LS1 fuel tank in an LT1 car

I was wondering if the two tanks are interchangeable? LT1 is steel and 15.5 gallons and the LS1 is plastic and 16.5 gallons. The lines and electric conn. look the same.

TIA
Lewis

Depending on where/how the tank was made bigger, one thing that might be an issue is if the pickup on the pump will reach that extra gallon of gas.

Another thing is that this will really mess up responses to the posts "How many miles per tank do you get?". http://web.camaross.com/bb/eek.gif http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif (another reason not to ask that question)

------------------
Rob B 95Z A4 (http://home.swbell.net/shoebox)
Tech Page (http://csce.uark.edu/~jgbertr/rb/4th_gen_tech1.html)

My tank has a large dent in it but is not leaking. The gauge also reads fun. I was going to just put in tank pump and al in with the new LS1 tank.

Thats why i was asking?

Lewis

Good idea! I'm curious, too.

-Chris

Hmmmmmm........added benefit of the weight savings with a plastic tank!
I wonder what the wieght savings will turn out to be?
When you have both tanks sitting on the ground - see if you can somehow weigh them to see for us.
This may turn out to be a good weight reduction mod if it's quite a bit....... http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif

I am not sure, but I think the LS-1 has a different width trunk space than the LT-1. Therefore, the tank might be formed fit for the particular vehicle.

------------------
1997 Camaro SS #2948
M6, !CAGS, T-Tops, Tinted Glass
17x9.5 Boyd Coddington Shysters
Eibach Sportline Springs
Flowmaster Exhaust
Pic coming soon!

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Srper:
I am not sure, but I think the LS-1 has a different width trunk space than the LT-1. Therefore, the tank might be formed fit for the particular vehicle.

</font>There are'nt any structural changes on the 4th gen. f-body's.



------------------
BLACK 97' RAM-AIR TRANS-AM, DEEP TINT,
LINGENFELTER 383 LT4,
6 SPD. TRANNY, CENTERFORCE CLUTCH, HOOKER LONGTUBES, FLOWMASTER CAT-BACK, STOCK WS6 HIGH POLISHED WHEELS WITH THE REARS WIDENED TO 11 INCHES WEARING 315-35-17
G-FORCE TA's, 2 INCH SUSPENSION DROP VIA EIBACH SPRINGS AND KONI SHOCKS, HARDER DUROMETER BUSHINGS EVERYWHERE ON THE CAR, LS1 CALIPERS AND 13 INCH CROSSED-DRILLED ROTORS, DOUBLE DIAMOND SUB-FRAME CONNECTORS, LG MOTORSPORTS REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS, STRUT TOWER BRACE, TORQUE ARM, AND ADJUSTABLE PANHARD ROD

I'll talk to my salvage guy in the morning and see what he says.

its 16.8 gallons.. if you want to be technical..

:P

also the gauge light comes on in an ls1 when it gets to about 3 gallons left.

In my LT1, the E meant get ready to push. 5 times I found myself pushing or walking with my trusty 1 gallon gas can I kept in the trunk.

I don't know if the low fuel light will come on or not, but the extra gallon or so of gas would be a plus. I not think the wieght diff. is going to be too great. I figured my gauge is bad and I also have a large dent on the corner of my tank. I would be able to fix both in one shot.


Lewis

Well I think I'm going to try it.

Lewis

The LS1 in the F-Car uses a "Returnless" fuel system. It has a return but it is back near the tank. It may still work, let us know.

i dont have any experience of my own to back it up, but somebody on LS1tech.com said they weighed both tanks and that the plastic tank is 18lbs lighter than the metal tank

:eek: Wow.........that much lighter......... As soon as someone knows whether the swap will work, let us know...

Anybody tried this yet?

LewisW96.....did you ever try this swap?

the guage also reads fun cool :p

I maybe wrong about this but the LS1 cars use a different fuel pump-fuel sender assy than the Lt1 cars and I think the way that attaches to the tank is different, so you may not be able to attach your sender-fuel pump to that newer tank.

I work at a salvage yard. I will check the interchange on monday and let you guys know.

I have never ever seen a low fuel light on in my car.. whats up with that? Then again ive never had to push, but I thought i've always brought it pretty low in the tank... but still never have i seen a low fuel light.. how could i troubleshoot this?

As far as I know, we dont have a low fuel light, at least never heard of it and mine has never come on, and I have driven it low many times

Thats what i've been thinking, but I recall looking really closely at my dash and seeing the outline of a low fuel light or maybe the picture of a gas machine.. I'll take a closer look tomorrow. Do any other cars use the same dash as the 95 z28's?

I'll give the swap a try in a few weeks. A friend of mine just got a wrecked 98 Z28 and is just using the drivetrain. If the gas tank is in good shape I'll try the swap on my TA.
I'm so damn sick of the crapola gas gauge set up we have on the LT1's. In my car the 3/4 mark really equals 1/2 tank and the 1/4 mark is a hair under 2 gallons for me. I've run dry TWICE with the gauge showing 1/8 tank.
EVERY dealer to look at it said.... it's working fine.
Now it's really screwey lately. When traveling down the road I can watch the gauge bounce back between 3/4 & 1/4... and that's on a smooth road. :mad:
LT1 fuel gauge setup just plain stinks.
I'll keep you guys posted if it works out.
Steve...

