I did a B body gas tank install today into a 68 chevelle, I have also done them in a 70 chevelle and 65 cutlass, procedure is the same but the earlier frame needed more trimming for the tank to fit. You can get these tanks from 1993-1996 caprice sedans or buick roadmaster sedans. I try for 94 up donors since they will already have the LT1 fuel pump. This is a low buck way to get a factory engineered tank for a fuel injection installation, I have been picking these tanks up complete with pump and sending unit for under $100. This 68 is getting an LT1 T56 setup and I wanted to get the tanked roughed in before pulling the body off the frame.

Factory tank install for reference.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/001.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/002.jpg

tanks for reference. B body tank is only about 1/2" wider, but has a bung on the side that sticks out another 3/4" or so. Main difference is the B body tank is deeper at the rear of the tank.


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/003.jpg

Factory tank removed

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/004.jpg

B body tank pushed up to the trunk floor, here is where the frame rails need to be trimmed. Only the very rear sections need trimming, the boxed areas further forward I did not touch.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/005.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/006.jpg

With the rails trimmed I put the tank up just as a reference, still needs to go up higher once the trunk floor is cut.


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/007.jpg

quick template for the trunk cut


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/008.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/009.jpg

Plasma cut out the hole, sawzall or cutoff wheel could be used as well.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/010.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/0112.jpg

test fit of tank

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/011.jpg

with sending unit. Tank sticks up about 1 3/4" into the trunk.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/012.jpg

cut out piece will be used to make a cover later when doing the body work.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/013.jpg

reference pics with the tank now fully in place.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/014.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/015.jpg

Tank straps can be made from 1" wide flat bar, you can get these 4' lengths at home depot. I am not installing the tank now but made up one strap quick so you can see the difference from the factory straps.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/017.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/016.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/018.jpg

Final shots for now, tank will not be bolted up for good until after the frame has been restored and body work complete. Hope this will be helpful to those who were considering this, it is not a hard thing to do and the tank really does not hang down low enough to be an issue. Since it is black it does not show up as much as some think it would.


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/019.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/020.jpg

Next will be cutting that original 4 speed floor for the T56 :)

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/032.jpg

Did you/will you use any cushion between the tank and the trunk floor?

I did the same swap but did not cut the trunk floor. I spaced the top down using 2" square tube with a strip of a black foam mat to clear the fuel line/sending unit. It doesn't seem like it hangs too low but wont know for sure until I put the back bumper on.

Either way, i think this is the best deal to get an efi tank.

I use double sided 3M foam tape as a cushion between the tank and trunk braces. I prefer to cut the trunk, it is not hard to make a cover and I like the tank up as high as possible.

:thumbsup: Thank your very much for the pics Dave.

That amount of over hang seems much more acceptable than the previous picture I found. When/If I start gathering my EFI parts this tank will be on the list.

Excellent story and thread. maybe some sort of removable panel could be fabbed inside the trunk, on the floor where the area was raised, to allow for easy pump access w/o
tank removal. have a tank here, btw, from a 91/92 caprice here, available, out and ready to ship, if anyone is needing one asap.

this thread should be a sticky. great write up, thanks for sharing.

This is awasome. Much better pics than the ones I have seen around. On my to do list now.

that bung on the side is where the filler neck goes on the station wagon models- a tank from a wagon should work good for you el Camino owners..

Hey man, that is a great post.
I been wondering how I was gonna deal with the EFI pump. Sure seems like the way to go.
That car looks like in great shape, age considered. Can you make out what the original colors were on the firewall and the underside of the floor pans? Also what plant?

noavaderrick - Thanks for pointing out the station wagon thing, that is some great news !!

Thanks guys, I feel like yous have saved me a ton of work and aggrivation

I have wagon tanks here as well, but I think they are a different size, I will have to check but I do not think it is the same tank. I think that bung is from the tank mold. Will be a few days to get a picture for comparison.

Thanks drptop.
Do ya think theres enough of that bung to get a hose on there?

this thread should be a sticky. great write up, thanks for sharing.

+1, great post, thanks!

Thanks drptop.
Do ya think theres enough of that bung to get a hose on there?

IMO no, I do not think it sticks out far enough to get a hose clamped on there securely enough. I will get pics of the wagon tank during the weekend.

There are tons of side-entry EFI tanks, something has to be workable for you EC/Wagon guys. Mustangs, T-birds, Crown Vics, are all side-entry I think and came with V8's. F-body, G-body ElCamino (other G-body's maybe?), trucks... Something out there has to be workable size/shape-wise and hopefully came with a V8 option with some aftermarket pump support or interchange with a pump from another potent V8 platform.

