Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
#1
Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
Hi, I was just reading the "standard catalog of Firebird" and noticed that in 1982 these cars started out with 16 gallon gas tanks, then in 1983 the capacity was increased to 16.1 gallons, it remains that way until 1985 when it dropped to 15.5 gallons and remained that way until 1992 when third generation production ended.
What was the reason behind the fuel tanks change to a lower capacity?
What was the reason behind the fuel tanks change to a lower capacity?
#3
Supreme Member
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
'85 was the first year that you could get TPI, so I'd say the need for an in-tank pump on some models and the drop in capacity are probably related.
#4
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Car: 92 Trans Am Conv
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
I'd blame mpg/epa.
GM for years has limited gas tank volume for mileage.
GM for years has limited gas tank volume for mileage.
Last edited by Vanilla Ice; 04-15-2017 at 10:09 PM.
#5
On Probation
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
I guess the pump in the tank started with the 83 HO motors.
My 84 has both pumps.
My 84 has both pumps.
#6
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
Supposedly wasn't that the reason some cars got those horrible plexiglass t-tops too? And why after 88 (I think) you couldn't get a 350 and t-tops? To save on weight?
Once again another example of far too much government interference in private industry. Small wonder the cars look like plastic tonka toys today
Last edited by JimRockford; 04-16-2017 at 09:22 AM.
#7
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
So what happens on your 84 when the in tank pump goes out? Can you still keep driving it with a mechanical pump?
I had a couple 82 and 83's before and none of them had an electric pump inside the tank, and I never had any vapor lock issues and I live in California where it gets hot in the summer.
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Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.0 Liter 4-BBL V8 High Output
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
For The Camaro's The 1985 Brochure Shows The Sport Coupe And Berlinetta Got 15.5 Tanks And The Z28's And IROC's Got 16.2 Tanks.
Maybe Is Was Similar As The Base Firebird/Se Vs The Trans Am.
Maybe Is Was Similar As The Base Firebird/Se Vs The Trans Am.
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Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
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Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
I would guess a misprint, I have changed out both and never noticed a difference.
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Car: 88 Firebird Formula
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Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
Wow there must be alot more in my tank than i can fit. i usually fill up around 1/4 and i can only fit 10-11 gals.
#12
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
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Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
For the record, the Crossfire and US Iron Dukes had in tank fuel pumps from day one.
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Car: 92 Trans Am Conv
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Why did the gas tank capacity drop in 1985?
Even with the tanks being identical "full volume" could be artificially limited with the vent to force the nozzle to shut off early.
Again for weight/mpg/CAFE reasons.
Again for weight/mpg/CAFE reasons.