Author Topic: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?  (Read 1524 times)

Offline 87ChevyR10

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Part of the restyling on the bed/back of the truck. I am planning to mount a fuel cell in my 8ft bed. Likely the same positioning as the tank thats in it now, centered up against the front bed panel.

So in ditching the tank, this provides for me a couple of issues.... or questions.

I want to up the size fuel capability i can hold to a 20 gal cell, which summit has an option but I was looking at RCI's 2200US.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/15340/10002/-1

So, unless I go mechanical fuel pump route(which I am absolutely lost on), I will have to find a cell that has a universal pump fit ability where I guess I could drop my pump in on their assembly?

Not really sure but that's where I'm at. Speedway Motors makes a pump and sending unit but they are including a high-pressure Walboro fuel pump(40+ psi) that is far too strong for my stock app https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Universal-In-Tank-Electric-Fuel-Pump-Module-Retrofit-EFI-LS-Swap,227433.html
. Unfortunately, they couldn't answer if I could simply swap pumps out for a ep386 level pump(12 psi) but i know putting a pump 3x-4x the strength in a setup like mine, that's a nono.

At this juncture, I will go from feeling like I have it figured out, then i find something else out or simply CAN'T get info and I feel like I'm at square one.

RCI has the tank the straps, but closed on Friday so they couldn't answer my question today. Summit doesn't know.

I think i came here when i rebuilt the tbi220(chem dipped the unit, new FPR gasket, rewired the fuel tank/sending unit with fresh wiring due to old wiring/unknown issues) cause i terrified of blowing me and my baby up. hahahah. im not terrified, but i aint thrilled either that it looks like i may have to cut/splice wiring to get pumps to work. Maybe maybe not. That's why I am here.

I got on amazon and seen a lot of braided fuel line setups with the line/fittings/adapters.

Is it as simple as replacing A higher rated fuel pump for the proper level pump with my application(ACD EP386 RATED @ 12PSI)?

Is this not doable? thanks for your time in advance. Glad to be back, i always do come back

couple other options
https://www.jegs.com/i/Rhodes-Race-Cars/794/18-0120/10002/-1[/i]]https://www.jegs.com/i/Rhodes-Race-Cars/794/18-0120/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/15340/10002/-1

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2023, 12:42:51 AM »
When I read this, it had been read 34 times. I kid you not, it may be 1000 times before you get an answer kid, sorry.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline ehjorten

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2023, 09:23:18 AM »
You should be able to swap-out the in-tank fuel pump to an EP386. I did the opposite back in the day with my Crew Cab swap to an LS. Here is some information that might help you? http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=34789.msg295493#msg295493

Alternatively, while not an inexpensive solution, Vaporworx can provide you with a PWM unit to reduce the speed and hence control the pressure in your fuel system. Check-out: https://www.vaporworx.com/shop/product/returnx-return-type-pwm-controller/
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6

Offline 87ChevyR10

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2023, 01:41:34 PM »
You should be able to swap-out the in-tank fuel pump to an EP386. I did the opposite back in the day with my Crew Cab swap to an LS. Here is some information that might help you? http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=34789.msg295493#msg295493

Alternatively, while not an inexpensive solution, Vaporworx can provide you with a PWM unit to reduce the speed and hence control the pressure in your fuel system. Check-out: https://www.vaporworx.com/shop/product/returnx-return-type-pwm-controller/

Preciate ya reply. I'm looking through it now. I missed this when I searched.

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2023, 08:09:12 AM »
I have to ask why you would want to swap to a different tank and take up bed space?  Those tanks are expensive and cost more than a factory replacement. What is going on with your current tanks that make you want to swap?  Did I miss something?

Offline 87ChevyR10

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2023, 03:34:46 PM »
Eh, just want to do something different. I may end up tucking it between the frame in the back. I'm not deadset on the location, but I am deadset on the fuel cell. Definitely not putting it back where it was.

Well, the tank has been in the back of the truck for a couple years now. Before the fuel pump fiasco was finally figured out. Got tired of pulling beds off or dropping tanks. It's just aesthetically ugly and a fuel cell if i kept it in the back would be a much better look.

