I mounted a fuel cell into my 98 integra coupe.

used the 3/4 inch mdf board i cut out originally as the spare tire cover as the platform for the fuel cell. The mdf is fastened securely to the chassis.

the tank has an external vent, and is grounded (using an RCI pro poly 16 gallon fuel cell with safety foam AND mounting strap kit.)


NRHA rulebook says I need a bulkhead between me and the fuel cell.

if I get a sheetmetal box fabbed up, to basically cover the fuel cell, and make a way for it to fasten securely ( and also be removed after track use) will that suffice for the tech departments as being sealed off?

can anyone clarify this for me.

 

i think you got the bulkhead covered but i dont think the mdf will fly.

 

im assuming that this is a street car you will be running either sport fwd or street stock since you mentioned "removed after track use". if so, the 06 nhra rule states that a fuel cell is not allowed in either of these classes except brackets or quick 16.

but if you are running brackets or quick 16 and from what the rule states or at least how i interperet it, its a no go.

your tank would need to be secured by steel tube frame welded\bolted to the floor and you'd also need a fabbed piece to act as a firewall.

from 1:5 of the rule book

"Tanks: When permitted by class regulations, fuel tanks located
outside body and/or frame must be enclosed in a steel tube frame
constructed of minimum 1 1/4-inch O.D. x .065-inch chrome moly
or .118-inch mild-steel tubing. All fuel tanks must be isolated from
the driver’s compartment by a firewall, completely sealed to
prevent any fuel from entering the driver’s compartment."

 

if thats the case it will not pass. you need a stock tank for sfwd and ss. not sure in ss but definately in sfwd you cant run a cell only a sunmped stock tank. you cant even run a swirl pot either.

 

mdf will do all sorts of crazy **** when it gets wet. pet some flat bars accross to mount the **** to.

 

Code Blue,
For rules clarification please do not hesitate to contact the NHRA Tech Department direct. You can call Pat Cvengros at 626-250-2295 or email him at pcvengros@nhra.com.

 

I have the same setup in my car. I have a 12 gallon Summit (poly) cell in the spare tire well with the Holley inline pump and mallory filter near the cell (also in the car) you just need some sort of "box" either hinged or with dzus fasteners so you can refuel easily. I am 99.9% sure (because I researched this very issue) it has to be a MINIMUM of 0.023" steel OR 0.032" aluminum. Of course you can use thicker metals, those are just the minimums. BTW, 0.032" aluminum is almost like roof flashing--its REALLY thin--and they will let you use it...Pretty simple stuff. Just fab a box that covers the whole cell. The box has to be made of metal though. As stated before, I don't think having a fuel cell is legal in any of the street classes. If you just want to bracket race or race for fun EVERY car that has a fuel cell in a hatch MUST have some sort of bulkhead/firewall around the cell. Mustang racers do this all the time--at least the hatchback ones.

 

If the floor (spare tire area) was cut out and part of the cell will hang below the floor, then you DO need some sort of framework around the part that is hanging below. If the entire cell is in the car (as in floor was never cut) then all you need is the thin aluminum or steel bulkhead. Its alot easier to just lay the cell where the spare tire was, this way all you need is a box over the cell as opposed to building a tube framework around the cell if its hanging below the floor.

 

we got sent home from irwindale for the same reason! Not having a damn shield between me and the tank. Besides that the breather has to have two loops in the line and a bunch of other stuff! it,s just not worth it! thats my opinion though!