There are tons of side-entry EFI tanks, something has to be workable for you EC/Wagon guys. Mustangs, T-birds, Crown Vics, are all side-entry I think and came with V8's. F-body, G-body ElCamino (other G-body's maybe?), trucks... Something out there has to be workable size/shape-wise and hopefully came with a V8 option with some aftermarket pump support or interchange with a pump from another potent V8 platform.

3rd and 4th gen F body gas tanks have a weird shape to them and kind of wrap over the top of the rear axle.. the only G bodies that had an in tank pump for efi were the turbocharged Buick Regals and 85-88 Monte Carlos with the TBI 4.3 V6.
Ford layed out the floorpans of their cars in weird ways compared to GM- Crown Vickie tanks are up right behind the rear axle and the filler is on the passenger side. Fox Mustang/T Bird tanks aren't very big and the filler is on the passenger side.

if the B body wagon tanks is the same as the regular B body tank except with the filler on that other nub, then that would be the way to go.
another option that i just thought of is the 88-90 old body style B bodies that had TBI engines. they still had a steel gas tank with an in tank pump.

Next will be cutting that original 4 speed floor for the T56 :)

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d136/drptop70ss/b%20body%20tank%20install/032.jpg

I'm looking forward to as detailed a description of this mod as well!

This has sold me on the B body tank. Just found one in town for $40, going to get it after work today so I can get the frame done and ready for powdercoating.

I did the same swap but did not cut the trunk floor. I spaced the top down using 2" square tube with a strip of a black foam mat to clear the fuel line/sending unit.

Do you have any pics of of the completed project with and without the 2" spacer?

Which fuel filler neck did you use and confirm works with it installed??

I tried the B-body Impala fuel filler neck and it wasn't at the correct angle.
Any pics of this section with the tank strapped in and the filler neck you are using would be GREATLY appreciated.

This is the real PITA part that's the tail end of the project.
I'm stuck on this part at the moment. This is harder without a lift. LOL

FYI guys, the Spectra FG128B replacement sending unit is $118 from Rock Auto.
The harness inside has to be replaced as it's too thin. Bulkhead harness is included and good gauge.
http://www.partstrain.com/images/product_images/images/spectra/spifg128b_1.jpg


I bought the Racetronix Walbro 255lph fuel pump kit for the B-body tank but their customer service sucks
and no instructions included. They don't have a phone # or email support, or even web based chat. :noway:
They require you to register with their personal forum for any tech questions. They want membership
numbers for marketing to their site. Pumps get good ratings, but that's my
experience.

I used the B body filler on the 65 442, worked fine. This one I mocked up just to see, looks fine, just have to shorten the factory filler hose. If there is an issue I will bend up my own filler tube and weld the B body ends on it, it is just a hollow fill tube with a bung for the vent line, easily made if you have to. You could use prebent conduit pieces and weld them up if you do not have a bender. I will not be installing the tank until the body work is done, currently doing the T56 mockup, so I will not have pictures of the filler until the car is further along.

I'm not sure how your B-body filler tube looked good.
Mine doesn't at all,

Mine curves up too far once you put it through the frame by the plate.
I'd have to bend it down about an inch or more.

Pretty sure all B-bodies had the same one.
I'll take a picture and show ya.

I was wondering how I could bend it down......
Someone said a muffler shop.

Muffler shop should be able to bend it, but like I said it is not a big deal to make one if needed, just another part of the build. In my 65 it worked fine, no bending needed and came up behind the rear plate fine. Have you considered cutting off the original A body neck and welding the B body ends on it? Get yourself a mig welder and go to town, cant expect a 1995 part to fit a 1970s vehicle like it was made for it. If it only needs to come down an inch you could cut the tube, cut one end to change the angle, and weld it back together too. Lots of ways to make it work. I made the fill tube on my 37 buick out of exhaust tubing and welded factory ends on it, works great.

It's hard when you don't have the fab skills to do it. LOL

I just bought a MIG but I'm not very versed with it to feel that confident.
I was going to put the A-body filler tube on it like someone else did.

But if I can get a muffler shop to bend the B-body filler, I'd like to use it instead.

I'm going to be attempting to install the filler neck from my wrecked '01 S10 onto my original tank hopefully later this week. the size and shape of the filler neck is surprisingly similar to the Chevelle filler, not exact but I think if I cut the Chevelle filler at the first or second "rib", and use the hose from the S10 to attach the S10 tube to the Chevelle tank, it might work.

