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bb4_96

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Can i mount a fuel cell under the trunk? I'm looking at this RCI unit.

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...ilter=1&part=RCI-2151AS&N=700+4294839036+4294920243+4294894951+115&autoview=sku

I can cut out the wheel well and weld in a panel then mount directly under the panel and secure it with a cage surrounding the cell and bars to support across from the frame. Then add a skid plate for extra protection. I'll weld a filler neck to the passenger side of the tank and use the stock fuel door.

Would that be legal to use in events. I don't see alot of fuel cell on the underside of the trunk but... The stock tank dimensions are 32" wide, 10" deep, and 20" long. The cell I want to run is 20" wide, 10" deep, 18" long. It's not that much smaller It's just not as awkward as the factory tank(has to conform around wheel well). So it will easily fit I just don't know if it will be legal in any events.
 
#2 · (Edited)
I mounted a 8 gal fuel cell in my 240, if I had mounted completely under the trunk floor it would be too close to the ground. I cut out the trunk floor, made a framework out of 11/4in. square tubing that held the fuel cell and fitted between the frame rails, welded all this to the frame rails, ended up with more frame stiffness in the rear. The top of the fuel cell is about flush with the top of the frame rails. Almost any racing association will require a rear firewall. I made mine by welding some 22gauge metal between the rear of the shock towers, and then going up from the shock towers at about a 45 degree angle to the bottom of the hatch window opening, I bent a piece of 1/4in. square tubing to mate to the bottom of the hatch. Now I open my hatch to put gas in my fuel cell. The frame work for the tank, and the firewall added quite a bit of strenght to the rear of the car, helped handling.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I would cut out the Wheel well but not the actual floor. the floor looks high enough I just wanted to remove the wheel well so It'll sit about lovel with the frame rails like yours.
 
#5 ·
I'm surprised that SCCA rules are not as strict as the circle track rules I have to go by for a fuel cell installation. We can use no bigger than 8 gal.it has to be in a 22gauge containment can surrounded by a tubing framework of at least 1in.x .095 wall square tubing, top, bottom front and rear must have 2 tubes per side. Very strong, very safe.
 
#6 ·
^^ SCCA rules arent all that strict to begin with, take their cages for example, when compared to any other sanctioning body they seem to be bare minumum and apply rules that limit down whats legal
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
That is really lenient. I think I'll go with a thinner tank though because I'll have to keep that 6" of ground clearance. There's one that's 7" thick But It's 17 gal. I'll have to check it out. The stock one has alot of room if I hacked out the boot and It's not like the rear bumper is gonna sit on the ground or anything.
 
#8 ·
fuel safe makes a "well cell" that actually sits in the spare tire well and ends up being flush with the trunk floor. if i had known about it i would have definately put that in instead of a 8 gallon metal/plastic cell.
 
#10 ·
for me it was the fact that i had to upgrade the fuel pump and went w/ an external pump(aeromotive a-1000). i figured i might as well put in a small cell so it can be full and weigh less than the stock tank.i had big power goals at the time and didnt think a walbro in tank pump would be enough. looking back i could have gone that way since i decided not to upgrade to a large turbo.
 
#11 ·
so you are going through all this because you bought a fuel pump for external mounting.....why not just switch fuel pumps and call it a day?

the stock 240 gas tank has no issues or complications, no need for na upgrade unless somethign is extreamly damaged or if you just wanna spend the money on something blingish....
 
#14 ·
the cell/car has been done for a year and the stock tank is in a scrap yard somewhere... the cell works fine, fuel pump too but is loud as hell. it took about a day to rip out the old tank and set up the cell and pump. and come on...who doensnt like blinging bling blingish stainless braided fuel lines:heyhey
 
#15 ·
i thought i would bring this thread back from the dead.

does any body on here run anytype of scca class where u have to have a fuel cell? if so i wanna see were u mounted it. im gonna have to put one in my s13 cause i plan on running EP (E- production) and since the stock s13 tank is metal i have to have one.

sr20goofus feel free to give some input on this since ur the only club racer i kno on this forum.
 
#16 ·
here is a good solid and safe way to do it

cut out spare tire well and remove gas tank....

patch up opening in floor with large flat metal

cut hole in center for desired size of gas tank

create cradle out of square tubing between the frame rails and flooring to support the fuel cell, which shoudl be mounted half in the car half below, make sense?

the cell will have to either be integral rubber cell inside metal shell, or other material with a fire wall or extra covering to prevent any gas from getting into the cabin, on the coupes its easy, just patch up the hole under the rear deck lid, but on hatches you will need to make an extra half box covring the inside portion of the fuel cell....

if this doesnt make much sense, i will discover pictures in my drives or draw something simple for you....
 
#18 ·
well i still dont run a class, because im getting seat time, not ready for competition in my eyes, not even close.

i still have my metal bumpers for light hits and bumps, this will protect everything. I am also keeping stock gas tank, its silly to upgrade when its not neccessary, this way you keep expenses down, nothign is required for any race series i want to compete in, so its not an issue.
 
#19 ·
I race a 240 circle track. In circle track racing,"racing is rubbing" seems to be a popular motto. A fuel cell wasn't required, but I did it anyhow. Pretty much did it the way sr20goofus describes, I installed a stock fuel pump inside the fuel cell by attaching it to the filler ring bolts. I made the can cage out of 1 1/4 square tubing which was welded well into the rear structure, which undoubtabily helped handling. This car is now in it's 5th year of racing, 18 wins, countless wrecks, but no serious rearenders, yet.
 
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