[MonteMan454]

Hey guys, Generally, is a 3 gallon fuel cell enough for my 482 BBC powered 70 Monte Carlo drag car? The car will be doing mostly around high sixes or low sevens in the eight mile using a 850 double pumper carb.

It also be puttering around the pit area, and loading and unloading on the trailer/flat towing setup..

Thanks!

 

[bracketchev1221]

I ran an 8 gallon plastic cell in my car and generally filled it just above the foam. Unless you are room limited I think I would go a little larger. Being a bracket car there is a lot of starting and shutting it off, not to mention if the car in front of you breaks after you do the burnout, and you have to shut off and then do the burnout again. I never filled mine the whole way, and I had a stick that was marked so I could make sure I filled the cell to the same point every time after every run. If I had to guess I may have had 4-5 gallons in the car every time I went to the lanes. And the extra weight is over the rear anyway, so it doesn't really hurt.

 

[MonteMan454]

Thanks Ray! I knew I could get a good answer from you. I was originally thinking of getting a 5 gallon but my friend has a 3 gallon for sale. I think I will wait for a 5 gallon..

 

[Nine2ndchevelle]

Here's another perspective from a bracket, index , and open comp racer. Way back in the 90's went we made the move to a fuel cell we decided on a 12 gallon. We were looking forward into the future. A future that included double entries and running multiple classes at the same event. Also we eventually intended on switching to alcohol which uses more fuel than gas. At some tracks I run at when we are down to the quarter finals they go into round robin racing and you have to come right back to the lanes if you win the previous round. Now times that by 2 if you are double entered or running multiple classes. The last thing you have time for is to stop for fuel and it's nice not to have to worry if you have enough fuel. Another scenerio , say your down to the semi final round at 3 cars and you have the by run into the final. You have been in the left lane all day and been dead on in the left all day . You watched the other two cars in the semi final run and the winner was in the left lane just like what you have been running. Some people lane choice matters and some it doesn't. Me personally I prefer the left but I don't feel I can't win from the right. As a matter of fact I won 2 final round last year from the right when I was running left all day. At my home track first car back in the left or right lane gets that lane . So if all the cars still in competition want the left lane the first car gets left and second car gets right and so on . Some guys or girls even in round robin mode will stop back at there pit to fuel up. They risk loosing lane choice. But it may not be important to them. Just one more senerio to have extra fuel. If I could fit a 15 gallon cell in my trunk I would. My trunk is functional , keeping as much as possible in one organized spot. Fuel cell, 2 batteries, nitrous bottle, and on board air compressor for airing tires in lanes when you're down in the rounds in round robin and bypass your pit and go straight back to the lanes. Just my 2 cents , well maybe 4 cents worth lol. Just another racers perspective.

 

[1968 hot rod]

Alky fuel no, gas yes

 

[MonteMan454]

Thanks again guys, I might take a look at it tonight. The dimensions are 14x11x8 and perhaps it might actually be more than 3 gallons, a Harwood cell I was looking at was 12.5x12.5x7.5 and turned out to be 5 gallons

 

[bracketchev1221]

Sounds like a 5 gallon cell. 3 gallon cells are generally the vertical tanks.

 

[MonteMan454]

 

[bracketchev1221]

Probably want to replace the fitting washers. They dry out and crack. Usually it’s only a 8an outlet, you can change that out if you want. I ran a 12 out to the pump.

 

[Nine2ndchevelle]

View attachment 703733

Is it just me or does that top picture of the cell look like it has a hole in the upper right corner? I agree with Ray, better to replace those washers now while the cell is out. They are cheap. Also if it's in the cards for you up the outlet to -10 or -12 like Ray mentioned.

 

[MonteMan454]

Thanks guys, I ended up buying it. Whenever my tow rig is done; bucks will be down and a new cell would be around $ 250 CDN.. The "hole" is actually a spot of black paint or something. Good tip on the washers, I will need to find something impervious to gasoline. I think they are -8 fittings, I doubt I will need more line as I will be required to use this engine for a long time due to budget..

 

[Jebchevelle]

Is it just me or does that top picture of the cell look like it has a hole in the upper right corner? I agree with Ray, better to replace those washers now while the cell is out. They are cheap. Also if it's in the cards for you up the outlet to -10 or -12 like Ray mentioned.

looks like it had a return or roll over vent in that corner at one time.

 

[Jebchevelle]

I got the washers from Auto zone and have seen them at advanced auto parts and O'reillys on the shelf. they are teflone material and cheap to replace. I believe even Napa carries them. You can order them on ebay and on jegs, summit, speedway. lots of places sale them. you want the correct one's and Earls brand used to be the go to one's. There of course are other brands.

 

[MonteMan454]

Hi guys, here are some more pictures. I also had a "roll over" valve which has been sitting on the shelf for a long time that I will use. That black mark is just paint. I will find those washers!
When it comes time to install I will bend some 1/8 inch thick 1 inch wide flat stock steel as straps. I am wondering if "the easy route" (mounting it flush with the truck floor) would be just as effective as cutting a large hole in the truck floor and "sinking" the cell...

 

[Nine2ndchevelle]

I got the washers from Auto zone and have seen them at advanced auto parts and O'reillys on the shelf. they are teflone material and cheap to replace. I believe even Napa carries them. You can order them on ebay and on jegs, summit, speedway. lots of places sale them. you want the correct one's and Earls brand used to be the go to one's. There of course are other brands.

When I replaced my washers a few years ago I got them at a local speed shop and they were Red Horse brand.

 

[Nine2ndchevelle]

I think you will be fine flush mounting it . Should be easier since no sump on the cell. Just make sure the cell isn't to tall and the deck lid doesn't hit it. Then you may have to sink it.

 

[bracketchev1221]

I would even lift it off the trunk floor a little and put the filter and pump in the trunk and then run the line out into the frame rail.

 

[MonteMan454]

Thanks again guys, I will likely fabricate a small box for it in the trunk. I will clean up the cell for now and put it in storage. I have to get my tow vehicle running first, the drag car is in storage off site. It will be great once I get the tow vehicle running and bring the drag car back!