Ultimate fuel system guide for 73-87 C10 & K10 Squarebody trucks - LS Swaps and EFI conversions

Ultimate fuel system guide for 73-87 C10 & K10 Squarebody trucks - LS Swaps and EFI conversions

LS or EFI Swapping Your ’73–’87 C10 & K10 Squarebody: Fuel System Installation Guide

If you're building out a Squarebody Chevy or GMC LS engine swap or EFI conversion, this complete guide covers everything you need beyond our PTFE hose kits—fuel pick-up tanks, pumps, filters, regulators, tools, and installation best practices.

Fuel Tanks & Sending Units

  • Tanks Inc EFI-ready squarebody tanks (use GPA4 pump for 255 LPH flow)
  • Spectra Premium EFI tank: Long bed GM1C or short bed GM11C with internal baffle
  • Blazer-style tanks: GM15C (25 gal), GM14C (31 gal) EFI-ready
  • Spectra sending units FG05M/FG05N for pickups, FG12L/FG12K for Blazers—match tank and filler door location

Convert factory hardlines to AN6 fittings using:

  • 5/16″ or 3/8″ hardline to AN6 adapter
  • M14×1.5 or M16×1.5 to AN6 adapter for Blazer tanks

Fuel Pumps for LS Swaps

  • Spectra Premium 190 LPH pump – ideal up to ~450 hp
  • Walbro 255 LPH in-tank pump – supports modified LS engines up to ~700 hp
  • Aeromotive 340 LPH Stealth pump – for high‑output builds

Fuel Line Kits & Hose Options

Choose depending on system type:

  • Return-style LS swap: ~25–27 ft PTFE hose (30 ft kit commonly used)
  • Returnless or EFI: ~20 ft PTFE hose if mounting regulator/filter close to tank

Select from these hose options:

  • Nylon braided AN hose bundles
  • Stainless braided AN hose bundles
  • Color braided AN hose bundles

Filters & Regulators

  • Return-style: Provide a post-pump inline 10‑micron filter—options include Holley or Aeromotive with required ORB‑to‑AN adapters
  • Returnless setups: Use a Corvette-style filter/regulator (built-in AN6) set to ~58 psi. Our Return-Less kit includes this regulator—no extra filter needed.

Installation Tools & Wiring

  • PTFE hose cutting shears
  • Aluminum vice jaws and AN wrench set for fittings
  • High-gauge wiring, proper relay, and dual-pump dash switch (e.g. DS283)

Installation Best Practices

  1. Install pump inside Spectra sending unit—remove bubble flares before installing adapters; do not cut vent without proper adapter.
  2. For returnless: orient the Corvette regulator with 3/8″ feed and 5/16″ return correctly; use adapter fittings built into Hot Rod AN kit.
  3. Route hoses inside frame rails with minimal sharp bends to protect lines.
  4. For dual-tank systems: convert both sending units and install switching valve with correct barb-to-AN adapters before routing fuel lines.

Fuel System Setup Summary

Setup Type Hose Kit Filter / Regulator Typical Pump Options
Return‑style LS swap ~30 ft PTFE hose 10 µ inline filter (Holley or Aeromotive) Spectra 190, Walbro 255, Aeromotive 340
Returnless LS or EFI swap ~20 ft PTFE hose Corvette-style filter/regulator (58 psi) Spectra 190, Walbro 255, Aeromotive 340

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Need Help?

If you have questions about hose routing or part compatibility, contact us via our Contact Us page or email info@hotrodfuelhose.com. We're here to help your swap go off without a hitch.

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