Fuel Cell or New Steel Tank?

[SIK5]

Hey gang,

So since I am basically replacing my whole fuel system I may as well get rid of the 38 year old gas tank. I can only imagine how much rust might be inside. I found a replacement steel tank and sending unit on Summit Racing. However, I am entertaining the idea of a fuel cell as well. Anyone got some pros and cons or experiences you can share?

Fuel cells look nice but not sure I want the cell inside the truck. I would definitely mount it in the stock location.

My K5 is not set up for rock crawling. I will be doing some sand drag racing and a lot of high speed trailing. I read that a fuel cell is good for performance vehicles due to the gas not sloshing around as much inhibiting aeration. Also, mounting the tank inside the rear cargo area will allow more clearance which I dont care about anyway.

 

[Deuling]

I don't see the point. I'd say get an efi replacement tank so it has the baffles and go from there. Less headaches.

 

[dyeager535]

Maybe some places have problem with tank rust? I've taken out multiple tanks, even back to 1967, and rust was minimal if even existent.

If you need something with a sump, the suggestion above for an EFI tank replacement makes sense.

 

[SIK5]

Yeah I don’t know if there is rust or not in there. I just feel since I am replacing everything else I may as well do it all. Some fuels have a slight trace amount of water in them...granted the water settles to the bottom on the tank at the stations but after so many years you never know.

I just ordered a stock 31 gallon replacement tank with sending unit. I know my stock units float broke off or something since the fuel gauge resets itself to 1/4 tank no matter what amount I fill it to.

I am not sure I'd need a sump or how that would benefit me. Does in minimize sloshing around or something?

 

[Deuling]

If you go efi a baffled tank works best.

 

[dyeager535]

Baffles/sump keep fuel around the pickup. When fuel level gets low and angles get more extreme, the tanks are large enough that fuel can leave the pickup dry. That will kill EFI immediately, but with a carb you normally have some runtime until the float bowl runs dry.

 

[SIK5]

Ohhhhh yeah makes sense. I'm definitely carbureted with my 1000 CFM Quick Fuel