Benefits of Fuel Cell?

-

SRT_DSTRHOLC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2008
Messages
6,468
Reaction score
204
Location
USA
I am thinking about getting a nice aluminum fuel cell, but I was trying to see if there are any real benefits. I know NHRA states that anything mounted below the trunk needs to be covered. The car will be raced and ran on the street. I would get one with a sump. If I did get one it would be 20 gallons for cruising and driving to shows. I just wanted to know if there are benefits to helping me on the street and justifying a 300 dollar purchase. And i know I will lose trunk space, but the battery will be back there also. If I did get it I would also find a way to use the stock filler location and hook it up to the fuel cell, so I don't have to open the trunk. Thanks!
 
hi, with a fuel cell ,, no fuel gauge level, have to install a vent tube, build a firewall behind rear seat and seal it , that includes package tray. no speakers allowed. without a fuel gauge, you will have to measure level with a stick. which means, you will have to open trunk to measure. I run duster with a stock tank, mid 11 sec, have no problems at all. fuel gauge shows me level, no firewall in trunk. just food for thought.
 
not worth the trouble on a street car imo. been there, wont do it again.
 
The only benefit is you raise the tank higher than stock so its easier to gravity feed from the sump to an electric fuel pump. But like mentioned above, plan on fabbing up a fire wall. There are some cells that have sending units. My buddy has one with a sending unit in his bagged 67 caddy.
 
The only benefit is you raise the tank higher than stock so its easier to gravity feed from the sump to an electric fuel pump. But like mentioned above, plan on fabbing up a fire wall. There are some cells that have sending units. My buddy has one with a sending unit in his bagged 67 caddy.

Does there have to be a firewall if you have a back seat? Or only if you have no back seat? This is a stroker motor so the idea of less fill ups kind of keeps my head in the idea of doing it, especially if I go EFI.
 
hi, with a fuel cell ,, no fuel gauge level, have to install a vent tube, build a firewall behind rear seat and seal it , that includes package tray. no speakers allowed. without a fuel gauge, you will have to measure level with a stick. which means, you will have to open trunk to measure. I run duster with a stock tank, mid 11 sec, have no problems at all. fuel gauge shows me level, no firewall in trunk. just food for thought.
There are fuel senders. I don't have speakers. And Still trying to figure out if the firewall is still needed if I keep my back seat. I have the fold down rear seat option.
 
not worth the trouble on a street car imo. been there, wont do it again.
What troubles did you have Adam? I don't use the trunk for anything and if I do its not for anything large. Battery and "Bottle" will be back there also.
 
Does there have to be a firewall if you have a back seat? Or only if you have no back seat? This is a stroker motor so the idea of less fill ups kind of keeps my head in the idea of doing it, especially if I go EFI.

No tech person will let you run it at the track without a fire wall. Personally I like the idea of as much metal between my butt and 12 gallons of highly flammable liquid. Besides, if you ever get *** packed by a soccer mom in her shiny new SUV, hows that cloth, foam, and wire spring divider gonna stop you from 3rd degree burns?

If you go EFI, I'd pay the extra coin for a new tank thats baffled and opening enlarged for an in tank pump.
 
No tech person will let you run it at the track without a fire wall. Personally I like the idea of as much metal between my butt and 12 gallons of highly flammable liquid. Besides, if you ever get *** packed by a soccer mom in her shiny new SUV, hows that cloth, foam, and wire spring divider gonna stop you from 3rd degree burns?

If you go EFI, I'd pay the extra coin for a new tank thats baffled and opening enlarged for an in tank pump.
:salute:. I had thoughts about a custom aluminum firewall anyways, so this just means I will have to do it to run on the track. Back seat with a 8 point cage is for looks anyways. custom firewall from windshield down and covered in matting would look clean also.:cheers:
 
If you have the battery in the back you need a firewall also, unless it is in an NHRA approved battery box. As far as keeping a back seat all you have to do is seal the truck off from the front, usually with .032 aluminium or .024 steel. Also the speaker tray. This can be done from the trunk, or remove the seat and speaker tray, build your firewall and re install the seat and tray.

You also will not be able to fab up something to use your stock filler neck. You cannot alter the NHRA approved fuel cell in any way.
 
What troubles did you have Adam? I don't use the trunk for anything and if I do its not for anything large. Battery and "Bottle" will be back there also.

You have to fab a wire wall, you have to fab a sump cover, even with it vented outside of the car it smelled. I had a pro street 16 gallon fuel cell with a sender. The gauge was never right, You have to open your trunk to fill the tank and you have a battery sitting right next to 16 gallons of gas.

I would either keep the stock tank and add a sump or buy a 1/2" sending unit.
 
If you have the battery in the back you need a firewall also, unless it is in an NHRA approved battery box. As far as keeping a back seat all you have to do is seal the truck off from the front, usually with .032 aluminium or .024 steel. Also the speaker tray. This can be done from the trunk, or remove the seat and speaker tray, build your firewall and re install the seat and tray.

You also will not be able to fab up something to use your stock filler neck. You cannot alter the NHRA approved fuel cell in any way.

I might just make the firewall then. We will see.
 
If you have the battery in the back you need a firewall also, unless it is in an NHRA approved battery box. As far as keeping a back seat all you have to do is seal the truck off from the front, usually with .032 aluminium or .024 steel. Also the speaker tray. This can be done from the trunk, or remove the seat and speaker tray, build your firewall and re install the seat and tray.

You also will not be able to fab up something to use your stock filler neck. You cannot alter the NHRA approved fuel cell in any way.
Then why do they sell the filler necks for the fuel cells? NASCAR style fill up. Just asking. And I actually can...Then swap back to regular cap when I take it to the track. Which I might do, if I do this. But I understand the firewall. Does the distance matter or how much it needs to cover up? I was thinking a sheet right behind the seat would do, but would have to wait till after mini tub.
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0101.jpg
    43.5 KB · Views: 441
-
Back
Top