maximum tank level without sending unit

Thanks
I'm gonna add a new fuel line, and convert the existing one into a return

So I was planning on lifting up the entire passenger side of the car

I'd still say you'll need less than half a tank. The sender is in the middle so raising one side won't be any better than keeping it level. Also, if your tank is from a model year that has vents on the driver's side raising the passenger side of the car with any significant amount of fuel still in the tank will put fuel into all those vent lines. Which I suppose is one way to check the integrity of those lines and clamps.