Can't wait to hear a successful install. 18 lbs is a nice savings.

TTT for ya...

SAR2K...When you attempt/do the swap, try to weigh the two different setups so we can verify the weight difference.

Here is one of my unthunk out ideas. Would sumping a plastic tank be easier than a metal? Could you just screw some an fittings into the plastic tank? That would be a simple answere to using the stock ls1 pump incase it doesn't work.

I think its just the ls1s that have the low fuel light, but I could be wrong.

you cannot just screw a fitting into a plastic gas tank. i used to work at the place that made the tanks for the 98 up f-bodies. the plastic is 1/4 at the thinest part and its layered, you'd just wreck the tank because of the seal between the plastic.

but if they do fit they would be a good weight reduction as they are pretty light

The 93-96 cars do have a low gas light (I made my own gauge overlays and I saw it) but mine has never come on. (have ran out of gas a couple times).

why not just call GM they should know if fuel tanks are interchangeable. i dont see what not theres bearly any differences between a ls1 car and a lt1 car.

Originally posted by Camaro SS
SAR2K...When you attempt/do the swap, try to weigh the two different setups so we can verify the weight difference.
Will do buddy. If I have time I may try the swap as soon as this weekend since it's a Holiday.
Steve...

i have been wondering this ever since i found out the LS1 had a plastic tank. i was just unsure about the weight savings because of thick plastic and larger capacity. however, with the new light shed that it is an 18 pound difference, i am really wondering if it will work! this would be one of the next mods!

Ok, heres the deal on the tank according to my interchange at work.

93-97 regardless of engine size fit each other, camaro and firebird

98 camaro and firebird only fit 1998!!! nothing else

99-2002 fit regardless of engine with each other firebird and camaro. The dimensions are different, so I would doubt it would fit. Personally I think it is a bit of a headache to make one work to only gain a gallon and a half. But have fun, hope the info helped

Q

its not the extra gallon, its the weight :)

I think one of the differences in the 98' from the 99+ tanks is that the 98's have the FPR in the fuel rail when the 99+ have it on the tank.

not all ls1 have plastic tanks I think 98 still have metal. Yes you can just plumb the plastic tank. The www.horsepowerstore.com did it on there car.

Did anyone do this yet?

The new tanks have the regulator on the tank?

Don't make me be the first one dammit! :D

Go for it.....I've been waiting for someone to try this.....

Originally posted by superal
The 93-96 cars do have a low gas light (I made my own gauge overlays and I saw it) but mine has never come on. (have ran out of gas a couple times).

93-96 have low gas lights????¿¿¿ Maybe a low oil light :D

I need to know what the difference is with the fuel lines and the regulator/Pumps and if they interchange.

Anyone know if the number of lines is the same between the LT1 and LS1 tank?

Someone do this already before I have to!!! Also, how much can the tanks be bought for out of a wreck on average???? Sounds like a cool weight-reduction mod once I do the BMR K-member and control arms.

TTT

I have a 98 tank froma wrecked car and the tanks is metal. Weight felt the same as my 95 when I moved them from point a to point b, (NO Scales). The pump of the 98 had an extra set of wires and the plastic line connectors were different. The charcoal canister is different from the 95 and 98 also. 98 is rectangle box and my 95 is round. The 98 also has a regulator in the tank on the pumo assembly. The plastic bucket and tube assembly was different as well.
I am only speaking from my experiance from striping down a 98 Firebird LS1 and working on my 95. I also called a dealor and they said the part #'s were different between the tanks. James

so what about the 99 and up tanks?

Originally posted by Calli
so what about the 99 and up tanks?

They are made of plastic.


Will the LS1 pump deliver fuel like the LT1 did? What is the delivery fuel pressure set to on an LS1?

Also, all I really care is that there is an equal # of hoses coming off both tanks.

I need to look at my manual.

It would be cool if someone had a picture/diagram for the GM manual to show...;)

Anybody try this yet?

If somebody would do it first then I would do it too. :D

This is still tempting me also....... I may try to find a tank from a wrecked LS1 now that it is starting to warm up. I think this swap is doable. I'll keep ya posted. Check out my web site to see the finished result on how I relocated the alternator and retained a/c and p/s.

I posted this same question a while back and didn't get too much response? oh well, if it can happen i would love to know. that is a great weight savings!



CamaroSS,

how did you relocate the alternator???????? i couldn't find it on your website (cool site though!)

SAR2K ( Stephen Stumpf) from ls1.com was going to try it awhile back... But I dont know the outcome....

Taner.........I don't have detailed instructions up yet. I do have pics of the relocated alternator setup on my site. If you can't view them, let me know and i'll email them to ya.

TTT.... Any more info on this?

