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New fuel tank now, converting to EFI later

jonmelton

Full Member
Joined
May 24, 2012
Messages
270
Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice on my future purchases. My current fuel tank had leaks so I pulled the old tank and fuel lines and am planning to replace it. Right now I have the stock 2100 carb but plan to upgrade to a FiTech EFI in the future (when money allows).

So my question is, should I get an EFI fuel tank now and run EFI return line, or just get the Fuel Control center with the FiTech EFI and a fuel tank for the carb?
 

AZ73

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 28, 2012
Messages
3,623
The question isn't the tank, it's the return lines. Do you want to run a return line to your tank, or just to the fuel center. The tank prices are the same and you can run EFI even on a non-EFI tank, and you can run a carb even on an EFI tank.
 
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jonmelton

jonmelton

Full Member
Joined
May 24, 2012
Messages
270
Gotcha, so the big thing is either running a return line back to the tank or in the future running a return line to the fuel center.

If I get an EFI tank is there anything I need to get to run my carburetor to slow the flow down?
 

Timmy390

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 1, 2011
Messages
5,761
Loc.
Conway, AR
Gotcha, so the big thing is either running a return line back to the tank or in the future running a return line to the fuel center.

If I get an EFI tank is there anything I need to get to run my carburetor to slow the flow down?

Tank has nothing to do with flow. Flow is controlled via the pump you choose. Intank or external high pressure for EFI or the side of the block mounted low pressure carb pump you have now.

You can run either non EFI tank or EFI tank with a carb. Just plumb the EFI tank the same as you would any other non EFI tank capping the unused ports.

I run my Ford EFI off a stock Bronco tank with no issues. Return line tied into the the filler neck vent hose.

Tim
 

AZ73

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 28, 2012
Messages
3,623
I would say the FCC is probably the easiest thing to hook up, although it's pricey. The only thing you have to do is disconnect the fuel line from the carb and plug it into the FCC, then run the lines from the FCC to the throttle body. Pretty simple and you don't have to change anything else. If you don't run the FCC, you'll have to remove your mechanical pump and use a plate to block off the opening, add a high pressure fuel pump and filter (in line or in tank) and add a return line. The tank really doesn't make a difference. Any tank can be made to work. BUT better to get the EFI tank to maximize your options. Any port you don't end up using can be plugged.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
49,463
For the most ease of choosing and making future changes, I think BCB and our WH Sherman Tanks offer the simplest and possibly the least expensive upgrade if you decide to go with an internal pump later.
External pumps are still a legit option, and don't care which tank you use (including stock) but since it sounds like you'd like the added capacity of a new tank as well(?) I would say one of those choices is the best.
I'm biased of course. But that doesn't mean it's not true.

With this tank, you purchase the standard tank for now, then add the fuel pump kit later.
Return lines can be set up immediately, or not, as they can benefit even a carbureted vehicle. Some EB's actually came with return lines from Ford. Typically the high-altitude or high temp rigs such as you'd find in Colorado or AZ. Should help off-road too, with bouncing around changing the effective pressure at the needle-n-seat of a carburetor.
So you can plumb the lines now, and still use them later with the EFI.
The return lines don't care as much, but the pressure side lines should be high-pressure EFI rated lines no matter what. Won't hurt anything with the carburetor, and you don't have to do it over again when you add the EFI.

The Command Center is certainly there to simplify the entire plumbing thing. It's supplied by the standard pump on the engine then steps up the pressure with it's internal electric pump. The "return" system is internal.
The only downside to this that I know of is it's lack of happy campers when used off-road. Doesn't seem to like all the bouncing and odd angles and I don't think anyone has found a 100% cure yet.
Not a big deal for most newer EB owners as they may never see any off-road action. But it's certainly worth bringing up here for discussion.

Paul
 

73azbronco

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Messages
8,232
If when the EFI bug hits, I just plan to run a return line into a Y connector on the vent for the tank. The bottom of the vent enters the tank, the top enters the fuel filler neck about a foot below the gas cap. Plan to hook the Y connection so the fuel return is directed toward the fuel tank, and if there is extra it may then go up the line into the filler neck.
 
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