Might be an option to look into for your b-body tank swap. But in reality, tanking it to the exhaust shop to have it re-bent is surely your quickest/cheapest bet.

I will get pics when I install the filler neck, cant tell exactly how it will be until the rear bumper is back on the car. I want to keep the B body sealed gas cap because I will be keeping the factory late model EVAP system as well, so however I do it I will be modifying the B body neck.

Looks great, Nice install. Will the LT1 pump run a LS motor?

LK

Not sure if the LT1 pump would work, the LS1 runs at a higher pressure but that doesnt mean the LT1 pump couldnt supply it. The fuel pressure regulator should control final pressure but I have not tried it yet.

Not sure if the LT1 pump would work, the LS1 runs at a higher pressure but that doesnt mean the LT1 pump couldnt supply it. The fuel pressure regulator should control final pressure but I have not tried it yet.

Do you know the differences in the PSI from the LT1 to the LS?

LK

I believe LT1 will be around 43 psi, while LS1 will be 58 psi.

I thought I'd share a project I started after reading some older posts about using an Impala tank in a Chevelle. I know a lot of posts show a plastic Impala tank, but I decided to use a 1990 Impala FI metal tank (GM411C) because I can easily fabricate to it...didn't want to cut a hole in my trunk!

So far I haven't spent much and it's done...minus the leak test and install. I'll post again after install.



Parts bought
------------
Fuel pump: AC delco #EP381 (more than enough for my daily driver)
Fuel Tank: GM411C (only the 'FI' version comes with baffle and pan)
Summitracing: A couple gas tank gaskets
Home Depot: Nylon washers and bushings for electrical connector isolators


I fabricated the fuel pump/fuel sending unit plate to fit where the Impala "hump" was. Overall height of the tank without the "hump" is now 8 inches.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/426264_2414343496845_1799065051_1456770_1204034324 _n.jpg


This shows the internal baffle and pump pan.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/430270_2414342816828_1799065051_1456765_201116420_ n.jpg


http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/425077_2414343616848_1799065051_1456771_2106074424 _n.jpg


I figured this worked in an impala just fine so it'll work in my Chevelle just as well.
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429590_2414343376842_1799065051_1456769_1589565167 _n.jpg


This is the "hump" cut from the tank. I used a fuel bobber type sending unit from WEMAusa. They can custom make almost anything you want and they're accurate!
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424088_2414342616823_1799065051_1456764_965400677_ n.jpg


The Impala tank is 2 inches wider than the Chevelle tank. I created a recessed area so the tank will fit under the Chevelle in the stock location. I figured this will allow the tank to hug the undercarriage better.

As for the fugly filler neck...I'm gonna chop it off! I think I'll just weld the filler neck from the original tank to it.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/417636_2414343056834_1799065051_1456767_311032271_ n.jpg



Fuel pump mounting bracket.
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/432276_2377547496968_1799065051_1444724_1137253309 _n.jpg



http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401099_2377547136959_1799065051_1444722_161988796_ n.jpg


Similar to the Impala fuel pump/ sending unit mounting plate. This one fits a stock Chevelle tank. I decided to use an Impala tank because it already had a baffle and fuel pump pan. Plus, I had to buy a new tank anyways and decided to scrap this. You can see the nylon washers used in the electrical isolators. They're gas resistant and no different than what I saw on my old VDO sending unit.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/406497_2377547856977_1799065051_1444725_777950711_ n.jpg

I thought I'd share a project I started after reading some older posts about using an Impala tank in a Chevelle. I know a lot of posts show a plastic Impala tank, but I decided to use a 1990 Impala FI metal tank (GM411C) because I can easily fabricate to it...didn't want to cut a hole in my trunk!

So far I haven't spent much and it's done...minus the leak test and install. I'll post again after install.



