Ultimate OBS (GMT400) LS Swap Fuel System Guide — 1988–1998 Chevy/GMC
C1500/K1500 • Tahoe/Yukon • Suburban • 2-Door Blazer
Planning an OBS LS swap in your 1988–1998 GMT400 Chevy/GMC? This step-by-step guide delivers a clean, repeatable path to a leak-free LS fuel system on GMT400 trucks — covering the correct OBS sending-unit adapters, in-tank vs. inline pumps, and both return-less and return-style layouts with AN-6 PTFE hose.
Table of Contents
- OBS/GMT400 vs. Squarebody: What’s Different for an LS swap
- Choose Your OBS LS swap Layout: Return-less or Return-Style
- GMT400 LS swap Fuel Pumps (In-Tank & Inline) & Flow Guidance
- AN Hose Sizing, Lengths & Routing for OBS/GMT400 LS swaps
- OBS LS swap Parts Lists (by layout)
- Step-by-Step Installation — OBS/GMT400
- Best Practices, Filtration & Safety — LS fuel systems
- FAQ — OBS / GMT400 / LS swap
OBS/GMT400 vs. Squarebody: What’s Different for an LS swap
- EFI tank & baffles (GMT400): Reuse the factory EFI-ready tank on an OBS LS swap.
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Sender outlets are metric: Feed = M16×1.5, Return = M14×1.5. Convert both to AN-6 with:
OBS/GMT400 M14 & M16 → AN-6 Sender Adapter Fittings - Frame space (OBS): Ideal for a rear-mounted filter/regulator in a return-less GMT400 LS swap.
Choose Your OBS LS swap Layout: Return-less or Return-Style
Option A — Return-Less (Most OBS/GMT400 builds)
One AN-6 feed to the rail. Pressure is controlled near the tank with a Corvette-style ~58 PSI filter/regulator; excess fuel returns at the rear. Cleaner OBS LS swap engine bay, short return line.
Return-Less LS Fuel Line Kit (Great for OBS/GMT400)
Option B — Return-Style (Dual-Line Rails)
AN-6 feed and AN-6 return run to the engine bay. Use a ≤10 µm EFI filter on the pressure side; the rail/regulator manages return. Preferred for adjustable/boosted LS fuel systems.
Return-Style LS Fuel Line Kit (OBS/GMT400 Ready) Factory-Style Inline EFI Filter (≤10 µm)
GMT400 LS swap Fuel Pumps (In-Tank & Inline) & Flow Guidance
In-tank is preferred on OBS/GMT400 LS swaps (cooler, quieter, reliable). Inline can work if mounted low with a good pre-filter.
Pump Type | Typical Flow | Approx. HP Support* | Notes (OBS/GMT400) |
---|---|---|---|
In-Tank, OE-style Upgrade | ~190 LPH | ~400–450 HP | Budget-friendly for stock/mild LS swap |
In-Tank, Performance | ~255 LPH | ~550–600+ HP | Popular street/strip LS fuel system choice |
In-Tank, High Output | ~340 LPH | ~650–700+ HP | For big NA/boosted; ensure wiring supports current |
Inline (external) | ~255 LPH | ~500–600 HP | Mount low/near tank; more noise/heat than in-tank |
*Gasoline, NA. Boost/E85 need more flow; verify injector/BSFC.
Shop Fuel Pumps for OBS/GMT400 LS Swaps
AN Hose Sizing, Lengths & Routing for OBS/GMT400 LS swaps
- Size: AN-6 PTFE for feed (and return if used) suits most GMT400 LS swaps to ~600 HP.
- Hose type: PTFE core handles modern fuels/ethanol; zero vapor smell.
- Lengths (typical OBS): Return-less ~18–20 ft; Return-style ~25–30 ft total (measure your truck).
- Routing: Along frame, away from heat/sharp edges; cushioned clamps every ~12–18″.
