Autocross Fuel Cell Install

[jmortensen]

Here is an example of a Z that has had the alternator moved: http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid={7DC317B0-8EDB-4B2E-A837-F708D07C9769}&inv=9C67398D46D99D9&userid={7DC317B0-8EDB-4B2E-A837-F708D07C9769}&AlbumId={ACD7F504-3968-4A55-9D99-F970E078AEAB}&inv=9C67398D46D99D9&GroupId={753E274A-6CEC-4A7B-9D47-27AA7961B1AF}

[MikeW]

Here is an example of a Z that has had the alternator moved: http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid={7DC317B0-8EDB-4B2E-A837-F708D07C9769}&inv=9C67398D46D99D9&userid={7DC317B0-8EDB-4B2E-A837-F708D07C9769}&AlbumId={ACD7F504-3968-4A55-9D99-F970E078AEAB}&inv=9C67398D46D99D9&GroupId={753E274A-6CEC-4A7B-9D47-27AA7961B1AF}

Thanks for the link. Running it from the drive shaft was my first thought but then I figured it wouldn't be charging while you're idling. I guess that doesn't matter for racing.

[John Coffey]

For autox any weight you can remove off the nose and towards the back will help the car rotate quicker.

True if you keep it within the wheelbase. If not, then that whole Yaw Inertia thing steps in.

[Steve Parmley]

Well since Cary is here, I must rephrase my FP answer. You can set the engine back in FP if you run under the in-excess rule and up to but not exceeding GT2 rules. There is a fair amount of penalty weight added. My goal is to build the car so it can run under FP then switching to the XP rules, which do not allow the in-excess back door.

My thinking on the radiator is the weight is added down low between the wheels for routing water and you are just moving weight outside the wheelbase in front to outside the wheelbase in rear. I have removed so much weight in the rear with a lightened hatch-polycarbate window, small tank and metal cut out I want to put some back.

[tube80z]

Well since Cary is here, I must rephrase my FP answer. You can set the engine back in FP if you run under the in-excess rule and up to but not exceeding GT2 rules. There is a fair amount of penalty weight added. My goal is to build the car so it can run under FP then switching to the XP rules, which do not allow the in-excess back door.

Hey, since when did I become the fun police :-)

In XP can't you set the motor back to the firewall as long as you don't cut any metal? I'd at least do that.

Cary

[Steve Parmley]

I am not calling you the fun police. I brought up "in-excess" because you have made it work so well. I am just sizing up class participation and haven't decided FP or XP yet. I don't want to be the lonely guy like in years past.

The plan is to get the car running for this season and then slowly work towards the rule limits.

[gramercyjam]

I am just finishing my offset 3 gallon "fuel cell" and Design Products (old Tilton style) camber plates installation. If I can figure out enough insulation I will be moving the muffler to that side too to help offset my fat a**.

Don't forget, you will need something to cover it up. Like a bulkhead or a cover or something to keep it separated from the interior of the car.

[Steve Parmley]

I will, that is one SCCA rule that makes sense but for now I am enjoying all the manuvering room back there.

Did I see a picture of your car at an event with Tom Holt's car? It could have been from last year.

[tube80z]

Don't forget, you will need something to cover it up. Like a bulkhead or a cover or something to keep it separated from the interior of the car.

In GT you can taxi cab the car, which is easier to do. I don't know if that's legal in prepared but something to look up.

Cary

[Steve Parmley]

It looks like it might be legal as either the metal bulkhead required to separate the fuel cell from the driver/passenger compartment or if the rear inner fender wells are removed a metal bulkhead separating compartments is required. A floor to ceiling one might raise some eyebrows but I haven't found any rules against it yet. Does anyone else know?

[gramercyjam]

I will, that is one SCCA rule that makes sense but for now I am enjoying all the manuvering room back there.

Did I see a picture of your car at an event with Tom Holt's car? It could have been from last year.

Tom Holt and Rick Martinez and I all showed up with our Z's in FP at the National Tour in Houston and divisional at the Avon/Cooper tire test center as well as some Spokes events. The pics were probably from one of those. Me and the Z are resting this year so it hasn't been out of the garage and I'm driving a Miata and an MR2 in E Stock.

[tholt29]

Hi Guys, Sorry I'm late to the discussion!

Bulkheads to the ceiling are fine... it might raise eyebrows, but it won't be illegal. It's not uncommon in CP... Personally I just made a hinged box cover over my fuel filler cap. Sometimes it's nice to be able to see behind you or open the hatch for better ventilation. Bulkheads kindof impede that!

The Prepared committee just issued a clarification regarding what is allowed when hacking up the trunk hatch area:

7) Prepared: Per the PAC, add to 17.2: "Trunk floors may be modified, removed or replaced. If it is to be replaced it must be replaced with metal

panels of similar shape as the original. Removal of the trunk floor is allowable only when a metal bulkhead separates the trunk area from the

passenger compartment." (ref. 06-025)

10) Prepared: The first sentence of 17.2.Q should read: "The fuel tank may be modified, replaced or relocated."

It just kindof clarifies/legalizes what you were planning to do anyway.

Tom