Author Topic: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with  (Read 5931 times)

Offline jbird526

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Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« on: July 30, 2009, 10:33:39 am »
If I do a TBI motor swap into my '80 K-10 and want to go with a Blazer tank, is there a tank year I should be looking for? An 87?

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2009, 11:12:57 am »
you want to get a 87-91 EFI tank and sending unit.

Offline jbird526

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2009, 11:36:43 am »
Thank you for your ridiculously quick answer.  ;)

Offline jbird526

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2009, 11:38:07 am »
OH also if I just decided to go with a side saddle tank would the same years apply? An 87-91 TBI 16gal tank?

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2009, 11:42:09 am »
Yes and no.  87 was the last year for a short bed, so it would be the option if you have a 16gal tank.
Otherwise the 87-91 R/V tank will work (same bodystyle.)

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #5 on: July 30, 2009, 11:50:16 am »
You can use the 73-86 tanks also they just don't have the plastic baffle. I used the tanks from my 74 for my conversion. It won't be an issue unless you run the tank ridiculously low.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline jbird526

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #6 on: July 30, 2009, 12:03:03 pm »
Thanks again

Well since I need another tank, this might be the trick. I like the idea of the Blazer tank but simply hanging a side saddle is easier to deal with if any repair issues.


 87-91 Chevy/GMC Shortbed PickUp, 16 Gallon Gas Tank (with EFI)

https://www.carolinaclassictrucks.com/Goodmark-4145-750-871.html

Offline jbird526

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #7 on: July 30, 2009, 12:17:03 pm »
I wasnt sure if the sending unit hole had changed from the carb to fi tanks. I knew about the baffles but that is all.

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #8 on: July 30, 2009, 02:04:19 pm »
For what it is worth, I am running a non EFI tank on my Blazer with TPI also.
Sending units are the same size just the EFI one have the provision for a electric pump.

I was listing the years just in case you planned to get it from a donor which would give you the sender and the tank.


Offline jbird526

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Re: Planning TBI engine swap, what tank to go with
« Reply #9 on: July 30, 2009, 04:17:29 pm »
I appreciate all the information you have given. I am going to the junkyard this weekend and just wanted to know what to look for. I wanted the info for comparison. Given the price of new tanks its not worth cleaning up a rusty tank in my opinion. I've done that in the past and its bitten me in the ass.

The engine I have is an early 90's I think. I need to check again. I was told it is a roller cam 4 bolt with TBI. Its only gonna cost me $100 and was pulled from a total at my buddies body shop. I'll need the engine harness and ECM and all the other fun goodies but the engine was running when it was pulled so I cant complain about the money it will take to get the other parts.

Luckily there are some good posts here that describe how to do the swap so I will probably asking more questions later.