Well I am not sure where to post this and, if it the wrong area can the moderators please move it to the correct area?

The question I have is has anyone ever attempted to install a 4th gen plastic gas tank into their 3rd gen??? The size is exactly the same under there and compairing my 00 to my 83 tells me why not. It is the same panels for the past 20yrs that surround the tank. I am completely restoring this car but would rather install a plastic tank instead of these metal POS tanks that rust. Any ideas or help???

TTT

I have no idea, but I think this is a great question. Does anyone out there have any in-site to this???

I just asked a buddy about this, and he says its 11 lbs lighter than the stock 3rd gen one, and that as far as he can tell, it has the exact same dimensions as the tank in his old IROC. I think I may just try this out too! Thanks for the idea!

That would be damn cool.

This is also currently being discussed on the national 3rd gen mailing list. I think the 99+ cars come with plastic tanks, and they hold 16.5 gallons of fuel. If these fit with little/no modification, then it looks like we can chalk up another "4th Gen -> 3rd Gen" conversion item.

Yeah I'm on the mailing list

I was doing a little research

The only major problem that I have found is that the filler kneck is longer on the 4th gen tank. Not sure if this would be a easy cut and a resplice with rubber/metal ends.

Hybrid, we should try it out sometime

How do you get on thise mailing list.....??

New problems....

LS1's do not use a return line for the fuel system, therefore you will have to plumb one yourself. Probably not TOO hard, just a PITA.

You'll have to use a fuel pump designed to fit in the LS1 tank. Anyone have part numbers for LS1 fuel pumps? So far I've come up with Walbro part #'s GSS340M (better choice for LS1 engines), and GSS307M (I'm assuming this is a lower pressure model?)

Edit...

Looks like those are just a standard Walbro GM fuel pumps, nothing special. Found some awesome prices here: http://www.autoperformanceengineerin.../fuelpump.html

Hmm im gonna go to the dealer and research that, as far as the pump goes, the 340 is a higher pressure model for forced induction running high pressure, nitrous etc, and check the kits out from this site.

www.racetronix.com

Thats where I got those part #'s from. I'm sure those Racetronix kits are great, but do we really need all those connectors? They probably dont fit the 3rd gen connectors, so it seems like it'd be a waste of money to buy all that extra stuff that isnt necessary for out application.

Well the wiring upgrade is quite a good idea, and they do offer 3rd gen kits, I doubt it would be much trouble for him to give you the fuel pump kit to the LS1 with the 3rd gen wiring harness.

Duhh... I guess I was too engrossed in my work to think of that, lol. I think I'll give them a call and see if thats possible.

I emailed them, and they told me that the 4th gen pump kit is not yet for sale, but will be in a few weeks. They also said that making a custom harness would be no problem. I dont see any need for a custom harness here though, just need the pump assembly for a 4th gen, with a harness for a 3rd gen? I dunno, I guess they're the experts....

Yeah I think you'd just need the 4th gen pump kit with 3rd gen harness, i'd need a custom one

here are pics of the 4th gen tank I just scored. I hope they are not too big. It looks like the filler neck is just held on by a rubber hose, so it could be shortened as needed. My question is the canisters and all of the other stuff on the top. I haven't pulled my tank out yet, so I haven't compared them yet. I was hoping someone on here had some ideas...

Is that the plastic tank? How much did it cost you, and where did you get it? Is that black box attached to the top actually part of the tank, or is it seperate? Are any lines/wires for the fuel system running to it? I'm thinking that it might be part of the ABS system, or maybe traction control?

I dunno bout that black box, but it looks to me there wont be a need for me to add a return line,

Yeah, I noticed that as well. If this thing fits, I'm gonna go ahead and buy one. Hurry up and install that bad boy!

These tanks are baffled as well?

Wow, let's hope it works.

Even if it ain't exactly cheap, it will beat the heck out of $1100 for the FuelSafe fuel cell.

The tank is out of a 99 Z28 w/LS1. I think the black box on the tank is the vapor canister, like what is in the left front fenderwell on a TPI Camaro. It looks like it could be taken off and that line plugged. I should have my tank out by this weekend, I will try to take side by side pics then. It looks (?) like it should be a direct fit. I work in a body shop, and got the tank from the people I buy a lot of parts from. I have no idea what one would cost, though. I am going to try to borrow a service manual to find out what goes where.
Jon

a quick search on www.car-part.com revealed that these tanks can be had for under 100 bucks. Add a walbro fuel pump and you've got a Lighter weight, higher capacity, better performing fuel system for under 200-300 bucks.

Amazing.... I just got access again to my computer yesterday after months of having it in storage from moving. I get a email with this link I was like WTF? No one ever responded! It is nice to see others enthusiasm now. I would really like to know since I am going for a perfectly restored car however plastic would be much better then metal. As for the baffles... I would say they are. For the last two weeks I had my T/A out and I ran it with out much gas in it. I was trying to find the best day to take it off the road and didn't want much gas in the tank so finally I decided on the last day of summer to retire her I also had it ripping around with new shocks and STb and had no problems with little gas. If it works I say go for it!!!

