Installing new fuel tank

gjcomb · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 10:57 PM

Hello!

I know this topic has been discussed on-line before with a number of Contempary owners, but I can't seem to find any email messages regarding the replacement and/or installing of a new fuel tank on the Contemporary Cobras - Maybe I have not looked at previous messages far back enough!

Anyway, I wanted to hear comments from anybody who may have done a fuel tank replacement in the past and whether any photos or even a sketch showing how their particular fuel lines are routed from the tank to the electric fuel pump (in the trunk), or direct to the mechanical fuel pump on the block might be available.

Primary question I have is location of the fuel line coming from the tank - on my old tank with the car (modified '69 Camaro) the fuel setup was from the ront top of the tank and from there it went to the electric pump. Due to the tank being over 20+ years old, I decided to change all this and opted for a stainless steel tank that is fabricated in the same dimensions as the old Camaro tank.

The big difference now is the fuel line outlet which is located now on the lower front part of the tank (i.e., looking towards the IRS). It is pretty close to one of the mount straps and too close to the passenger side rear rotor!

I am not sure of the tank pickup internally, but it is designed with internal baffles to prevent fuel sloshing. I surmise if the fuel outlet is at the bottom front of the tank, then the tank may not have a pickup to mount on top. I need to verify that.

The stainless steel tank is built by a reputiable company out of Texas.

Is the best option to have the fuel line coming from the top?

Thanks in advance for the comments! George

mickmate · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 05:21 AM

Hi George, I have seen some nice stainless Camaro tanks on the market that should work out well. If it doesn't have a pickup tube or a fuel trap on the inside of that fitting you could consider relocating it before you start filling it with gas. There are several solutions to fuel pickups including fuel sumps on the lower rear or to baffle or trap door around the pickup tube so nothing hangs below the tank. It is better if it doesn't have to fight too much gravity so lower is good. I have routed fuel lines mostly along the drivers side frame rail and prefer the protection of putting them inside it. That gets you close to your mechanical at the front and is a short hop across at the back to electrics. I have a heap of pictures of tanks, installs etc so PM me an e-mail if you need anything.

1985 CCX · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 06:35 PM

Nick has both ally and Stainless.........Awsome!

I plan to change mine out this winter to ally exactly like the one on 3002, of course Acton Custom

http://www.actoncustom.com/Cobra_Parts.php

Here is Jeff Nelson: (oops)

Danr55 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 04:40 AM

Jeff, That's the first time I've seen Nick's installation. Either I'm not paying attention or he's keeping it secret. In any event, perhaps the Mickmate will share with all of us the cost and a little description of what is involved in the way of changes to plumbing etc, to change to his new tank? I like it!

mickmate · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 05:18 AM

Hey Dan, it can be a bolt in deal with the tank. Usually I'm making them for a High Horsepower application and the customer specifies size, location, and number of fittings. They can also be trap doored around the pickup or have removeable plates for access. I did this recently with an internal pump and filter. Some have no sender and run a main and reserve fuel pickup. Complexity dictates price of course but a basic tank is $700 with straps at $150.

jeff.nel · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 08:38 AM

I couldn't be more happy with mine. Nick's the man!

jeff.nel · #7 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Nick has both ally and Stainless.........Awsome!

I plan to change mine out this winter to ally exactly like the one on 3002, of course Acton Custom

http://www.actoncustom.com/Cobra_Parts.php

Here is Jeff Arnels:

Hey, that looks like my car...Who's Jeff Arnel?

1985 CCX · #8 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 06:31 AM

Sorry Jeff

Saw the new CCX gas tank via Actoncustom:
Looks like a CSX3020 tank with all the frills, Nick post a picture!

mickmate · #9 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 08:45 PM

Thanks guys. I'll have you talk me through how. You're up late, Funspot tomorrow?

1985 CCX · #10 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 02:52 PM

Send me pics.............I'll post.

racco · #11 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 06:26 PM

Looks nice, does it have a blatter?

mickmate · #12 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 06:39 PM

Hey Racco, it doesn't but it could have. I was quoted 2.5-3K to put a bladder in my comp tanks, that also puts the tank price up for removeable panels for bladder install.