Parts bought
------------
Fuel pump: AC delco #EP381 (more than enough for my daily driver)
Fuel Tank: GM411C (only the 'FI' version comes with baffle and pan)
Summitracing: A couple gas tank gaskets
Home Depot: Nylon washers and bushings for electrical connector isolators


I fabricated the fuel pump/fuel sending unit plate to fit where the Impala "hump" was. Overall height of the tank without the "hump" is now 8 inches.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/426264_2414343496845_1799065051_1456770_1204034324 _n.jpg


This shows the internal baffle and pump pan.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/430270_2414342816828_1799065051_1456765_201116420_ n.jpg


http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/425077_2414343616848_1799065051_1456771_2106074424 _n.jpg


I figured this worked in an impala just fine so it'll work in my Chevelle just as well.
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429590_2414343376842_1799065051_1456769_1589565167 _n.jpg


This is the "hump" cut from the tank. I used a fuel bobber type sending unit from WEMAusa. They can custom make almost anything you want and they're accurate!
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424088_2414342616823_1799065051_1456764_965400677_ n.jpg


The Impala tank is 2 inches wider than the Chevelle tank. I created a recessed area so the tank will fit under the Chevelle in the stock location. I figured this will allow the tank to hug the undercarriage better.

As for the fugly filler neck...I'm gonna chop it off! I think I'll just weld the filler neck from the original tank to it.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/417636_2414343056834_1799065051_1456767_311032271_ n.jpg



Fuel pump mounting bracket.
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/432276_2377547496968_1799065051_1444724_1137253309 _n.jpg



http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401099_2377547136959_1799065051_1444722_161988796_ n.jpg


Similar to the Impala fuel pump/ sending unit mounting plate. This one fits a stock Chevelle tank. I decided to use an Impala tank because it already had a baffle and fuel pump pan. Plus, I had to buy a new tank anyways and decided to scrap this. You can see the nylon washers used in the electrical isolators. They're gas resistant and no different than what I saw on my old VDO sending unit.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/406497_2377547856977_1799065051_1444725_777950711_ n.jpg
Nice metal work. How do you keep the fuel level in the pan? I know the newer cars somehow have a jet pump arrangement coming off the fuel line to maintain the pan level. How does yours work?
Squido

There's a small hole in the back of the pan. The pan sits on the very bottom of the tank and under acceleration the fuel flows away from the hole. It's a similar pan that's in most newer vehicles.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/424530_2418034669122_1799065051_1458392_1840062942 _n.jpg

I just wanted to thank drptop70ss for his post. It nudged me forward to try it out.

The tank fit great! As you can see, the tank has cutouts at the corners for the exhaust. I didn't expect this from a 90 Caprice tank, but it was definitely a bonus.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/418067_2448618753705_1799065051_1469653_2015745966 _n.jpg



From the side, the tank doesn't hang too low. It actually looks pretty good from this angle.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/419715_2448618673703_1799065051_1469652_1033025468 _n.jpg



Not the greatest of pictures, but you can see it doesn't look too low. Mind you, I'm pretty much on the ground taking this picture. You can't see the tank standing near the car.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/426967_2448618273693_1799065051_1469649_1187654819 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/419430_2448618473698_1799065051_1469651_1322995942 _n.jpg


I had to modify the filler neck. It's part Caprice neck and part Chevelle neck. The bung on the side if part of my venting system.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422905_2448619073713_1799065051_1469656_1245892212 _n.jpg



Here's the filler neck and it fits great.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/432002_2448618993711_1799065051_1469655_44127913_n .jpg



Under the hood. I'm using an Ez Efi throttle body FI. I'm fairly happy with it, but wish I could have done the multiport Xfi setup...It's just too much money!

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/432324_2448618833707_1799065051_1469654_278465535_ n.jpg


I'm fairly happy with how the tank turned out. There are definitely some things I'd do differently if I did it again, but those would be minor changes. I've driven 100 miles with the new tank and so far so good! I'm paranoid and keep thinking it will fall out if I hit any bumps...that's just me though.

Looks great, One question though. With all of he mods you did on that tank, why not just mod a Chevelle tank?

LK

The chevelle tank would have been much more work in my opinion. I thought about it a lot and having an opportunity to buy a tank that already had baffles and a fuel pan saved me time. Time is like gold to me...I don't have either! LOL I've driven my car everyday for the past 20 years and I don't have many chances to do a project that's more than a few days. However, with the chevelle tank out maybe I can take my time and convert it.

Still working great and gotta love the extra capacity!

Thanks for posting this Siv. I sent you private message with some quetions.

curious why you guys dont use an external pump-is it to keep the noise down on the pump, or just better life exp. from the pump
good info here though

I had an external pump when I first installed the ez-efi on my car. It was pretty loud and annoying to say the least. I also didn't have a sump on my tank, so at 1/4 tank there was problems. Figured if I need to sump a tank then I might as well just spend a little extra and make my own tank.

I have a pretty mild engine and a full exhaust which is probably why I heard the fuel pump 24/7. The internal pump in the tank I built can't be heard, even on a low tank. I love it.