Fuel Cells? ( as in gas tank not tuning)
02-24-2010, 11:17 PM
#1
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Fuel Cells? ( as in gas tank not tuning)
Anybody put one in? If so, what size and where? Did you mount it where the stock tank was? Any fitment issues? Was it heavier or lighter than the stock tank?
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02-25-2010, 08:27 AM
#2
This is what I plan to use... Based on the conversations with EPMiata it seems like a nice setup. When I install it will be going in the trunk. FSA ED108 Fuel Safe Enduro-Style Fuel Cell, 8 Gallon from the EPMiata.Com Online Store!
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02-25-2010, 09:33 AM
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Why do you feel the need to get a fuel cell? The stock tank is factory tested, is probably safer then a fuel cell, and the location is actually pretty damn good for weight distro. Cross weights are hardly altered at all between empty, and full tanks.
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02-26-2010, 10:09 AM
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My thought was weight and the location of the weight in addition to the added safety.
Anything mounted on the center line of the car is not going to change the cross weights much, but location fore and aft can effect how much or the weight is over the rear wheels.
For now, I am looking at it based on autocross rules/allowances. My car isn't getting caged/track time until next year, but I expect to hit the wall slightly faster than the spec miata guys do as well.
Anything mounted on the center line of the car is not going to change the cross weights much, but location fore and aft can effect how much or the weight is over the rear wheels.
For now, I am looking at it based on autocross rules/allowances. My car isn't getting caged/track time until next year, but I expect to hit the wall slightly faster than the spec miata guys do as well.
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02-26-2010, 10:37 AM
#8
Chris, MNBiker (Steve) on the other board runs a fuel cell. I think it's a small one, and I think it's in the trunk. The factory tank's location is better than the trunk for MOI. Thagr81, does EPMiata's setup allow for the use of the sheet metal covers? I wouldn't want to run with the fuel sitting there with me like shown in the photo.
Chris, that car isn't going to be caged for the track. I won't allow it.
Chris, that car isn't going to be caged for the track. I won't allow it.
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02-26-2010, 11:06 AM
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Removing the stock tank leaves plenty of room for other options in its place
Like maybe a custom fuel cell
Or maybe even an aftermarket one. I haven't decided yet how much fuel I think I need for a 20 minute track session. I am thinking if I get 6 mph and average 100 mph that I run out with 5 gallons. So I am thinking either an 8 or 12 depending on dimension and weight. A one foot cube contains 7.4 gallons, so take some away for the bladder and foam and I could still get by with a pretty small package.
Has anyone on here run one?
Like maybe a custom fuel cell
Or maybe even an aftermarket one. I haven't decided yet how much fuel I think I need for a 20 minute track session. I am thinking if I get 6 mph and average 100 mph that I run out with 5 gallons. So I am thinking either an 8 or 12 depending on dimension and weight. A one foot cube contains 7.4 gallons, so take some away for the bladder and foam and I could still get by with a pretty small package.
Has anyone on here run one?
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02-26-2010, 01:33 PM
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My math might be off, but a 1 ft^3 tank would hold ~5.6 gallons of gasoline (S.D. of gasoline is 0.71-0.77, I used 0.75).
If you're using 6 mpg and 100 mph for your calculations, then that would let you run for just about 20 minutes on the nose (0.336 hours). The colder it is, the more it would hold.
If you're using 6 mpg and 100 mph for your calculations, then that would let you run for just about 20 minutes on the nose (0.336 hours). The colder it is, the more it would hold.
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02-26-2010, 01:46 PM
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Why would you get rid of a factory tested fuel tank, just to replace it with an aftermarket fuel cell in the same location? If you feel the need to upgrade to a fuel cell, copy those nationally competitive EP cars and put it in the passenger seat area.
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02-26-2010, 02:40 PM
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I doubt seriously that the stock tank is safer than a fuel cell. The racing fuel cells have bladder construction so even if the case is bent/cracked/ruptured it still does not leak.
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02-26-2010, 03:07 PM
#17
It is my understanding that a wall must be between a fuel cell and a driver. You may have to check with the rules for your sanctioning body. That is why some put them in the trunk. Also, the bladder not only provides protection, but there is a foam that keeps the fuel from sloshing. Sloshing effects the handling of the car.
Last edited by miata2fast; 02-26-2010 at 06:00 PM.
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