The LS1 f-body doesnt have a return line. LT1's do.

http://www.camarov6.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=16&t=001415

Magnus (Keith) swapped his 3.8 V6 for an LS1 into his 97 Firebird. He had to change tanks as well. You could email and ask him about the swap if you wanted to.

16 lighter, i weighed mine
and if you put in 1 more gallon of gas that drops to around 7 pounds lighter
worth the work to ya
changing the tank sucks, but if you have say a dented tank like the fella above I'd say it's worth it
as for what else needs to be done, i'm not saying until i'm done

Make sure to post back what all was involved with the swap when you're done.

Ditto

Oops, wow this is an old thread :eek:

wow that is an old ass thread, but did anyone ever figure out if the swap is possible?

if someone gives me a tank i will try it! how is that for an attempt at getting this going. i used to have a connection to do this, no longer. the f body tanks were produced in windsor.

the swap is possible u just need a ls1 style filler neck.. and you should be good to go.. :)

And the thread is revived from the dead....... :D

i seen that.. so i figured i'd post ;)

Wouldn't the ls1 style filler neck be on the ls1 tank?:)

Very possible. My buddy did it on his TA. Dont know the details though, sorry.

Wouldn't the ls1 style filler neck be on the ls1 tank?:)
Their filler neck is a rubber hose.. and if you get the tank it might not be connected to it.. thats the only reason i said somthing.. :)

I'm looing at this and I am gonna try to just add the fuel return line to the LS1s tank pump housing assembly, It looks very doable.

If it is just the fuel return that is the problem, that is simple. Cut a 1" piece of pipe about 1/4" id and weld it to the pump assembly after a hole is drilled. Are the dimensions where the tank straps go the same?

If it is just the fuel return that is the problem, that is simple. Cut a 1" piece of pipe about 1/4" id and weld it to the pump assembly after a hole is drilled. Are the dimensions where the tank straps go the same?

Well the connections are different as well, but easy to work around.

Oh yeah, the part that the straps go around is identical.

so are there any downsides to the swap? you need the tank, the filler neck, and i guess the different fuel pump? and fab some connection points.


sounds so tempting...until i look at the bills sitting on my floor :p

Well the connections are different as well, but easy to work around.

Electrical connections or fuel? Will an LT1 sending unit assy. fit in the LS1 tank?

Both, the elec plug is different and the fuel lines connections are in a different spot and a different type.

Both, the elec plug is different and the fuel lines connections are in a different spot and a different type.

Any pics that you can post?

revive the dead..who did it and how much work what year ls1 tank did you use?
and can you use a ls1 tank with the lt1 fuel pump assembely, sending unit, everything from the lines outside the tank to the pump drop it into the ls1 tank or is the opening differant?


heres some link i found
http://www.geocities.com/formulapower2/fuelpump.html
i think this is an lt1 style fuel tank...correct?

is this an ls1 style tank it has an extra sensor on top if it
http://www.neofb.com/gallery (second page, 98z in progress)
trying to find a pic of a 99-02
if this si true cut the metal lines use a short rubber hose with clamps on it right on top of the pump...and srop in the lt1 pump assembely(same 6 bolt hole pattern right?

I'm about to do this swap. Does anyone know if it will work? Or, are there any modifications required?

I'm about to do this swap. Does anyone know if it will work? Or, are there any modifications required?

Ok, nevermind. I see this thread has been here 4yrs and nobody knows, lol. I am going to do this swap within a month, and will post back the results. I already have a complete LS1 tank that I'm going to put in my 95 TA. I'm going to use the LS1 sending unit as well. The reason I'm doing it is that my fuel guage does not work, and the dealer wants $470 for the sending unit. I bought the LS1 tank complete with the sender, filler neck, wiring, lines, etc.. for $100.

ls1 have no return line, lt1 do

The wiring will not plug in.

The tubing is all different & will require adaptation.

The internal regulator needs removed from the LS1 sending unit.

Also your LT1 fuel gauge definitely will not be happy with an LS1 sensor.

LT1 & LS1 pumps/sending units are totally different, so I would not count swapping them between tanks... but I've never had a reason to attempt this.

Lonnies Performance Automotive

The wiring will not plug in.

The tubing is all different & will require adaptation.

The internal regulator needs removed from the LS1 sending unit.

Also your LT1 fuel gauge definitely will not be happy with an LS1 sensor.

LT1 & LS1 pumps/sending units are totally different, so I would not count swapping them between tanks... but I've never had a reason to attempt this.

Lonnies Performance Automotive

Different location, definitly. The 99+ tank's opening is 6" further back and the attachment/sealing is absolutely different.

I've got pics somewhere comparing the 2 tanks. I'll look and post back.

My turn to bring this one back.

Everyone says that they'll post pics and how to's, but we haven't seen anything yet. I'm asking because the car I am doing this in is going LS1 and my V6 car is getting the LT1. The "LS1 to-be" car is getting everything LS1 except the motor until I finish it.

it would be cheaper for you to just buy an LS1 car complete.

it would be cheaper for you to just buy an LS1 car complete.


Let's see............99+ tank $150. 99+ LS1 car...............$7000. You're right, it would be a lot cheaper.