Dorman or Spectra Fuel Tank

[unrealmach1]

I am wondering what fuel tank to purchase for my MKIV Coyote Base Kit Non Donor build. I was looking at Spectra and Dorman tanks and I see a lot of people using Spectra tanks, but the Dorman tanks are painted and baffled the Spectra tanks are not according to there spec sheet. Anyone use Dorman? Is Spectra better? Also what year tank? Fox body tanks for efi seem to bet less than SN95 tanks? What is the best year?

[edwardb]

87 - 93 Mustang tanks are the common choice. Others may fit (like SN-95) but I'm personally not familiar with them. I used the Spectra tank on my last build. It works fine. I had it powder coated along with all my other stuff, so the paint thing didn't matter. I don't think you'd go wrong with either brand. I find it hard to believe that they're not exactly the same inside if they're for an 87 - 93, including baffles. Mark at Breeze Automotive sells a complete fuel tank package for either carb or EFI. He'll also match the pump to whatever size you want. He uses the Spectra brand tank. Not cheap, but includes everything including the sending unit, filler, seals, etc. That stuff all adds up in price. Might be something to check.

[dmoran]

+1 for the breeze setup. Mark was very helpful and customized the EZ setup for exactly what I wanted. I used POR-15 on the spectra tank and it came out great. 20 mins to prep, 15 mins to paint times 2 coats. Make sure to use the metal prep to etch the galvanized for a good bite.

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[unrealmach1]

Thanks Edwardb. I was kind of surprised that the Dorman tanks listed being baffled while the Spectra say that are not. The SN95 tanks appear to be same shape and size to me, so I was not sure the difference? I do know the SN95 (94-95 mustang) fuel pump bracket has larger 3/8" line versus the Fox body bracket that has 5/16" and both brackets fit both tanks.

I was looking at maybe the Breeze setup as they are highly recommended. I am pretty sure I will end up with a Breeze fan shroud, but still undecided on the tank setup.

[edwardb]

Thanks Edwardb. I was kind of surprised that the Dorman tanks listed being baffled while the Spectra say that are not. The SN95 tanks appear to be same shape and size to me, so I was not sure the difference? I do know the SN95 (94-95 mustang) fuel pump bracket has larger 3/8" line versus the Fox body bracket that has 5/16" and both brackets fit both tanks.

I was looking at maybe the Breeze setup as they are highly recommended. I am pretty sure I will end up with a Breeze fan shroud, but still undecided on the tank setup.

I'm pretty sure the SN95 tank is slightly different, including using different straps and strap mounting locations. At least on PS. But I have only used the 87-93 version tank (3 times) so can only give first hand experience about that one. It works fine, so haven't seen any reason to change. You can get a pump hangar for the 87-93 tank that has 3/8-inch lines. I got mine from Breeze for my current build. I already had the tank since it was a complete kit.

[JRD56]

On the subject of fuel tanks, is it necessary to use the plastic cover on the lower part of the tank?

[CraigS]

Not necessary but a real good idea. Just one of those 'it will probably never happen but if it does it will be real ugly' things.

[edwardb]

On the subject of fuel tanks, is it necessary to use the plastic cover on the lower part of the tank?

I've done it both ways. With the cover and without. Since where we drive these cars is typically not extreme, the need for the cover is maybe reduced compared to a DD that is designed for most anything. I find it hard to believe that any kind of road hazard we'd see on the surfaces and conditions we drive in, short of something solid that's probably not going to get that far back anyway, is going to puncture the tank. The subject has been debated a couple times on the other forum, and some feel pretty strongly that it's mandatory. Others, like CraigS say it's probably a good idea. Others like me have left them off and had no issues. But after building a couple without the cover, I've decided it doesn't hurt so use it. My latest build has the cover. Note if you don't use the cover, you'll need to add some cushioning to the straps for spacing and also to prevent metal on metal.

[unrealmach1]

I got the new Spectra f12b gas tank for the fox body mustang today. It seems to be a nice quality tank, but I have a question. It has 2 large bends in the lip, so do these require straightening before installing? You can see the in the pic below.

[edwardb]

The bends on the corners are fine. You can leave them. Some tanks also have short bends in the lip where the straps cross over. Those do have to be straightened because that's where they are cushioned against the frame. But doesn't look like yours has that. Should be good to go.

[unrealmach1]

Thanks edwardb. Wanted to makes sure before it gets powdercoated or painted.