Fuel Tank - Best Option?

Ben Kallies · 10-13-2012, 03:43 PM

I'm thinking about upgrading to a larger volume fuel pump (currently running Mallory Comp 140), and it looks like most larger volume pumps require a return line, which means that I'll either need to add a sump to my factory tank, or get a new fuel tank all together. I've heard mention of some people having trouble with the foam found in most modern race fuel tanks (both plastic and aluminum). Is this a concern? What is everyone using? What should I look for? What should I avoid? If money were no object, what's the best option? Appreciate your input. Thank you.

Ben Kallies
3869 B/S '71 Corvette

Dragsinger · 10-13-2012, 05:55 PM

Ben,

after building, plumbing and racing many combinations of fuel systems this has become my favorite and most stable and most reliable.

Plumb in an adjustable, return style regulator at the carb and adjust it for about 3 pounds pressure at idle. Experiment with wide open pressure but most any gas carb will like 6.5 - 7 pounds

Run a #6 return line back to the cell. Install any fuel cell of your preference and remove the foam.

Install a pump of your choice near the cell. Doing this will give stable and reliable service.

And one note of convenience, Jaz will sell a fuel cell without the fitting holes drilled. I like that option so I can put the fittings were I want for a custom install.

And one last comment, I have tried but did not like the style fuel pumps that incorporate a return fitting at the pump. My experience was unstable pressure that would at times surge too high.

Ben Kallies · 10-14-2012, 09:03 AM

Dragslinger,

Thank you for the detailed info. I have one question. How does one go about removing the foam from a fuel tank? Thanks

-Ben

Tom keedle · 10-14-2012, 10:21 AM

open filler hole, reach in, grab foam, pull out foam.....

(at least that's how I did it)

Dragsinger · 10-14-2012, 12:16 PM

Ben, remove the ring of bolts around the filler cap and remove that hardware, now you have a larger hole to pull foam out.

Ben Kallies · 10-14-2012, 04:57 PM

I've never seen inside of one of the tanks. I assumed that the foam was somehow affixed or difficult to access. Are there any concerns with removing the foam in regards to how the fuel tank operates? I guess that considering the factory tank has no foam, I would assume that it's not a problem.

Any preference on plastic vs. aluminum or stainless? Thanks for the replies.

-Ben

Dragsinger · 10-14-2012, 05:48 PM

Ben, it is not problem, many racers run without the foam. It is simply a small fuel tank.

rallye bob · 10-16-2012, 06:43 AM

Depending on the size of the cell, there may be up to three sections of "foam" in the cell. That was the case with my 15 gal aluminum cell... Easy to compress and pull out through the fill hole. Easier if you " remove the ring of bolts around the filler cap and remove that hardware" as Dragsinger, said..

10-13-2012, 03:43 PM	#1
Ben Kallies Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 107 Likes: 2 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Fuel Tank - Best Option? I'm thinking about upgrading to a larger volume fuel pump (currently running Mallory Comp 140), and it looks like most larger volume pumps require a return line, which means that I'll either need to add a sump to my factory tank, or get a new fuel tank all together. I've heard mention of some people having trouble with the foam found in most modern race fuel tanks (both plastic and aluminum). Is this a concern? What is everyone using? What should I look for? What should I avoid? If money were no object, what's the best option? Appreciate your input. Thank you. Ben Kallies 3869 B/S '71 Corvette

10-13-2012, 05:55 PM	#2
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Fuel Tank - Best Option? Ben, after building, plumbing and racing many combinations of fuel systems this has become my favorite and most stable and most reliable. Plumb in an adjustable, return style regulator at the carb and adjust it for about 3 pounds pressure at idle. Experiment with wide open pressure but most any gas carb will like 6.5 - 7 pounds Run a #6 return line back to the cell. Install any fuel cell of your preference and remove the foam. Install a pump of your choice near the cell. Doing this will give stable and reliable service. And one note of convenience, Jaz will sell a fuel cell without the fitting holes drilled. I like that option so I can put the fittings were I want for a custom install. And one last comment, I have tried but did not like the style fuel pumps that incorporate a return fitting at the pump. My experience was unstable pressure that would at times surge too high. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-14-2012, 09:03 AM	#3
Ben Kallies Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 107 Likes: 2 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Fuel Tank - Best Option? Dragslinger, Thank you for the detailed info. I have one question. How does one go about removing the foam from a fuel tank? Thanks -Ben

10-14-2012, 10:21 AM	#4
Tom keedle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Berthoud, Coloraduh Posts: 695 Likes: 13 Liked 8 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Fuel Tank - Best Option? open filler hole, reach in, grab foam, pull out foam..... (at least that's how I did it) __________________ without losers,winning means nothing.

10-14-2012, 12:16 PM	#5
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Fuel Tank - Best Option? Ben, remove the ring of bolts around the filler cap and remove that hardware, now you have a larger hole to pull foam out. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-14-2012, 04:57 PM	#6
Ben Kallies Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 107 Likes: 2 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Fuel Tank - Best Option? I've never seen inside of one of the tanks. I assumed that the foam was somehow affixed or difficult to access. Are there any concerns with removing the foam in regards to how the fuel tank operates? I guess that considering the factory tank has no foam, I would assume that it's not a problem. Any preference on plastic vs. aluminum or stainless? Thanks for the replies. -Ben

10-14-2012, 05:48 PM	#7
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Fuel Tank - Best Option? Ben, it is not problem, many racers run without the foam. It is simply a small fuel tank. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-16-2012, 06:43 AM	#8
rallye bob Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Genoa, Illinois Posts: 488 Likes: 9 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Fuel Tank - Best Option? Depending on the size of the cell, there may be up to three sections of "foam" in the cell. That was the case with my 15 gal aluminum cell... Easy to compress and pull out through the fill hole. Easier if you " remove the ring of bolts around the filler cap and remove that hardware" as Dragsinger, said..