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Race and Track Day Fuel Tank
simes43 - 12/2/08 at 12:04 PM

I am about to get the following design priced for a 4 gallon (28 minutes at Lydden plus lap and 3 ltrs)tank with baffles, foam filled and with different vent options.

The design will allow fuel capacity reducing balls to be introduced to sections of the tank for normal events.




Apart from being in a far safer position, a back to back test of a similar design against the standard behind the axle position, gave better weight distribution (over and in front of rear axle) and reduced the dreaded high speed understeer to give neutral balance on faster corners.

Fuel starvation problems are removed from the equation too.

Should be sub £100 per tank, if anyone is interested in a group buy.


Sorry about the diagram! The tank has plenty of clearance for the axle to move without them touching.

Below is a picture of my two gallon installation




[Edited on 12/2/08 by simes43]


Mr Whippy - 12/2/08 at 01:20 PM

your two gallon tank looks nice, but would the hose connection and fuel gauge tube not have been better and safer on the side that the pump is on. Just thinking about a hard rear shunt. Though it's a good location for a tank.


simes43 - 12/2/08 at 03:41 PM

Fair comments both. The sight guage was a waste of time, you cannot see it when the boot is covered so its not on the new design.

The problem with having the outlet anywhere else is fuel starvation. Perhaps exiting somewhere on the bottom might work if the axle , when on the bumps, gives it enough clearence.

The tank position saves you from a sizeable hit, but not a bloody great big one!

When not crashing, the main benefit is getting rid of high speed understeer and getting the corner weights closer together.


procomp - 12/2/08 at 04:00 PM

Hi Simon it would be worth trying to get it made with a sump type pick up as this would mean that reducing capacity balls where not needed. As you would always get a perfect pick up with the sump.

also great care needs to be taken regarding the mounting method as 4 gallon tank full weighs roughly 13 kg and in the case of our design it some time to get the strength of the bracket's right to cope with the weight and G force.

HTH cheers Matt


simes43 - 12/2/08 at 09:06 PM

Hi Matt

Thanks for the advice. Its a trade off between the tank staying put and ripping apart in a shunt. Secure with flexability.

I want the tank to be the best of both worlds. One that can carry 4 gallons and the other 2.5 gallons, without the need to do much else other than add the capacity stuff and remove it when I need the whole tank. I can keep the weight where I want it too.

Running out of fuel on the last lap at Snett when the second tank set up failed still haunts me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mister draftsman here has fashioned another diagram with straps and securing lugs that can be bolted to the car's frame with a flexible insert ( Exhaust bobin?) between the two.



There's another benefit to this design which might make the project worthwhile on its own

[Edited on 12/2/08 by simes43]


ernie - 13/2/08 at 06:13 PM

A great idea Simon, can they be made in time for Lydden? around £100 and I'll have one


simes43 - 13/2/08 at 07:14 PM

Hi Ernie

I need the tank installed and tested for Snetterton!

I will be able to confirm prices and delivery after the weekend.

Si


ernie - 13/2/08 at 07:34 PM

Thanks Simon .if it doesn't have sight glass tube can you dip it with stick?


simes43 - 13/2/08 at 08:17 PM

I can see no reason why you cannot have a sight guage added to the design (like my current tank has). Or a return for fuel injected cars for that matter.

The maths involved to work out exactly what three inches of stick indicates, is pretty hairy !

My car is being measured up this weekend.


simes43 - 14/2/08 at 01:09 PM

So far 5 drivers have said yes to a tank, subject to a confirmed price and spec.

The increased safety aspect is top of most peoples lists.

The first tanks should be available late Feb early March in time for Snett.

If anyone wants larger or smaller capacity tanks with injection outlets, let me know.

[Edited on 14/2/08 by simes43]

[Edited on 14/2/08 by simes43]