PTFE Hose & Fitting Bundles (AN-6) Extra PTFE Hose Ends
OBS LS swap Parts Lists (by layout)
Return-Less (Rear-Mounted Filter/Regulator)
- OBS Sender Adapters: M14×1.5 & M16×1.5 → AN-6 (OBS/GMT400)
- Fuel Pump (in-tank or inline): Browse Pumps
- Hose & Fittings: PTFE Bundles & PTFE Ends (AN-6)
- Kit Option: Return-Less LS Fuel Line Kit (OBS/GMT400)
- Tools: AN Hose Install Tools
Return-Style (Dual-Line Rails)
- OBS Sender Adapters: M14×1.5 & M16×1.5 → AN-6 (OBS/GMT400)
- Fuel Pump: In-Tank & Inline Options
- Inline EFI Filter (≤10 µm): Factory-Style Inline Filter (AN-6) • Replacement Element
- Hose & Fittings: PTFE Bundles & PTFE Ends (AN-6)
- Kit Option: Return-Style LS Fuel Line Kit (OBS/GMT400)
- Tools: AN Tools
Step-by-Step Installation — OBS/GMT400
1) Prep & Sender Setup
- Disconnect battery; safely relieve fuel pressure. Work ventilated; keep a class B extinguisher at hand.
- Drop the tank if needed; remove the sender; inspect tank/strainer.
- Install OBS/GMT400 adapters:
Feed: M16×1.5 → AN-6 • Return: M14×1.5 → AN-6
Get the OBS/GMT400 Sender Adapter Kit - Lightly oil O-rings; snug to seal (do not over-torque).
2) Choose & Fit the Pump (GMT400)
- In-Tank: 190/255/340 LPH based on HP; confirm wiring/connector; install new seal.
- Inline: Mount low/near tank; add coarse pre-filter; isolate from heat; expect more noise.
Shop Pumps for OBS/GMT400 LS Swaps
3) Plumb the System — OBS LS swap
Return-Less Layout (Rear-Mounted Filter/Reg)
- Sender feed (AN-6) → filter/regulator IN (rear frame)
- Filter/regulator OUT → engine rail feed (AN-6)
- Filter/regulator RETURN → sender return (AN-6)
Return-Style Layout (Dual Lines)
- Sender feed (AN-6) → ≤10 µm inline filter → rail feed
- Rail return (AN-6) → sender return
4) Finalize & Test the LS fuel system
- Secure lines every ~12–18″; avoid sharp bends (use 45°/90° ends); keep away from heat.
- Prime (key-on cycles) and leak-check before first start; verify ~58 PSI at the rail.
- Re-check after first heat cycle; snug fittings as needed.
Best Practices, Filtration & Safety — LS fuel systems
- Filter spec: ≤10 µm on the pressure side for EFI injectors.
- PTFE cutting tip (OBS installers): Wrap the cut with tape before shears/cutoff to control fray; clean/deburr the liner.
- Vent correctly: Don’t cap the tank vent. For custom vents: Rollover Valve (AN-6/-8/-10)
- Adapters you’ll likely need: AN Adapter Fittings • Hardline-to-AN Adapters
- Tools: Aluminum AN wrenches & soft vise jaws: AN Hose Install Tools
FAQ — OBS / GMT400 / LS swap
Do I need a new tank for an OBS LS swap?
No — the GMT400 tank is EFI-ready with baffles. Clean/inspect; replace only if damaged.
What hose size is right for a GMT400 LS swap?
AN-6 PTFE feed (and return if used) fits most builds to ~600 HP; upsize only for extreme power/E85.
Return-less vs. return-style for an OBS LS fuel system?
Return-less (rear regulator) keeps the bay clean and mirrors OEM. Return-style is ideal for rails with built-in return or adjustable/boosted setups.
Target fuel pressure on LS swaps?
Most Gen III/IV target ~58 PSI. Verify at first start with a gauge.
Build your OBS/GMT400 LS swap fuel system once — and build it right.
Shop Return-Less LS Kit (OBS/GMT400) Shop Return-Style LS Kit (OBS/GMT400) Get OBS/GMT400 Sender Adapters
Need help choosing parts for your OBS LS swap? Visit the AN Hose 101 hub or our AN/PTFE installation instructions. We’re happy to help dial in your exact setup.
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