OldsCutlass70

First, I apologize if this is the wrong area to post this. I am still new to this forum.
I have a 1970 Olds Cutlass "S", and the tank is leaking. At first I thought it was just a fuel line that may have been pinched, but it appears it may be the tank itself.
With that, I have decided to convert the fuel system to a fuel cell. Here is where I need your help.
Is there a particular kind/size/brand that would fit best in the trunk? I am sort of leaning towards a 16 gallon. Also, I am currently running a Holley 600cfc 4 brl carb, should I get a Holley electric fuel pump as well?
Additionally, am I required to get a fuel regulator? If so which would you recommend?
I have no experience with that as you can tell, and your help is greatly appreciated.

V/R,
Robert

droptopron

You should back up one second. What is driving your decision to go with a fuel cell over a stock replacement tank? To the best of my knowledge, a fuel cell doesn't require an electric pump and most electric pumps need a regulator but some don't. It depends on which one you get.

OldsCutlass70

Thanks for your response. I guess it is simply preference on wanting to get a fuel cell. I want a cleaner system, and a fuel cell is roughly the same price as a replacement tank from what I have seen.

I just had a Holley manual fuel pump added, but wouldn't mind having an electric to feed the fuel.

droptopron

What is the specs on the engine? Your carb isn't very big which could indicate an electric pump may be overkill.

oldcutlass

You can use a fuel cell and gravity feed your current pump, or you can go to a low pressure electric pump and keep your fuel pressure around 5-6 psi.

Imho, I prefer the stock fuel tank, but do understand it's your car.

OldsCutlass70

Below is indeed the carb I just had put on:
Holley Model 4160 Non-Adjustable Float Carburetors 0-80457S
Carburetor, 600 cfm, Square Bore, 4-Barrel, Electric Choke, Single Inlet, Ford Kickdown

I have a 350 rocket. I do believe the guy I bought it off of placed a cam in it, but am unsure of how big.

Thanks for your input. I know it would be simple to replace the current tank with a replacement one, and perhaps it might be the best bet for now finanically. This would mean not having to potentially purchase a electric fuel pump and/or regulator.

I am slowly restoring everything, and would love to reach a point where I feel comfortable entering it into local car shows. Do you think a fuel cell would carry any appeal points as far as shows go, or keeping it stock?

oldcutlass

I don't know about shows in Okinawa, but here the local shows are more political than practical. There are no points, unless you go to an all Olds type of show or possibly a National or Regional type of event, and then your competition is pretty stiff. I would build it to your expectations if you don't have a fat wallet and enjoy the car for what it is. A lot of us go to shows just to be around other car guys/gals and a Trophy is like a perk.

OldsCutlass70

I guess I should change my current location. I am now in NC. We just moved here 2 weeks ago. Thanks again for your insight.

MDchanic

Why would you want a fuel cell?

Aside from the expense and the trouble of installing it, you lose space in the trunk that you may need for tools, luggage, etc.

Are you planning to race it?

- Eric

1970-W30

If your restoring the car sa you say, a fuel cell makes no sense, the original tank lasted 43 years, buy a replacement and you'll be good for another 43 years.......

OldsCutlass70

All responses make sense. I actually do plan to make it a strip car, but not for another 8-10 years. Hopefully I will have a 442 to baby by then. That's another reason I was leaning towards the cell.

I know the replacement tank is much easier, and perhaps it will free some cash so I can place it elsewhere. I can always get the cell down the road I suppose.

Does anyone have a fuel cell?

ROBZ442

I do not have a fuel cell but I did install a sump in my stock tank with an electric pump. I can tell you from my experience that it would be much easier and cheaper to go with a replacement tank. You would be surprised how much the fittings cost to connect the fuel cell to the factory lines properly. Even if you plan a big jump in horsepower down the road you would be better off with the replacement tank now and upgrading the fuel system when the time comes.

jag1886

If you use a new stock tank you won't loose your trunk space. It's awful nice to have room for your lawn chairs and a big old cooler at those car shows.

OldsCutlass70

After much review, I do believe I have decided to order a replacement tank. I have been looking at them all day on e-bay, and believe I found the right one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/70-72-Cutlas...3bacc7&vxp=mtr

For those of you who have experience with this, please provide feedback regarding this tank to ensure I am selecting the right one.

I have an owners manual, and it says that my fuel tank should be 20 gal, but this one is only 17 gal.

Additioanlly, it appears there are 3 models to which to pick from. I believe mine is:
w/ E.E.C.; w/ 3 Vent... 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Base 5.7L 5737CC 350Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

(I am not sure what the 5737cc stands for)

Thanks again.

OldsCutlass70

/bump

oldsconv

First. I think Spectra is the brand made in Canada which is what you want. The cheaper ones are made overseas and some people have complained of issues with internal baffling.

Second, I believe the 3 vent tank is for California cars that had EEC emmisions with the charcoal canister. My 70 has the two vent tank which is what you want if you do not have the charcoal canister. The two vents are different sizes and two hoses hook up and Y into a small plastic vent (available repro) mounted slightly above tank. I am sure Tamraz also sells the two vent tank.

Check for a charcoal canister in engine compartment.

Also, buy a new fuel sender while you are at it.

sixty9olds

The tank you need is available from RockAuto-SPECTRA PREMIUM / COOLING DEPOT Part # GM34C for $118+ shipping. I just installed one on a 1969 Cutlass and it has a very good fit.
I am with oldsconv- spend another $30 to $40 and replace the sending unit while you at it.

droptopron

I just replaced the one in my '70 with a Spectra from Rock Auto along with a new sender. It was a nice tank & couldn't have been easier. Google it & you can always find a 55 discount code.

Another thing to consider with a cell - if you trunk floor is in good shape you could be hacking up a perfectly good floor.

droptopron

Rock code

TripDeuces

http://www.autocityclassic.com/index...1176&Itemid=64

A lot cheaper here.

OldsCutlass70

Thanks all!

Octania

"(I am not sure what the 5737cc stands for)"

That means the engine displaces 5,737 cubic centimeters. A viable but never used [in the USA] means of noting the engine size. First, it's overly "accurate" - or pretends to be. Some dolt calculated 350 cubic inches into cc and kept all the digits. Why they stopped at only 4 is a mystery. Why not "5735.472424255 cc"? [from 350.00000000 ci]

We just call it a 350, as in three hundred fifty [give or take a little] cubic inches. Or, a "5.7 Liter" if you prefer.

My Excel sheet says a 4.057 bore Olds SB displaces 350.064891373375 ci,
(5736.535803348041 cc)
or
350.237485918454 ci (5739.364121216262 cc)
if honed out to 4.058" bore. Assuming the stroke is 3.3850000000" of course. And it has 8.0000000000 cylinders.

per
http://www.convertunits.com/from/cu+inch/to/cc

MDchanic

Thanks for taking care of that - my motivation had been flagging.

- Eric