Tank is out of it now, so when I get there, its figuring out the final location, then going about mounting it there.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2023, 07:31:25 PM »
Above the spare will smooth out your ride (when full 8))
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2023, 04:07:43 PM »
you don't want to put it back to where it was on the framerail for personal preferences or?
I swap mine to Blazer Tanks when going to LS swap mainly to simplify the fuel system and keep the simular dual tank capacity (31 vs 32 gallon)
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12120.msg190717#msg190717
and
my other site: http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/blazertank.html

Offline 87ChevyR10

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #8 on: November 08, 2023, 01:35:30 PM »
So the in-tank ep386 is rated at 12psi. From what I was seeing, a lot of these "universal" electric in-line pumps are made/designed for high HP applications which virtually eliminates 70-80% of the choices out there. Don't think purchasing an in-line pump rated at 40psi-100psi is going to work well....or at all. So I'm still in the process of looking for an in-line.

I've been googling and researching forums though. Seen Carter makes suitable pumps but have read numerous complaints about their in-lines. Though, my 2nd choice is an in-line pump designed for TBI,


These are what I'm looking at:
1. https://www.holley.com/products/fuel_systems/fuel_pumps_regulators_and_filters/fuel_pumps/efi_fuel_pumps/efi_electric_in-line_pumps/parts/12-930 (Is this too on the output?)

2. Carter TBI inline pump https://www.summitracing.com/nv/parts/crt-p5001
Carter says this pump is rated between 9 and 22 psi

Feedback? Alternative/better options?

Offline 87ChevyR10

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2023, 03:10:54 PM »
So I trolled around the net a bit and I believe I have found my suitable options. So I stated the in-tank ep386 is rated at 12psi. Had no idea that finding a pump that fit that psi, is inline would be that hard. The psi were either not enough, or extremely high-hp rated.

I found these options:

- $163 Summit Racing 03-0064 Summit Racing™ Fuel Pump And Regulator
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cmb-03-0064
3/8 feeds 14 psi max

- $90 Carter P5001 Carter Inline TBI Fuel Pump
https://www.summitracing.com/nv/parts/crt-p5001
"Designed to operate applications with system pressures between 9 and 22 psi, they are flow-rated at 50 gph at 20 psi. These pumps will function with the existing OE fuel pressure regulator. "

- $239 Summit Racing™ Fuel Pump And Regulator Pro Packs 03-0067
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cmb-03-0067

Between researching here and other forums i visit I pretty much got everything nailed down.  Anyone have experience dealing with any of the above 3? I've read some complaints on Carter pumps but, everybody has an opinion.

Thoughts on these?

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #10 on: November 09, 2023, 03:51:45 PM »
GM TBI needs 11-14lbs.  The regulator in the TBI controls the pressure.  The Walbro GSL395 is the same as what Holley sells I have no experience with the above listed. 
I would highly recommend moving to a submersible intank pump at some point.  This will increase the life of the pump and will run MUCH quieter...

Offline 87ChevyR10

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #11 on: November 09, 2023, 06:58:15 PM »
GM TBI needs 11-14lbs.  The regulator in the TBI controls the pressure.  The Walbro GSL395 is the same as what Holley sells I have no experience with the above listed. 
I would highly recommend moving to a submersible intank pump at some point.  This will increase the life of the pump and will run MUCH quieter...

The Summit 03-0067 kit has a 14 psi rated fuel pump with a regulator. This would suffice, no?

It is a big deviation from a stock tank with the in-tank pump, yeah, but my tank has already been mounted in the bed of my truck for a while.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #12 on: November 09, 2023, 08:06:34 PM »
I suppose you could install it at/near the tank, noise won't be as bad as long as its isolated/insulated from the frame.

BTW, tried to buy a Carter P5001 on amazon for 83.00, can't ship to California, the land of Fruits & Nuts... ::)

My '88 3+3 intank pump failed, and I have a HP inline that runs too much pressure. The Carter should be perfect.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Ditching the TANK for a CELL. Walboro pump is too strong, what can i do?
« Reply #13 on: November 10, 2023, 08:29:47 AM »

The Summit 03-0067 kit has a 14 psi rated fuel pump with a regulator. This would suffice, no?

It potentially should but I have no experience with it.