I recently bought a car with a fuel cell, and optima red top (sealed) battery located in the rear. I need to know exactly what needs to be done to make this car track legal?? (no class just legal for test & tune passes) *Pics below

Ignore the wiring as it is just sitting until I know where everything will be permanently mounted

1) I know I will need a power kill switch in the rear
2) I know I need a blow down for the N20
3) I am looking at different bulkeads or "firewall" options
4) I vented the fuel tank

I would like to know what needs to be considered to get this car "track legal" before I start fabricating.

also since my optima battery is "sealed" will it need to be boxed?

I am considering having it mounted behind the fabricated "firewall" is that legal w/o a box?

Sorry for all the varying questions, I want to set up the rear of this car once and make sure everything is within track "spec".

please take a look at what I'm working with all suggestions, productive critiscm, and help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

The fuel cell is good to go.. The battery needs to be in a battery box and you also need an emergency shut off switch on the rear outside of the car...

Also the Nitrous bottle needs a tube that exits the car on the pressure valve. This is so that if the tank gets too much pressure in it, it will blow out from the driver compartment..

BTW... Whats with the rats nest of wiring?? Or is that my eyes deceiving me?

 

I know about the emergency shut off
and the Nitrous blow down

but I don't need a firewall? even though the fuel cell is in the driver compartment??

I was reading something in the NHRA rules about needed an 1/8inch firewall, Is this incorrect?
Also my ques. regarding the battery is the fact that it's a sealed battery (does that mean anything?)

 

You can buy/build a box for the fuel cell.. Its simple and you just make a door where the filler for the fuel cell is. Dont need a firewall now.. We did that on one of my older race cars in 96. We had the cell on the passenger side floor for better weight distribution..

As for that battery. It may be sealed but it is not a gell cell battery. If for some reason you wreck and the battery cracks/breaks, the acid will get all over the place.

 

I was looking at different boxes (for the fuel cell) on some threads........just making sure it is neccesary before i start going to work?

and thanks for the clarifcation on the battery I figured but just needed it validated

 

Yes a box or firewall is necessary. Just as you did double check what the thickness needs to be and you will be fine. Many cars at my local test&tune pass tech all the time with aluminum boxes around their fuel cells.

 

yeah there needs to be a fire break between the pass compartment and the fuel cell.

even a dry cell battery needs to be in a box.

as far as wiring, switch post a:
battery and alternator
switch post b:
everything else
starter, fuse box, fuel pump, ign box etc.

 

thanks everyone.......another OT question -

If I do seperate the hatch with a firewall, does the battery still need to be boxed? or is it alright since it is behind a firewall?

Also are there any companies that make premade boxes (for the fuel cell) would save me the hassle of having one fabricated

 

Summit or Jegs.. I think they have them

 

We use the moroso box.

 

Summit and jegs both have aluminum fuel cells which I should have started with.......I'm actually looking for a box to put around the existing plastic cell........seems it might be easier for me just to buy an aluminum cell

 

bump.....

 

I'm guessing you meant for the battery.....next question does the battery box NEED to be metal or can I use one of those plastic relocation boxes

 

bump.....

 

I believe the plastic and metal are both NHRA approved. Just make sure it vents outside.

 

the moroso box is plastic so must be ok with nhra tracks

 

bump.....