fuel cell installation pics?

#1

Does anyone have pictures of an installed fuel cell? I understand from the spece30 rules that it needs to fit within the spare tire well. Obviously the wheel tie down bracket would need to be cut out, but I’m unsure if you can cut the bottom of the well out and then follow standard NASA rules.

#2

Why do you need a fuel cell? I don’t remember seeing any SE30 cars with one. Stick with the stock tank if you don’t have any reason not to.

#3

One thing I just figured it would be safer but the other is that the brand new OE pump that I just installed screams of starvation. I thought if need to buy a higher flow pump and redo fuel lines ect. it would be a good time to go all the way.
It may just be from rust in the tank but if the tank needs to be replaced anyway…

#4

People seem to frown on the fuel cell for some reason, but if my tank and corroded lines become problems a new cell will be my answer as well. Here’s a link to someone’s e30 M3 install.

http://e30m3performance.com/installs/installs-1/fuel_cell/cell_1.htm

#5

There has been some discussion that the spare tire well in an e30 is designed as part of the crumple zone, you might want to consider that…I spoke with ATL about an e30 cell when I was working on my Mod car, they said they had nothing that would be safer than the factory designed tanks…find you a good uncrunched, unrusted stock tank from a late car.

Al

#6

Provided that it isn’t pin-holed and leaking, a rusted tank is fixable. You’ll have to drop the tank and clean it with acid until all of the rust is removed and then seal it. That works wonders on a 20 year old tank that is loaded up with rust (which clogs inlet screens/filter, and causes fuel starvation).

Been there, done that… But they don’t give tee shirts for it. It isn’t expensive (maybe $70 worth of materials), but it is labor intensive and will take a whole weekend.

#7

Thanks for the input on the cell.
I would not have thought about the spare tire well being a crumple zone. I guess the OEM tank is in a good location but what about the fact that it has no bladder in case of a rupture?

#8

David - if you are worried about the fuel tank rupturing, you can send your tank to FuelSafe and they will put a custom bladder inside the stock tank. We did that on our 240z. I believe the cost was about $400. We have not done that on our 2 spece30 cars, but the tank on the 240 was at the rear and in a vulnerable postion.
Ed