2001 firebird gas tank same as 02?

**Guerrillakilla13** · 03-13-2012, 04:23 PM

Hey I need a new gas tank for my 2002 ws6, and tomorrow I'm looking at one that came off a 2001 ls1. Will that be perfectly compatible with mine? I know its only a one year difference but I didn't think it would hurt to ask.

Thanks!

**FinZ28** · 03-13-2012, 04:29 PM

You should be fine. The tanks changed sizes from '97 to '98, but there aren't any differences between '01 and '02, not that I'm aware of, anyhow.

**Deviant LS1** · 03-13-2012, 06:32 PM

93-98 are steel tanks. 99-02 are plastic tanks. You'll be fine with an 01 tank in your 02.

**Smittro** · 03-13-2012, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Deviant LS1

93-98 are steel tanks. 99-02 are plastic tanks. You'll be fine with an 01 tank in your 02.

This..

**Guerrillakilla13** · 03-13-2012, 10:33 PM

Awesome, thanks for the help.

I did notice that; some guy on ebay was selling a tank from a 97 saying it would fit a 02, but it looked a bit different than the one i'm looking at tomorrow..definitely noticed it was steel. For tomorrow, the Guy with the black plastic tank wants 100 for the fuel tank, fuel pump, and all the hoses and things.

is there anything I should look out for as far as damage goes? (besides the obvious, like open holes or penetration marks where they probably shouldn't be)

**jakez28** · 03-13-2012, 10:43 PM

$100 isn't bad for the fuel tank w/ pump. Most junk yards will charge you twice that. You should also have the tank cleaned just to be thorough. While your there you should upgrade your fuel pump if your able to.

Just a FYI 93-97 tanks differ from the 1998 metal tanks if anyone is unsure about this. The 98s have a year to there own.

**Guerrillakilla13** · 03-13-2012, 11:21 PM

Good ideas! If the inside looks alright ill probably just seafoam the tank when its installed..how much does a tank deep clean cost? And fuel pump..should I buy an upgraded one?

I mean my current one is perfectly fine

**Smittro** · 03-14-2012, 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by Guerrillakilla13

Good ideas! If the inside looks alright ill probably just seafoam the tank when its installed..how much does a tank deep clean cost? And fuel pump..should I buy an upgraded one?

I mean my current one is perfectly fine

You can clean the plastic tanks out with hot water and a little soap, just be sure to rinse it out good and let it dry all the way before installing the pump assembley, and adding any fuel.

If your current pump is fine I would'nt bother changing it unless you want to or see something odd with your old one.

The pump by itself is relatively cheap but (depending on your means) the entire pump assembley can get pricey @ $200-$500 depending on whom makes it.

When mine died I just got the entire assembley new (advance auto) and it was over $300.iirc and I had to splice in the connector that came with it.

Just be sure to unplug the old harness from the connection on the driver side tunnel wall and to disconnect the hoses from the tank before you yank on it.

**Smittro** · 03-14-2012, 02:50 AM

Oh and don't forget the lone 10mm bolt on the filler neck behind the fender well liner.

**jakez28** · 03-14-2012, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Smittro

Oh and don't forget the lone 10mm bolt on the filler neck behind the fender well liner.

+1 (only on the plastic tanks)

My fuel pump went this winter so I replaced it with the Racetronix fuel system and am very impressed with the setup. If you decide to upgrade I would look into them.

**Guerrillakilla13** · 03-15-2012, 09:00 PM

thanks guys.

I bought the tank, it looks fantastic with the exception of the dirt covering it lol. I'd like to clean the inside of it out but I can't get the fuel pump out, or find any other way to do it..any advice?

**Smittro** · 03-15-2012, 09:03 PM

You have to rotate the knock off rig and then it pulls up out.

**Smittro** · 03-15-2012, 09:06 PM

Use a regular (flat head) screw driver and a rubber mallet.

Work your way around the ring tapping as you go until the hooks on the metal keeper ring get free of the plastic tabs molded around the tank opening.

**Smittro** · 03-15-2012, 09:16 PM

Rotate the ring counter clock wise until these "hooks" are free of the tabs and the pump assembly will lift right out.

**Guerrillakilla13** · 03-15-2012, 09:34 PM

wow, awesome explanation. Thank you.

Before I get the install done (after i clean out the tank) is there anything else I should do? clean hoses or anything?

**Smittro** · 03-15-2012, 09:41 PM

Originally Posted by Guerrillakilla13

wow, awesome explanation. Thank you.

Before I get the install done (after i clean out the tank) is there anything else I should do? clean hoses or anything?

No prob

Not really, just check there is not any damage to the hoses, check for cracks and so forth.

Just take general care with the quick disconnects and you should be fine.

Do the reverse to reinstall.

The pump assembly is spring loaded so you have to hold it down while replacing the ring.

That's about all I can think of off hand.. Good luck!

**Smittro** · 03-15-2012, 09:44 PM

Oh and don't forget to disconnect the battery before you start.

**Guerrillakilla13** · 03-17-2012, 09:46 PM

Hey man I still can't get that damn thing out..

I used a flathead and a rubber mallet to disconnect the plastic tabs from the hooks, but I still can't find a way to rotate it out.. any advice?