pjo046 Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 I know that fuel cells are supposed to be installed so that the fuel pickup is in the rear. Is it ok to install it the other way so that the pickup faces the front of the car? That would be much more convenient because then I could get the cell further back, which is important as I am installing a filler neck and want the fuel cap to be under the license plate. (will use some sort of hinge function on the license plate. That way the cap is hidden) I then need the cell as far back as possible so that I get a step enough angle for the hose that goes from the filler neck to the fuel cap/inlet. I know the pickup should really ideally be in the rear because under heavy acceleration, the fuel would be pushed back and towards the pickup. But I have a foam filled fuel cell, so I guess the fuel wouldn't move too much around anyway? And I would avoid running it near empty before I fill it up again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 I ran it backwards in my Z, but I also ran a surge tank, fed by low pressure pump to ensure fuel supply. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HBZ81 Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 even though your cell is foamed i still think the fuel will move around just because of the inertia of acceleration, just the tank itself might not move itself. it's like have a coke bottle filler half way with the lid on tight in the car (let's say in the cupholder) If you stomp the gas the coke is still going to sloosh to the rear, even if you had the bottle in a coozy and in the cupholder (ps i'm drinking a coke now) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB26powered74zcar Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 I was thinking on installing mine facing foward also. I think with the foam, and it having its own small sump, it will be fine. As with anything you may use, if its on a almost empty tank, it could I guess, suck air. I will just make sure to not go lower than 1/4 tank... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5foot2 Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 If it's an aluminum tank, just run a 1/2" line inside the tank from where ever you want the lines to exit in the front, to the rear sump. Your return line does not need any extention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjo046 Posted January 16, 2006 Author Share Posted January 16, 2006 No, it's a plastic fuel cell from summit. So I can't do any modifications to it. But like J. Solieau said, I think it will be ok as long as we don't run the tank near empty. y2daniel1981: I thought the foam was inside the actuall fuel-bladder in the cell? Sorta like a huge sponge or something? Thus hindering too much movement of the fuel.. Correct me if I'm wrong. From your post I understand it so that you mean the foam is between the outer fuel cell shell and the bladder inside? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Daniel is right. The foam will slow the flow/ slosh effect, but not stop it. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjo046 Posted January 16, 2006 Author Share Posted January 16, 2006 I know. Like I said, hindering TOO MUCH movement of the fuel. I guess it will be fine just as long as I don't let the needle reach the empty-mark on my fuel gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 You could also do the johnc/katman thing and run it backwards and also tilt the fuel cell forwards 7º. Supposed to have a good effect with aero, and also makes the front mounted pickup that much less likely to run dry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tube80z Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 You could also do the johnc/katman thing and run it backwards and also tilt the fuel cell forwards 7º. Supposed to have a good effect with aero, and also makes the front mounted pickup that much less likely to run dry... This what I did on my car. It also makes the plumbing a lot simpler than having it stick out the back. I could run down to about 1.5 gallons before I started to see slosh related problems. I got the car this way and it was much easier to tilt the cell than turn it around. Something to think about. Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datsunan Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 It must depend on what cell your using cause mine starved all the time under hard acceleration, anything less than 1/2 a tank. The foam in the tank is not like a sponge more like very fine swiss cheese, it will not limit movement to much. I had my alum. cell from summitt mounted pick up foward and had staving problems on accel., turned it around and had problems on braking. I had to install a surge tank and extra pump. I dont think the tank your getting has a blader, not all cells have them so you might want to check that if that is what you want. If its a inexspensive cell it most likely does not have a blader. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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