There are reports that the larger 87-88 fuel tank can be retrofitted into the earlier chassis with minor modifications, that gets you close to two extra gallons right there. I've toyed with the idea of fabricating a fuel cell to sit in the lower compartment of the trunk out of 1/8" steel plate and with a rubber bladder and anti-slosh foam. Some minor reinforcement to the rear bumper and it will be safer than the Mustang location right behind the rear bumper, and I estimate it will hold an additional 18 gallons or so.
... I've toyed with the idea of fabricating a fuel cell to sit in the lower compartment of the trunk out of 1/8" steel plate and with a rubber bladder and anti-slosh foam. Some minor reinforcement to the rear bumper and it will be safer than the Mustang location right behind the rear bumper, and I estimate it will hold an additional 18 gallons or so.
JazzMan
At 7-8 lbs per gallon that would be quite a weight addition to the rear end.
------------------ RickN White 88GT 5spd White 85GT Auto
With an estimated fuel cell weight of 25 lbs and say 18 gallons @6.5 lbs/gal that comes out to142 lbs. Add another 5 for fuel pump and vent/fill hose taps to the mains and you're less than 150 lbs. I can move the battery to the front and knock the relative weight gain down to under 100lbs. I've driven lots of miles with over 100 lbs of stuff in the trunk, it does affect handling a little, but not near as much as it would on a pre-88. Mine's a Formula.
The idea of 900 miles of driving range on one fillup really appeals to me, and if I ever get around to doing the VW TDI Diesel swap my range will be almost 1,600 miles.
Hey Jazzman, how about fabricating a fuel cell that fits in the front compartment? Help balance out the weight + have more fuel storage.
Depending on how you enjoy or use your car the added range can be a good idea. The front compartment idea could probably be accomplished without a pump. Just install an equalizer tube between the tanks and let the original tanks systems provide the guage and pump. Either way just be carefull, auto accidents happen and extra gas adds risk to the outcome (diesel is at least less volitile).
------------------ RickN White 88GT 5spd White 85GT Auto
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07:13 PM
ron768 Member
Posts: 781 From: Somewhere in the southeast Registered: Apr 2004
I have installed a tank from an 87 into my 86GT. The flange needs to be carefully bent down and a custom front strap to help hold the tank inplace. I would like to install an aux tank in the front compartment, but need to install the 3.4 I am currently building up first.
The later gas tank fits the eariler cars as noted above. To do it right and get the max capacity from that tank without trouble, you need to install the expansion tank that is hidden in the righ rear fender area. That expansion tank helps make sure the tank won't be able to force liquid up the vent line into the vapor recovery can. If liquid gets in the vapor can, it's ruined.
------------------ The only thing George Orwell got wrong was the year.
Just toss the passenger seat and replace it with about a 40 gallon drum not only will you be able to drive about 1500 miles without filling up but you wont have to listen to someone skwacking about how crazy/bad you are driving.
I would have to agree with the front location - the thread on the GTP showed a front truck mounted fuel cell that simply drained into the stock tank and personally i'd just like to hit 400-500 miles on one fillup
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09:44 AM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Originally posted by JazzMan: The idea of 900 miles of driving range on one fillup really appeals to me, and if I ever get around to doing the VW TDI Diesel swap my range will be almost 1,600 miles.
JazzMan
But why would I want gas tank capacity that gives me a longer range than my bladder capacity? Actually, I'd like to add another 10 gallons or so. It would be especially nice after I do my V8.
Definitely some type of auxiliary fuel cell, but what, where and how?
How about drop tanks hung from the sail panels?
[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 08-18-2004).]
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12:43 PM
pr8hed Member
Posts: 274 From: Laveen, AZ USA Registered: Jun 2004
I like the idea of an auxillary tank in the front. Instead of moving the Battery there might be able to make a 3-5 gallon tank for the long distance. But wouldn't you have to vent it? Or would the main tanks vent free the aux?
I like the idea of an auxillary tank in the front. Instead of moving the Battery there might be able to make a 3-5 gallon tank for the long distance. But wouldn't you have to vent it? Or would the main tanks vent free the aux?
Yeah, but that could just be a second equalizer tube running from the top of the auxiliary tank to the top of the original tank. Still low tech.
------------------ RickN White 88GT 5spd White 85GT Auto
i think i rember reading about a custom built tank that was larger than 12 gallons, or was i dreaming? it would be so nice to be able to hit 400 or 500 miles a tank. its such a pain having to fill up 2 times a week
