Can you use an inline fuel pump for a tbi setup?

[1low4x4]

Hey guys, my dad is in the process of swapping his 86 from carb to tbi. We already changed out the heads and intake, and put a 700r4 behind it, now he's fooling with the harness. But, he doesnt have a fuel tank to use. he was wondering if it would be acceptable to run an inline fuel pump using his existing stock gas tank, rather than finding a complete new tank with a pump inside it. Thanks for any tips!

 

[bucket]

Yes, it will work fine. You just need a pump designed to make about 20 psi, and mount it as close to the tank as possible (within a foot or so). And also try to mount the pump below the fuel level.

The only thing that can be an issue is fuel slosh in a tank without baffles, but just don't let the tank get below about a 1/4 full. Really though, the same applies to an in-tank pump since the fuel is what cools it.

 

[1low4x4]

Cool, thanks for the quick response. Any suggestions on what brand or type to buy, other than the psi rating?

 

[bucket]

I don't remember what brand I used last time. I think Jeg's and Summit both list a pump or two that are specifically for a TBI swap.

 

[1low4x4]

Sweet, I'll check em out! Thanks!

 

[GreaseDog]

why not just buy a sender for an 87, stick it in the stock tank, and plumb it up? the in tank pump will last longer.

 

[bucket]

why not just buy a sender for an 87, stick it in the stock tank, and plumb it up? the in tank pump will last longer.

Why will it last longer? A properly installed in-line pump will hold up just fine.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Liquid cooled being in the tank.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Except when you run it 1/4 tank or below...

 

[GreaseDog]

and when you're running an external pump, on a non baffled carbed tank, its not any better of an idea to run it below 1/4 tank anyways. not to mention, the in tank will be quieter.

 

[1low4x4]

Bringing this thread back to life. This truck is STILL not on the road and lacks a few things to get it going. Dad has been driving my red 85 and I want it back! So today I got him going a bit and helped him work on it some. We got a donor 93 truck to use the fuel lines on his truck. They will screw in the back of the tbi and then run to the tank.

Problem still is, he's set on an in-tank pump. Unfortunately the pump out of the 93 gas tank will not fit, it is too deep. He wants to keep the stock tank. (because the tank out of the 93 is too big also) Is there any such in-tank pump he can buy? This is all that's holding him up pretty much.

 

[1low4x4]

Edit: I see someone mentioned an 87 pump in the stock tank. We're those tbi pumps in the same tank back then? I don't see why he couldn't just buy an 87 fuel pump and drop it in.

If that would work, then what about the fuel lines? Would the lines off of a 93 work on that pump?

 

[Swims350]

they said it above, from an 87 truck tbi came in some 87's and that's what you need the sending unit and pump from.

you should be fine to use an 87 pump because it was tbi, as for the lines, they make work, might just have to make them fit. honestly metal line is cheap enough buy it and make the flares and bends you need yourself, or buy some 87 fuel lines for tbi.

 

[Jims86]

Nick,
I just finished swapping to TBI back in December from TPI...used an inline pump on TPI, using one on TBI. No problems, just mount it as close to the tank as possible.
I did consider in tank, but I didnt want to have to drop the tank if something went wrong.

And Chris is correct...you need the 87 sending unit with pump, and it should drop into the earlier tank.

 

[1low4x4]

Thanks guys! Ready to get this thing back on the road!