Fuel cell pics?

[Dyno4mance]

Does anyone have any pics of aftermarket fuel cell setups...swirlpots, filters, pumps that kind of thing...would like to get some ideas of how people have executed these modifications

[iflytii]

I used a "well cell" with a bracket I made for a simple install. I don't have anything handy that shows it installed but this is pretty easy to get the idea from.



The 4 corners now sport holes and bolt down to 3/8" drilled/tapped steel plates welded to the recessed areas in the trunk.



I've had been using a filter from a v8 Mercedes since it has both a threaded in and out, as well as a high flow Bosch external pump. I modified the OEM fuel pump/filter bracket to hold these and bolt in the original place.

I've since moved the pump and an aftermarket filter to the trunk. I'll try and get some installed pics soon.

[Massive Lee]

A well cell is the most practical option. No need to cut up the trunk area and build a structure. Some of them come with an internal surge tank and primary pump. Highly recommended option. Otherwise you can build your own external surge tank system.

[Dyno4mance]

Thanks for the input...With the well cell is it not detremental to move the weight of the fuel from a low central location to past the centerline of the rear axle?
When a well cell is used is the stock tank completely removed?
Did the group A m3's have a tank in the wheel well?
Have you guys ever seen something like this configuration and would not this location be better for weight distribution and for protection in an accident?

[S4lex]

Good thread -- keep the pics and ideas flowing :)

[briansjacobs]

Dyno. What are you trying to accomplish? A well cell is great but it is low capacity and not good for an enduro (notice you are in GA and NASA-SE does a lot of enduros) are you trying to eliminate fuel starvation? what is your need for the fuel cell and that may help with some of the input

[briansjacobs]

BTW I am planning on a well cell that will work in line with my current fuel tank, this should give me another 11 gallons of fuel which is good for just over a 2 hour stint in our stroked M20's

(at HMS which is mostly flat out we burned approx. 1 gallon every 6 minutes)

[browntown]

unfortunately gustave took down his e30m3performance website. It had all the documentation plus a good porsche or mercedes filter to run. the wayback machine doesnt have the detail pages. Maybe someone saved it?

[dkbmxer002]

i have one but it is in my camaro lol. one nice thing about it is that i use the factory "hat" and wiring as well as it fills from the factory location.

[SA E30]

The Group A cars used a cell in the spare wheel well, but it also extended up above it. On the 1992 cars they also had another tank where the stock one was which was fitted for enduro's. I think total fuel came to 110lt in that setup.

Copy and paste from a guy restoring a 1992 Grp A car, ex Diet Coke car that raced in Aus.

"Juts got the fuel tanks last week. There are two, one under the rear seat and one in the boot, this was the fuel system for 91/92 it seems. They are linked together through the plumbing. I am only going to run the one tank in the boot, so I need to make a swirl pot for this (as it was built into the lower tank) I also need to make a top cover over the opening, so I might build the swirl pot into the cover to keep things tidy. You can see the very lightweight carbon "ring" that holds this tank in - supposedly!

Conrad"

[Dyno4mance]

Dyno. What are you trying to accomplish? A well cell is great but it is low capacity and not good for an enduro (notice you are in GA and NASA-SE does a lot of enduros) are you trying to eliminate fuel starvation? what is your need for the fuel cell and that may help with some of the input

Yes, This is a good question and one I need to decide on soon...I am thinking about converting the car to a rally car for just tarmac events....
I would like to try and one day compete in the Targa Newfoundland.

[Massive Lee]

I would like to try and one day compete in the Targa Newfoundland.

Targa serves the best chowder in the world. Well worth the registration fee. ;-)

[e30s50dan]

BTW I am planning on a well cell that will work in line with my current fuel tank, this should give me another 11 gallons of fuel which is good for just over a 2 hour stint in our stroked M20's

(at HMS which is mostly flat out we burned approx. 1 gallon every 6 minutes)

interesting..I burn 1 gallon for every 7 minutes in my 944cup 2.5L

[Massive Lee]

YESSSSS!!!! When we start discussing fuel per minute, we know the subject is going to be fun... Keep it coming.

Our e46 racecar with 2900cc CSS 340hp motor burns 1 litre per minute. That's a good indication for us for managing fuel.

For the OP. A fuel cell installed between the shock towers is highly placed weight. It is better if you want to keep the car's moment, but detrimental for coefficient of gravity. The weight placed lower, and further back is better as it balances with the front heavy car toward a better 50/50 weight ratio, and it is weight located lower. Well cells are now available with 15 gallon capacity. About the same as stock. For enduros, then get a small auxiliary tank such as the Euro long range one.

[jlevie]

After the accident that destroyed my first Spec E30 there's no way that I'd want anything that could be hazardous aft of the shock towers. I've even moved the battery to be between the shock towers . The car hit a wall on the right rear corner at about 80mph. The right rear corner wound up a couple of inches from where the rear window used to be. The battery was crushed and the positive cable's insulation was almost cut. I had a spare in the tire well for ballast and the entire well ripped out except for about 1" of metal. It was just sort of hanging there. So much for the spare being part of the crush zone.

The stock tank on an E30 is in an ideal location, low and forward of the rear axleand completely out side of the cabin. If one is determined to install a cell in the trunk area it should nestle in a built up strong cage. Keep in mind that moving the fuel and structure weight aft will increase the polar moment of the car. You'll also need to add panels to seal up all the holes in the rear cabin bulkhead.