Fuel Tank for 1978 Camaro

CDesperado · 01-19-2010, 07:27:30 PM

I need to replace the fuel tank (and all components) for my 1978 Camaro and wanted to make a quick post before I pull the trigger.

I originally planned to get the tank from Ecklers Camaro (part number 729045), but I realize now that may not be the best one to buy. (?)

After going through 20 pages of search results here on Nasty, I've discovered that Spectra is the preferred supplier for these tanks (as opposed to tanks made in China or Taiwan). I am assuming I can get the tank through NAPA or O'Reilly's Auto Parts, etc.

Before I make the purchase, I thought I would do a quick post to see if there are any "gotchas" I should know about first.

Technically, I will need to replace everything associated with the tank (sending unit, lines, etc) so I want to make sure that the other components I will need are available, etc.

Any comments or feedback is welcome!

I found a fairly good write up here, which I am including for other people that research this later.
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112280

Side note... I am currently torn between Fuel Injection (EFI) and a Carbuerator. Comments about that are welcome too. :-)

Aceshigh · 01-19-2010, 07:30:32 PM

I got my Spectra new tank from Tamraz Auto Parts supplier because they were
the cheapest online option at the time in 2006. Rock Auto is another source I
would strongly consider.

I sent mine out to Rick's Hot Rod Shop down in Texas to be modified with a Bosch
in tank pump and do the welds. All in all IIRC I ended up close to $600 for it all.
Not including shipping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDesperado

Side note... I am currently torn between Fuel Injection (EFI) and a Carbuerator. Comments about that are welcome too. :-)

If you're even REMOTELY considering EFI, then get a Spectra tank with an in tank fuel
pump now to save yourself the aggravation of having to pull it and modify it again later.

Rock Auto sells them ~$450

Then if you decide LATER to go to EFI, half the project is done already.
It's pretty cheap to just put in a Gen III or IV engine these days VS buying a EFI setup for a Gen I SBC.
Not to mention head flow is way better out of the box along with everything else.

CDesperado · 01-19-2010, 07:39:14 PM

I've seen Tamraz on Ebay, but wasnt sure if what he was selling is Spectra or a Taiwan knock-off. Good to know, thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aceshigh

If you're even REMOTELY considering EFI, then get a Spectra tank with an in tank fuel pump now to save yourself the aggravation of having to pull it and modify it again later.

Rock Auto sells them ~$450.

Thanks for the head's up on the EFI components. That is exactly what I was looking for. The main reason I am torn is, I primarily want the car to be a daily driver with a bit of "oomph" for grins and giggles. I am planning to drop in a new 350 and thought the EFI might help me a little, but, Im not really sure.

I originally had a 305 (.30 over) with a 4 barrel Quadrajet carb and she had plenty of punch for me back in the day. Now that I'm older and wiser, I can afford a much better carb OR... go the EFI route. Im still doing research on that though.

mrvedit · 01-19-2010, 07:57:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDesperado

Thanks for the head's up on the EFI components. That is exactly what I was looking for.

NPD also sells a tank for EFI which we "think" will fit a late 2nd gen. (There was a thread about this). It is around $590. Since NPD is very close to me I was going to post some pictures, but they don't stock it here. So no pictures yet.

Since this is a difficult part of switching to EFI, you should consider it now. However to run a Carb, you will have to reduce the fuel pressure from the 40lbs EFI uses to the 6lbs your carb needs. A Holley 12-803BP will do this for you; you will need a tank return line, which EFI needs anyway.