IT Fuel Cell Requirements?

[thedemoguy]

I have a new fuel cell with surge tank installed by ATL that I was going to put in my ITB Jetta last fall that I would sell to you.
It is the well-cell that will go in your spar tire well to keep the center of gravity as low as possible.
It is FIA/SFI rated and no matter how you interpret the rules, SAFETY should be your main concern and this cell will be safe plus if for some reason you change the car to the GTL class the cell would pass tech.

[thedemoguy]

This is the cell

http://e30m3performance.com/installs...ell/cell_1.htm

[CCDangie71]

I read the rules the same as Greg and Ryan but what I need clarification on is the "certification" of the fuel cell. I plan on running the stock tank in my car for the first year and then installing the cell I picked up. The cell meets all the requirements: foam filled bladder encased in a .036 steel container, positive locking cap with a vent, etc. However, the cell doesn't have any FIA certification marked on it. Can I use it?

Reminds me of the debate on the SFI rating on driver's suits. Sure your OMP suit is flame retardant but no SFI = SOL and thanks for playing. If this is the case, I will have to buy another fuel cell with the certification painted on it and sell my non-certified one.

Any ideas?

[Charlie Broring]

The interpretation of the rules to allow non-SFI or FIA fuel cells in IT has been prevalent for years. There are quite a few IT cars using unrated circle track cells. To my knowledge this hasn't been a safety issue. In my own case I would much prefer a circle track style cell to the poorly protected stock fuel tank. Even though lacking FIA certification, these cells have a proven safety history in the rough and tumble stock car world.

In my opinion, a rule "clarification" that would prohibit the common practice of using circle track type cells would be another example of the SCCA fixing a problem that doesn't exist.

Charlie

[xr4racer]

Item number 4 under 9.3.26 which allows rotary molded cells not having a bladder, or not contained in a metal can in classes (IT) that are not required to have a cell but are allowable as an option.

I most certainly read the earlier part as if a cell is required it must meet the specs, but in classes where they are not there are no specs, especially with the rotary moulded (cheap, no SFI or FIA)cells allowed.

matt

[Jonathan]

This is a non-rule that should be a personal rule. Use a cell. Easiest way to prevent a catastrophic fire. Saves you, saves your car, saves your competitors. A gutted car that you escaped unharmed from is WAY more expensive than a fuel cell. Rubber bladder in a steel can only. Main thing to think about is how does a factory tank respond upside-down when it's hardest to get out of the car? I personally am skipping buying front struts and new tires this year to upgrade safety equipment.

[xr4racer]

I agree it is a good idea if you install and plumb it correctly. I think the best thing to avoid the catastrophic fire is a FIRE SYSTEM. Most factory installed fuel tanks are very good especially in the last 10 or so years. I have not seen a ton of cars catching on fire on the highways because of a rollover, they do take this into consideration on the OEM side. As long as your not racing older Chevy trucks or Pintos they seem pretty good. Most of the fires I have seen have been aftermarket part failures or not so good installations of aftermarket pumps and filters etc.

matt

[chewy8000]

Hey Bill,

I'm interested in the cell if the original poster doesn't jump on it.

[markw]

Here is your clarification from the GCR 9.3.26 this is section 4.
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.

Fuel cells were an option in IT last time I read the rules. This should clear up the confusion.

[thedemoguy]

Hey Bill,

I'm interested in the cell if the original poster doesn't jump on it.

It's a 12 gallon cell, I paid about $550 for the cell and then had to pay 100 or 150 to have the serge tank installed plus shipping.
It was over $700, I think closer to $800 and has never been installed.

I'll take $600

[chewy8000]

Bill,

email me some pics at [email protected]

Thanks

[thedemoguy]

The cell is in my buddy's shop about 1hr from me in Youngstown Ohio.
I assure you it is new.

[fornetti14]

Thanks for all the posts everyone. Looks like I need to ask my local officials about how they read this rule. In the mean time I'm going to buy a new aftermarket tank to see if I can sort the car out before dropping the cash on a cell.

Is that new fuel cell still available or did it sell to the other guy?

Thanks,
Tony

[markw]

Tony, what is the problem with the original tank? I have seen pickup problems on the 83 and 84 tanks. Something comes apart in the pickup arrangement. This can be solved using an OE vw fuel resevoir that came on the 85 cabrio and foxes. Someone had a drawing on the Production website of what I am talking about. The return from the fuel injection is plumbed into this resevoir along with an external prepump. I can look the OE number up for you if you are interested. Email me nospam at bocafed dot org.

[924Guy]

Sorry, I get confused having to shuffle the different rulebooks in my head...

Following up - yeah, I definitely would not support a rule that would add thousands to the build of my car and plenty of others, to achieve a level of safety that is already there... nothing against those guys, but I don't race a Ford - VW and Porsche engineers seem to do a pretty good job of locating the gas tank in a very safe place...

[Bob Roth]

Save yourself some money and buy78 a replacement tank for $78. See here http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sh...en/rabbit.html
A fuel cell will not make your car more reliable, faster or lighter. and if you are thinking its a plus for safety, its probably not the best place to be spending your money. Save it for a HANS device......

[924Guy]

LOL...

Having now to deal with a cell for my DSR, I'm glad to have never gone there with the IT car... massive extra cost etc... they all have to be SFI or FIA now, right?

[spnkzss]

LOL...

Having now to deal with a cell for my DSR, I'm glad to have never gone there with the IT car... massive extra cost etc...

We are building a enduro specific IT car. I STILL wish I hadn't gone there in IT.

[Greg Amy]

...they all have to be SFI or FIA now, right?

Reeeead the topic, Luke....

[Jonathan]

I might be new to the board but I've raced professionaly for 20 years. I've seen 2 drivers I new personnaly die and could only stand going to one funeral. I've also seen a fuel cell go bouncing down the race track at least once a seson for 20 years after a car got ripped apart on impact, so excuse me if I'm not thrilled about hitting some guy's 179$ factury fuel can when it flies out of his car. The scariest thing in motorsports is to see a car on fire with someone you know in it that can't get out. So how bout you give a "newbie" a break and allow me to remind everyone about the worst day in motorsports that is easily avoidable by a PROPER FUEL CELL WITH A RUBBER BLADDER!