Fuel tank options with sniper EFI

[nickeboy]

Hey CB,
I've read through a few threads here for help with my issue. Before I get to buying more stuff, I was hoping for your input.

I have a new-to-me 71 Lubr with some fuel issues. It has a Sniper EFI that seems okay, but it has an Edelbrock Fuel Sump with the existing stockish fuel system. I got her back on the road and went to fill up the auxiliary tank and gas started pouring out. Turns out there are some holes in the plastic tank, allowing it leak. Anyhow, I'm thinking of ripping the entire fuel system out and starting over. I want to keep the EFI but ditch the fuel sump. I was thinking of running a 23-gallon tank with an internal pump and not running an auxiliary tank. Something like this from Toms. Any input or different opinions on which system or brand to run and any opinion on not running an auxiliary tank?

 

[serial car restorer]

Single tank with internal pump (and no sump) is a better solution. I don't have any recommendations as far as which tank/pump is best, but that is the way I'd go if I were in your situation.

 

[nickeboy]

Does anyone have the Protofab fuel tank?

 

[nickeboy]

Single tank with internal pump (and no sump) is a better solution. I don't have any recommendations as far as which tank/pump is best, but that is the way I'd go if I were in your situation.

That's what I thought. Thank you for the help. I feel bad not keeping the stock stuff, but its already been altered.

 

[nickeboy]

Any thoughts on how you blocked off your auxiliary tank?

 

[904Bronco]

Another option, although shipping $$ can affect decisions. They have a number of configurations that they can do. I just installed one that accepts a factory Explorer fuel pump assembly. Talk to Nick, you can say Doug on Classic Broncos recommended them. Turn around time was about 7 days, they are in SoCal.
Skid plate is welded to the bottom of the tank, and if you want a "Pretty tank" like the WH's SS one, this isn't it. Very functional. I have installed 8 of these tanks myself, one non EFI and the rest EFI. Both Explorer and Mustang based EFI

https://aerotanks.com/product/1970-1977-ford-bronco-replacement-tank/

 

[904Bronco]

Any thoughts on how you blocked off your auxiliary tank?

Remove it altogether...

 

[AZ73]

I'm running a Sniper and dual tanks. It was very complicated to put the system together but I'm weird like that.
It involves using a low pressure external pump for the rear tank and gravity feed for the aux tank into a GM style tank switching valve. After the valve (the lines that go to the Sniper) I have a high pressure Bosch pump. I'm set up like this to run different fuel in each tank. Normal 89 in the rear, and a higher octane in the aux. My distributor will advance with the aux fuel proving a little more kick when needed.

Unless you want to do something similar, I'd stick with a 23 gal rear tank and run the fuel lines without the switch valve. Just block off the lines from the aux tank if you don't want to remove it. Or take it out completely.

 

[EPB72]

a couple years ago had a customer with only the rear stock tank , she complained about frquent fills so I sujested a larger tank she was unaware but agreed , areo made a 18 gallon as apose to the 23 , so less hang down ,, so as doug said talk to them they can alter as you see fit,, not as pretty as some of the stainless options but once installed and skid plate?? you dont see it much anyway..

 

[nickeboy]

Thank you. This helps.

 

[badandy73]

Most of the bronco parts houses offer a 23-gallon tank which have a provision for an in-tank pump. Shipping becomes a factor depending on where you're located. Ditching the stock auxiliary tank makes plumbing a whole lot easier.

I have an older Tom's unit that I hole sawed the opening needed for the sniper pump, been working great since the initial install. Quieter than a frame mounted pump and *supposed* to last longer due to heat being mitigated by being submerged in fuel.

 

[bronco italiano]

If your plan is sniper all the way, check tanks inc., they may have the properly rated in-tank pump for sniper (58.5psi?).
I tried the gravity feed for my buddy's bronco, he has two aux tanks, and I couldn't get the LP pump to pull as I liked and the third tank had no return provision so I ditched it and made the two aux tanks transfer tanks either electric pump or manual transfer for reliability backup. Not fun.

 

[nickeboy]

Thank you all. I think I'm going to try the protofab tank. I will let you know how it goes.

 

[OsideDave]

I am in the middle of basically the same thing you are asking about. Have FiTech and their G Surge Tank with the stock bronco fuel pump feeding the G Surge Tank which has been on since 2017 or so. Also had BCB single hard fuel line (prob around 2010 installed) I decided to change out as the G Surge Tank got very hot during warm days out on the trail plus the 23 gallon tank has been on the bronco since I got it in 1991. Years ago I removed the stock aux tank as it seems the 23 gallons was plenty of fuel for my trips - in an effort to simplify things for owners with dual tanks and EFI, have heard of having a separate small feed pump on aux tank and filling that into main tank on trail or a camp.

