C4 Fuel cell
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
C4 Fuel cell
Hey Guys, I put a fuel cell in my 91. It's 15lbs lighter than the stock tank, and allows me to run a couple gallons of fuel vs the 11-12 gallons I used to have to run to keep the pick up tube submerged. I also mounted the battery in the rear taking 35lbs off the front and putting it where it will help the car launch. I am just waiting for some cooler weather to see how it works out.
Last edited by tpi 421 vette; Aug 9, 2011 at 12:51 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
It has about 10 gallons of fuel capacity.
Last edited by tpi 421 vette; Aug 9, 2011 at 10:16 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 17
From: woodbury new jersey
how easy it that battery to get to? looks like youd have to take the whole rear bumper off to change it. also, how do you fill the tank? does it have a fuel neck going up to the stock filler hole?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
I cut a hole thru the back and made a access door to get to the battery from inside the car. The carpet hides it, and you can't tell. To put gas in it, just fill it thru the gas door like stock.
I am sure this set up isn't for everybody. My car is mainly a drag car that see's a couple hundred miles a year on the street. So it works for me.
I am sure this set up isn't for everybody. My car is mainly a drag car that see's a couple hundred miles a year on the street. So it works for me.
Last edited by tpi 421 vette; Aug 9, 2011 at 12:41 PM.
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Pipe
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 17
From: woodbury new jersey
I cut a hole thru the back and made a access door to get to the battery from inside the car. The carpet hides it, and you can't tell. To put gas in it, just fill it thru the gas door like stock.
I am sure this set up isn't for everybody. My car is mainly a drag car that see's a couple hundred miles a year on the street. So it works for me.
I am sure this set up isn't for everybody. My car is mainly a drag car that see's a couple hundred miles a year on the street. So it works for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
Any better pictures of the mounting straps, etc that yuo used on the tank?
the one picture seems to imply that its hung on the fiberglass at the back of the hatch area. I doubt that will pass tech inspection if that is the case.
the one picture seems to imply that its hung on the fiberglass at the back of the hatch area. I doubt that will pass tech inspection if that is the case.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
Thanks, the Bosch pump only has to keep up with the injectors. I have another fuel system and pump up front for the nitrous system with a one gallon fuel cell. It's a walbro type pump, but it only has to keep up with a 200 hp shot of nos. So even a stock pump would sufficiant up front. Two fuel pumps keeps things safe
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Hey Jim, I was thinking, when I had my C4 teched with my fuel cell, I had to make an undercover shield for the cell. I made one out of aluminum. NHRA doesn't like naked fuel cells under there (punctures from rocks or whatever). Willie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
father did know best (this time) imho
c4 's come oem with a REAL fuel cell (only production car ever AFAIK)...rugged steel shell with thick rubber bladder...alum shells are easily ripped in a crash...we tore the bottom feeder in/out hoses off the bottom of the gas tank in a minor 'off road excursion' at Watkins Glen back/day (ex-sunraydx 1967 L88 coupe) but got lucky (no toasted marshmallow)...there are numerous ways to reduce tank interior volume with foam bags/etc to reduce fuel load while avoiding starvation in flight.
Last edited by redrose; Aug 9, 2011 at 05:02 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Just curious, what would those be? One big problem with the C4 fuel tank is that it sucks from the top and there is no real sump. Many aftermarket cells, mine included, have a dropped sump where the last bit of fuel can be used which allows for a lesser amount of fuel to be carried during a run. On my 5 gallon cell, I can run to the last gallon without starvation.
Last edited by 383vett; Aug 9, 2011 at 06:26 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 2
From: Spartanburg South Carolina
Looks good Jim, I'm envious!
Question on the fuel starvation also. I don't really get why that happens. I installed a new fuel pump the other day. The pump sits in the middle of the tank and at the bottom. from what i saw. Maybe the way the OEM armature and stuff is angled it's more towards the front of the tank where i couldn't see once it was all in there.
There's also like a plastic tray in there where the pump and sock goes to to pick up the fuel. Wish i took a pic or two.
Question on the fuel starvation also. I don't really get why that happens. I installed a new fuel pump the other day. The pump sits in the middle of the tank and at the bottom. from what i saw. Maybe the way the OEM armature and stuff is angled it's more towards the front of the tank where i couldn't see once it was all in there.
There's also like a plastic tray in there where the pump and sock goes to to pick up the fuel. Wish i took a pic or two.