EFI 383 engine swap

[CTxK20]

Good morning everyone. I recently bought an atk Hp36c EFI engine to swap into my K20. For my truck it should be a mostly drop in replacement except for the fuel system, which I am trying to solve the issue of which fuel pump to buy. My truck is a dual tank truck. Would y'all recommend buying an inline pump and placing it in front of the switch valve, or would the FiTech fuel command center be a better option? Thank you for your recommendations.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

A surge tank, like the Fitech, is what I would use.

 

[CTxK20]

I will probably be buying the fitech option since it looks to be the more reliable option.

 

[Hunter79764]

Head's up, make sure you have a vent line and/or return lines as needed for that setup. Apples and oranges, but a buddy installed one on a Mustang, ran great for about 30 minutes at a time then wouldn't start until the next day. Which was a problem as a daily driver and a 40 minute commute each way. Finally nailed down it was a fuel starvation issue, pulling a vacuum on either the tank or the surge tank, can't remember, and lost pressure to operate somehow. He scoured the instructions and made sure he had it all "right", called tech support etc., ended up with a vent line that was acting like a return line couldn't keep up. Called back tech support to relay what he found and got an "Oh yeah, we see that a lot." Cleaned or replaced the line and it ran great again for the whole tank. Moral of the story, those result in some strange plumbing sequences, so a line or fitting that might be "fine" with the old setup can cripple you when it gets used in a new way.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Buy Spectre tanks and senders for a 1987 model year. Use AC Delco EP381 pumps on the 87 senders. This will be the most reliable option to run dual tanks.

I did not have a good switch, so I have my passenger side tank plumbed as an auxiliary tank, meaning it pumps into the primary tank when switched on. This requires a little bit more attentiveness, but eliminates the tank switch and somewhat simplifies things. I rarely use the passenger side tanks anyhow.

Also, keep in mind the fuel lines. They were not designed to run 60psi. Most EFI systems call for a 3/8” supply and 5/16” return. NiCopp line is easy to work with and is ethanol resistant. Other than that, choose your favorite EFI flex line and AN fitting manufacturer and have at it. Regular ol clamps can be used, provided they are the EFI style ones on the appropriate flexible hose.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Buy Spectre tanks and senders for a 1987 model year. Use AC Delco EP381 pumps on the 87 senders. This will be the most reliable option to run dual tanks.

I did not have a good switch, so I have my passenger side tank plumbed as an auxiliary tank, meaning it pumps into the primary tank when switched on. This requires a little bit more attentiveness, but eliminates the tank switch and somewhat simplifies things. I rarely use the passenger side tanks anyhow.

The factory switch being pressurized to 60 psi is the problem, it can't handle it.

Last I knew there was no alternative to handle the pressure, hence using a surge tank being the simplest method of dealing with it.

 

[Frankenchevy]

The factory switch being pressurized to 60 psi is the problem, it can't handle it.

Last I knew there was no alternative to handle the pressure, hence using a surge tank being the simplest method of dealing with it.

Pollak 65 PSI 3-Port Motorized Fuel Tank Selector Valve - 42-151 - bestcarpartssupply.com

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Pollak Part No.: 42-151 Maximum Pressure: 65 psi Fuel Hose: 3/8″ I.D. Connector (Required): 42-203 Recommended Fuse: 7.5A Product Condition: NEW

www.bestcarpartssupply.com

I believe the Pollak 42-151 is a viable option if one wants to maintain a tank switch.

 

[Zelph]

Tanks Inc. TM6372-HT-KITGML Tanks Inc. EFI-Ready Fuel Tank Kits | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Tanks Inc. EFI-Ready Fuel Tank Kits with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Fuel Tanks at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[CTxK20]

Buy Spectre tanks and senders for a 1987 model year. Use AC Delco EP381 pumps on the 87 senders. This will be the most reliable option to run dual tanks.

I did not have a good switch, so I have my passenger side tank plumbed as an auxiliary tank, meaning it pumps into the primary tank when switched on. This requires a little bit more attentiveness, but eliminates the tank switch and somewhat simplifies things. I rarely use the passenger side tanks anyhow.

Also, keep in mind the fuel lines. They were not designed to run 60psi. Most EFI systems call for a 3/8” supply and 5/16” return. NiCopp line is easy to work with and is ethanol resistant. Other than that, choose your favorite EFI flex line and AN fitting manufacturer and have at it. Regular ol clamps can be used, provided they are the EFI style ones on the appropriate flexible hose.

I will not be replacing the tanks, as I recently redid the entire fuel system for the 350 that was in the truck, before I decided to switch to EFI with the new engine. I put in new tanks, sending units, lines, a switch valve, and a mechanical pump when I redid the system.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I will not be replacing the tanks, as I recently redid the entire fuel system for the 350 that was in the truck, before I decided to switch to EFI with the new engine. I put in new tanks, sending units, lines, a switch valve, and a mechanical pump when I redid the system.

Fair enough, I was just presenting the cheapest option for long term reliability for the fuel pump itself. In tank pumps are cooled by the fuel, so they tend to live a bit longer.