fuel cells

[grooml]

A question for everyone. Have any of you installed a fuel cell in your roadster. I plan on doing the odd track day, here, and there, as I have a winter home in Sebring. After watching some of the track days there, and seeing a few incidents, I think I'd like to run a fuel cell rather than the stock tank. I've priced them out, and they are quite expensive, but the safety factor is huge. I also noticed I can get a side filler so it doesn't obstruct the trunk area. Is there any other issues I should be looking for? Such as fuel lines taking up trunk space. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[NAZ]

Can't speak to the specifics of a roadster but if you're considering an elastomer bladder type fuel cell do some research on the bladder life span and fuels compatibility. The same for the foam blocks. The bladders aren't expected to last more than a few years and are not compatible with all fuels. Mine is made for gasoline (pump gas or race gas) and alcohol will kill it so E85 is out of the question for my application. Same with the foam blocks -- some fuels will degrade them and contaminate your fuel system.

They do add a significant degree of safety but they come with some drawbacks. Best to consult with the manufacturer about your needs so they can point you to the right fuel cell.

[Jacob McCrea]

I also can't speak to the roadster, other than to say that Fuel Safe sells one designed specifically for the Challenge Car. I recall it being a side-fill, rather than a top-fill, but I can't speak to how it otherwise fits.

My experiences (albeit limited) with shopping for and ultimately buying a fuel cell for my Type 65, in a nutshell: when you figure out what you want in terms of an in-tank pump, fuel level sending unit, shoebox-style can or no, surge tank, rollover valve and vent, etc., if you then want a quote that is offensively high, call a certain manufacturer in Ramsey, New Jersey. If you want to call and email a vendor 10 times and either get no answer, or have the office staff tell you "I'll have one of the guys get back to you, they're not here now," and further, have them fail to honor their promise to quote a price on a simple off-the-rack cell, call or email a certain manufacturer in Corona, California. If you want to be treated like you are the Director of Procurement for the entire Department of Defense and are seeking a ten-year, cost-plus contract for 10,000 units, and want a fair price too, call Fuel Safe directly.

[SLOKarl]

I installed a fuel cell in my Mark I which I completed in 2006. Since I road raced for years (in a Sports 2000), I like the safety of a fuel cell. The fuel cell I installed in the Mark I was a flexible bladder fuel cell. About two years ago, I found the fuel cell was leaking. I replaced it - which was not a fun task. Pump gas in our area (California Central Coast) contains ethanol, which ruined the fuel cell. A lot of pump gas contains ethanol, so you need to talk with the manufacturer.

[avgjoe]

Yes, they are pricey. No way around it.

I would not use the side fill option unless you can absolutely guarantee that you won't tear up that side of the car since the side fill is just a gaping hole in the side of the cell when it gets torn off. Really defeats the purpose.

Get the can from FFR and the Fuel Safe bladder from some other dealer (RB222A I think). I put a rectangular piece (just as big as the inside of the can) of Al on the side of the can with the side fill hole. There are several fill plates available from Fuel Safe with different fill holes; some are taller than others. Also, different options for vents and returns on the fill plate.

In it's stock location the fuel lines will be below the x-bracing in the trunk area. The filler will probably stand tall by a few inches. you can build a 5-sided "box" with a hinge to cover it.

It's not terribly difficult to change the bladder out after you do it a few times. THOROUGHLY rinse your foam and bladder before you install it; sometimes it has some residue on it that can clog fuel filters. They will leak eventually; may take 7 yrs, may take 20, YRMV.

None of these ideas are mine; they came from others over the years.

If you're going to track the car, I'd do it too. Poop happens.

Have fun, be safe.

[grooml]

Thanks. That makes sense.