I just came across this thread, and I am amazed. Never in a million years would I have thoughtto swap out my tank. That's such a good idea. If anyone gets one from the junk yard, lemme know what they paid. I've got a guy "on the inside" so to say, that cuts me deals on parts. it'd be a sweet swap if it's not to hard. When / if anyone gets the swap done, plz for the love of *** get some pics and some info about it so I'll know what I'm getting into. Thanks

Was this a rare occasion I was thinking? The more and more research I do on this tells me to do it. I was looking it doesn't appear to be too bad. Especially since I will have everything gutted. Mine wont go in until spring. Anyone have opinions about me doing this on a car I am completely restoring? I just do not want to have a problem with rust. Opinions please...

I have wondered about this for a long time. I would actually rather have a plastic tank.

Plastic Tank Benefits:
1.) Weight reduction
2.) No chance of rusting
3.) Harder to puncture.

I can score a tank straight out of an '01 T/A for 150, with the sender and the pump still installed. As I have a leak and have to take the tank out (leak's on top, somewhere) I was thinking I have an real opportunity to do an upgrade here. Has ANYONE done this?
I have many questions:
Would I have to change the pump or can I leave the factory one in?
Does the sender still work the same or do I have to change that?
Does the 4th gen gas cap act as the tank pressure vent or is it like my 91 with an external vent valve?
How different is the fuel pump wiring?
Should I have the guy get me 3-4 inches of the original connector when he pulls the tank?

Leave the '01 pump in since it is the only one that will fit(not mentioning aftermarket if her has oem)
Sending unit should work the same. They are a simple gauge on both considering you can connect aftermarket gauges to both I have to imagine they are inetrchangable. As for wiring it should be a semi strait forward splice. The caps to my knowledge are the valve (hence if they are not on correct it will pop codes b/c of pressure) I would have him give you as much of the neck as he can. There is going to need to be a point where you go to 3rd gen neck but I would want as much of both as possible to link at the best possible spot.

Are the 99 up plastic tank assemblies the same in V8 & V6 f bodies?

i woner if the fuel gauge will still work the same?

If its a standard GM 0-90 Ohm sender, then yes, it will work.

This is correct... an off the shelf Walbro pump will not fit the '99 & up plastic modules. Not only will it not fit, the factory pump has a venturi supply outlet on the top which is used to fill the fuel bucket. Racetronix has working units being tested in the field now so it won't be too long before they are ready for sale. The other point is that the wiring harness is VERY IMPORTANT. For those of you who posted in this thread about not understanding why it would be required I highly recommend you read the Racetronix ads carefully as well as many posts I have made on www.camaroz28.com, www.turbobuick.com and www.corvetteforum.com.

As soon as the '99+ LS1 f-body kits become available we will post the info on the racetronix web page.

Jack
Racetronix
www.racetronix.com

Do you have any idea how long it will be before the kits will available for sale? 1 Week, 1 Month? I am in desperate need of a new tank and fuel pump and one of your wiring kits, and I would like to get the parts as soon as possible so I can begin working on it.

Racetronix was suppose to have these kits ready over a month ago but the C&C shops around us are slow to make the custom parts we require. As soon as there are any updates we will post them on our web page.

Sorry I can not be any more specific than that.


Jack
Racetronix
www.racetronix.com

4th gen gas tanks are PLASTIC?¿?¿?¿ I guess you learn something every day.

I got this handy dandy price list here in my hands from a local junkyard which has a couple 4th gens, it says they charge just $35 for a gas tank, and they even remove it themselves. if you want the fuel pump it'll be an extra $15.

What junk yard is that man??? I notice your in Baltimore.........I'm in Savage!

is anybody working on gettin one of these in and how is it goin so far>>???

I already have my rear end out of the car, and was planning on swapping tanks. However, I have decided my 87 is a rusty piece of crap, so I bought another car. If I swap it, I will probably wait on a Racetronix kit and do it that way.
Jon

The Junkyard is "Crazy Rays", theres 2 of them one in Columbia and the other is on the outskirts of Baltimore City... PM me for directions if you want them, I know the one in Columbia has 3 fourth gens all pre 98, and the one in Baltimore has at least 1 pre 98.

Keep in mind that any fuel pump sitting idle in an empty or partially full tank for an extended period of time can easily be damaged due to moisture. It is not a good idea to install a used fuel pump. A plastic tank and sending unit are OK just not the pump itself.

Jack
Racetronix
www.racetronix.com

Has anyone discovered if this will work yet.

I'll hopefully be trying this out soon. The rear end is out, and everything in the way of the tank is removed, I just need to drain the tank and drop it down. I'm sure locating an LS1 tank wont be too hard. I'll keep you guys posted.

It's too bad no one has done this yet, I have to replace my dying fuel pump (basically dead now), if this was a simple swap id do it in a heartbeat.. i have to pull the tank out anyways. Im guessing the fuel pump would just be as simple as splicing a few wires, or do they have different psi settings in the 4th gens?

well, anyone do this yet? I'm sure it's possible, but I'd like to know what's involved before I go out and buy a 4th gen tank.

Well someone has to be a "Test Dummy"

When I start doing my HSR install and headers and what not I may be upgrading my fuel pump, if so then I will attemp the install!

I opted to just repair my old tank. I didnt want to get it all ready to go, then discover that it didnt fit correctly. I'm finally almost done with the frigin thing now too,the gas tank is in and the rear end is up, just need a few more things and I'll be ready to go