This weekend I removed the tank and old feed and return lines, will be installing the WH M1 A1 SS tank with in tank EFI pump and the skid plate that acts as hanger strap. Will retain the BCB bronco hard line and run Aeroquip fuel line with 6AN fittings on the EFI pump and everywhere else. The tank has pre-pump filter and will install post filter as well. Will have vent line that runs up by the gas cap. Pressure gauge inline with supply line near the FiTech which is a must in my opinion for troubleshooting

 

[Scott McKelvey]

I JUST went through the same thing (installing a Sniper, and I had functional dual tanks) and did alot of deliberation and research.

1. an external fuel pump under the car was simply not something i was going to do: noise, longevity........... I just plain don't like them as an option. And w/ the dual tanks, it wasn't going to be straight forwards anyways. One pump after the Y probably wouldn't work. And a pump for each tank before the Y was twice as expensive plus the complexity controlling 2 pumps, and I would still have to deal w/ fuel returns.
2. Edelbrock Fuel sump was my original choice so I could keep both stock tanks, and it would be the easiest solution. Not too expensive either. BUT I daily drive and I worry about longevity and the Fuel Sump isn't serviceable according to Edelbrock, so if I buy a replacement in a year or 2, I've now spent $850 when I could have gone to a single, larger tank w/ a standard pump.
3. Then I was going to convert both sending units into EFI pumps using a Walbro 255 and bulkhead fittings for wires and a return line. Same concept as what Holley does for some popular vintage cars. I was all set to go but it was going to be an experiment, and I was up to about $250 bucks just to do both sending units. And a decent amount of work. So that's a 1/4 of $ for a new proper tank.
4. Go with a single aftermarket EFI tank.
   1. 23 gallon stainless
   2. 23 gallon steel
   3. Special pumps or sending units when replacements are needed?
   4. body lift?
   5. will my exhaust clear the larger tanks?
   6. Then I saw the 19gallon poly tank. This checked all of my boxes, including free shipping. I installed about a month ago and did a very detailed write up. https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/jeffs-rear-poly-efi-tank.326675/post-3589931
      1. Price isn't terrible
      2. big, but not as big as the 23's, which I liked
      3. poly, so light, an no rust
      4. stock F150 fuel pump w/ sending unit, so tried and true, cheap and readily available
      5. keep my stock fuel gauge

All that said i have nice, relatively new auxiliary tank w/ working sending unit, which is plug and play. it's for sale, if you want to replace yours.

Here's the 19gallon tank. You can't even really tell it's there, unless you look.

 

[flexmerc]

I've been running the sniper for years now; originally ran an external pump with a poly 13gallon tank.
After the second fuel pump going out; I bought a complete system from Kincer Chassis; beautiful and put together with the follow, the price has only gone up 100$ in four years.
https://kincerchassis.com/23-gal-stainless-steel-early-bronco-fuel-tank-by-krawlers-edge/
Krawlers Edge stainless steel 23 gal EFI fuel tank
• 340 lph Aeromotive fuel pump, sending unit, -6 supply and returnfittings
• Sending unit 75-10 ohm
• Powder coated skid plate

 

[nickeboy]

I JUST went through the same thing (installing a Sniper, and I had functional dual tanks) and did alot of deliberation and research.

1. an external fuel pump under the car was simply not something i was going to do: noise, longevity........... I just plain don't like them as an option. And w/ the dual tanks, it wasn't going to be straight forwards anyways. One pump after the Y probably wouldn't work. And a pump for each tank before the Y was twice as expensive plus the complexity controlling 2 pumps, and I would still have to deal w/ fuel returns.
2. Edelbrock Fuel sump was my original choice so I could keep both stock tanks, and it would be the easiest solution. Not too expensive either. BUT I daily drive and I worry about longevity and the Fuel Sump isn't serviceable according to Edelbrock, so if I buy a replacement in a year or 2, I've now spent $850 when I could have gone to a single, larger tank w/ a standard pump.
3. Then I was going to convert both sending units into EFI pumps using a Walbro 255 and bulkhead fittings for wires and a return line. Same concept as what Holley does for some popular vintage cars. I was all set to go but it was going to be an experiment, and I was up to about $250 bucks just to do both sending units. And a decent amount of work. So that's a 1/4 of $ for a new proper tank.
4. Go with a single aftermarket EFI tank.
   1. 23 gallon stainless
   2. 23 gallon steel
   3. Special pumps or sending units when replacements are needed?
   4. body lift?
   5. will my exhaust clear the larger tanks?
   6. Then I saw the 19gallon poly tank. This checked all of my boxes, including free shipping. I installed about a month ago and did a very detailed write up. https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/jeffs-rear-poly-efi-tank.326675/post-3589931
      1. Price isn't terrible
      2. big, but not as big as the 23's, which I liked
      3. poly, so light, an no rust
      4. stock F150 fuel pump w/ sending unit, so tried and true, cheap and readily available
      5. keep my stock fuel gauge

All that said i have nice, relatively new auxiliary tank w/ working sending unit, which is plug and play. it's for sale, if you want to replace yours.

Here's the 19gallon tank. You can't even really tell it's there, unless you look.

Great write up. Thank you