Fuel Cell vs surge tank
 

As I thought about setting up my surge tank system for my track car, it occured to me that for the price of lines, second pump, and the tank, That I would be 65% of the cost of a fuel cell.
Does a fuel cell typically use an in tank pump(can I use my current pump)?
looking at the ATL cells, it looks like the fuel pick-up problems should be largely solved compared to the stock tank.
I may be under-estimating the cost of installing a cell, but that's why I'm posting. Thanks, Carl Byck

a fuel cell can also have a surge tank built into it(check ATL or Fuel Safe catalogs). ATL also has a cell with the in tank pump(used in ASA stock car racing). fuel cell and mounting harware can be quite expensive. I figured about $1000-$1200 for a good ATL or Fuel Safe bladder type cell installed. don't use the plastic tank RCI type cells

FD?

Are you running with a full tank? How long is your race?
I may be under-estimating the cost of installing a cell, but that's why I'm posting.
If you don't need one, don't go through with it. I probably spent over $2k. Aluminum cells are expensive. A steel fuel cell will weigh in at over 50 lbs - more than the stock gas tank. I have two fuel pumps inside a surge tank inside the cell, with a third low pressure/high vol pump discharging into the surge tank from one of the corners of the cell.

Taz is right on the weight of the tank. I was gonna switch to a fuel cell for my autocross/track car but decided not to for those two reasons. Money and weight. If its not required I would put it off until later.

Fuel cells are not designed to be weight savers. they are a safety item and should be thought of as that. Taz has a very elaborate setup and it sounds like it works great but it may be a bit of over kill. a good quality cell of the correct size and setup for a fuel injected engine could be installed (by car owner) for less than $1000. for auto-x I don't think the cell in needed(no fear of someone crashing into you while on course), but if you are racing wheel to wheel it is a good idea.

The car is a dedicated wheel to wheel racer, I just did not want to do both, if the cell will get the job done. The car is an FC, below 1/2 tank, I get fuel starvation following the longer turns. Thanks for the feedback, Carl.

Carl,

I have not had this problem on my car. have you opened the tank to see if the OEM baffle has come loose or has been removed? I can run my car totally empty at any track. including places like Willow Springs that has nothing but long fast turns. the cell in itself may not cure your problem but the cell with the internal surge tank sure would. our other FC has a Fuel Safe cell without the surge tank and it has not had any pick up problems either. you might want to check your existing setup before buying anything new. the cell would be a good addition in terms of safety though.

Interesting, I will check that out. I know others have had the problem as well, but I don't think we've checked the baffle. At Sears I run out of fuel between the carousel, and turn 7. Thanks for the feedback, Carl

I run mine down to almost 1/8 tank, and I don't have problems with fuel either..

PaulC

I must be pullin 3gs. That's my problem:):):):)

Fuel Resevior
 

Ask Chuck about his fuel Resevior. I use it in my 3rd gen. It is legal according to the rules due to my also using braided lines and metal AN fittings. I run my car with 1-4 gallons in it and have no problems at all.

Allan