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Fuel Cell in a 'vert?

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Old 01-26-2004, 06:40 PM
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Car: 91 RS Convertible
Engine: 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 peg leg
Fuel Cell in a 'vert?

I was wondering if anyone has done this? I know some of you are asking, "Why?" Well, this seems like a dumb answer but, for the following reasons:
1. When I finally repaint, I'd like to really clean up the lines on the car--shaved antenna, door handles, etc., and would like to smooth out the door to the gas tank (it seems like a lot of work just to do that, I know, but that's just one reason).
2. Easier access to the fuel pump, and the source of the fuel system in general. With a cell in the trunk, fuel pump changes would be a snap, and I plan on changing induction systems several times over the life of my car, so this would be handy. Almost all the fuel system could be in the trunk-- filter, fitting for a guage in the cockpit, sending unit, cool can, etc. Also, if I wanted to drag race the car, I could replace a larger tank with a much smaller, lighter one. It would also make it easier to clean out the tank if I ever needed to.
3. Tell me it wouldn't look damn cool to pop your trunk and see a fuel cell and braided wire!

I noticed that summit just started carrying fuel cells that might fit in the trunk. RCI makes them. They're on page 50 of the newest catalogue. They measure 30Lx9Dx12H. Sure, the really small (5 and fewer gallons) would fit, too, but this one is 15! So what do you think? Does anyone here have a fuel cell in their 'vert?
Old 01-26-2004, 10:37 PM
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Problem is there needs to be a metal firewall between the passenger compartment and the trunk... which isnt possible on the convertibles because the top folds down inside part of the trunk.
Old 01-26-2004, 11:33 PM
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Car: 91 RS Convertible
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When you say that there 'needs' to be a metal firewall, do you mean practically, legally, or both?

I'm going to have to look at the measurements of the trunk soon, and see exactly how much room is taken up by the top to see if this is a feasible project. What if I just made a big metal lid to set on top of the fuel cell. Would that qualify?

thanks for the response by the way. I need to consider all the factors before I do this.
Old 01-27-2004, 06:38 AM
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It can be done. Firewall and all to mak eit nhra legal. Ive seen it.

I just seen pic's of a fuel cell in a vert with in the past few days online also... I'll be dammed if I rem where.
Old 01-27-2004, 07:32 AM
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I'd build a firewall anyway if I was you. And I'd also wouldn't mount the fuel pump in the trunk if the line broke it will fill your trunk up with gas. So at least I would get an after market fuel pump and mount it under th car.
Old 01-27-2004, 07:42 AM
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heres a diffrent idea.


stump a stock style tank, and move the filler neck from the side to behind the back tail light..

heres my thread with the idea
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ht=hinge+light

and heres a guy that is actually doing it: (with pics)

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ht=hinge+light




doing it this way solves several problems...
you have your firewall... you retain your trunk space, the gas cap is shaved, pump noise is reduced by being outside the car, and the pump is easily accessed because its external from the tank.
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