Fuel Cell.

[joshuagore]

77 280z runing ITS.

We removed the stock tank due to rust problems. During our prepping we found our tank to be to rusted to repair in our 280z. We have been trying to find an affordable solution. We really are looking to the future and want to go with a cell, we have 2 from our oval racing days, but its obvious to me that those probably dont pass any sort of test.

What brand cells are approved?

I saw this in summit and it looked to go to be true, but I see no real identification regarding the material and such.

http://www.summitracing.com

part number SUM-290112



Fuel cells made to withstand the rigors of racing.
For added impact resistance, these Pro Sport fuel cells have a 20-gauge, red powdercoated steel outer shell for increased crash protection. Ideal for Circle Track racing, they have a pickup hose routed to the right rear corner for better fuel pickup during cornering. Other features include a D-ring, bail handle cap assembly, with a check valve vent, -8 AN outlet, and tip-over valve fittings.
[/b]
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/sum-290112.jpg


http://store.summitracing.com/instructions...%2D290100%2Epdf (http://store.summitracing.com/instructions.asp?File=sum%2D290100%2Epdf)

Anyone have any insight for me? I am new and I am just trying to learn Smile

Thanks again.
Josh

[turboICE]

The stock fuel tank may be replaced with a fuel cell. The fuel cell shall be located within twelve (12) inches of the original fuel tank location. Additional reinforcement may be added to support the fuel cell, but such reinforcement shall not attach to the roll cage. Floor pan may be modified for installation. See GCR Section 19., for requirements.[/b]


All safety fuel cells shall be constructed and certified in accordance with the FIA FT-3 or higher (FT-3.5, FT-5, etc.) specifications. All safety fuel cells shall consist of a foam-filled fuel bladder enclosed in a metal container at minimum.[/b]

Any brand and model carrying an FIA FT-3 or higher certification.

GCR carries all answers.

These brands carry FIA FT-3 (I am sure there are others)

http://www.fuelsafe.com/index.htm

http://www.atlfuelcells.com/

[x-ring]

Ed said it, but you have to read the whole rule. The first paragraph, GCR 19 states:

"19. SAFETY FUEL CELL SPECIFICATIONS
All cars must be equipped with a safety fuel cell complying with these specifications, except for ... Improved Touring."

Further down, GCR 19.4 reads:

"19.4. ROTARY MOLDED CELL
The use of rotary molded fuel cells not having a bladder, or not contained in a metal can, is allowable in those cars that do not require the use of a fuel cell, but where they are an allowed option."

In other words, your Summit cell is fine, although I think you would like the one from JAZ Products better for about the same price. The problem with the Summit cells is that they have large, like 1.5", openings around the fittings, and the fitting is only supported by the liner. The JAZ cells are more like FIA cells, where the fitting is attached to the can and the liner. Also, with the fuel system in your 280, you will probably want three fittings on the cell; fuel supply, fuel return, and vent, and they're easier to add to the JAZ style cell.

I'd also suggest using a surge tank, er... secondary fuel cell I mean, to keep your EFI system from starving in long corners.

[turboICE]

Hmm, absolutely correct Ty, while I knew they were IT optional I hadn't really ever made the connection to the 19.4 allowance - I guess I was just in denial that they would permit less than FIA FT-3 even in an optional condition.

I had incorrectly taken the rules to be more restrictive than they actually are for fuel cells - I thought all meant all ;)

[x-ring]

Aw, come on, Ed. All never means all. Is, however, sometimes means - oh never mind. <_<

I guess I&#39;m not sure how I feel about non-FIA cells. In a modern car, what would make a guy think that he would come up with a better solution than the engineers at Mazda (or wherever) who make damn sure that the company isn&#39;t going to be sued over their fuel tank rupturing and incinerating some nice young family.
OTOH, a car like an S30 has the tank hanging way out back, only protected by some sheet metal and a rather flimsy bumper. Maybe a $200 fuel cell is a better choice here than the stock tank. At least the $200 cell won&#39;t have old (almost 30 years in this case), dried out, rubber hoses for the filler.

[rob22]

Back in the early 90&#39;s we ran an ITS 280Z in CFR SCCA. We installed a JAZ 22 gal. cell and had no problems with the cell itself. But, as Ty said, we encountered fuel starvation problems when the tank was less than 1/2 full. We put in the surge tank which solved the problem. We did find that we had to change the foam after about 3 years as it started to break down.

Bosco