76L Fuel Cell Questions
Discussion
All,
Just updated to the 76l fuel cell ahead of an endurance race in the SR3. Couple of quick questions to the brain trust:
- What is the usable/reachable volume of fuel? From full tanks can one access and burn 65l? 70l? before fuel starve?
- What is the behavior when the cell goes empty. Will it stumble/starve in corners/under braking? Will it simply quit? Some cars you can run them until they stumble and know you can safely make it back to the pits, other cars, when it stumbles/starves, it's too late.
We're going to test to try to figure some of these questions out, but any help is appreciated.
-Matt
Just updated to the 76l fuel cell ahead of an endurance race in the SR3. Couple of quick questions to the brain trust:
- What is the usable/reachable volume of fuel? From full tanks can one access and burn 65l? 70l? before fuel starve?
- What is the behavior when the cell goes empty. Will it stumble/starve in corners/under braking? Will it simply quit? Some cars you can run them until they stumble and know you can safely make it back to the pits, other cars, when it stumbles/starves, it's too late.
We're going to test to try to figure some of these questions out, but any help is appreciated.
-Matt
We've been close to this territory in the last couple of months so worth having a look back to see if you can find the tread as IIRC it gave some fuel consumption figures (just possible though that it was in another place so if you haven't got the door code I'll have a look for you when I next stop by).
FWIW I only have 2 things to offer:
FWIW I only have 2 things to offer:
- Don't run out of fuel. It is sooooooo easy to run lean without realising it and burn holes in your pistons at the very least and so make an involuntary contribution to Powerted's pension
(this is where the fuel consumption figures come in)
- Fit a tall slender swirl pot in your fuel system to damp out the inevitable surge as fuel levels in the tank fall and give yourself a few more laps safety margin. The one in my Force is around 14" high and 2" diameter (in old money) and works a treat (absolutely vital as we only start with 4l).
LCM,
Thanks for the tips.
I found the thread on the fuel consumption rates, and I have a pretty good idea what our specific car burns as well.
As for the swirl pot, the latest spec Radical cells seem to have a swirl pot/pump all built together in one unit in the tank. Very trick looking little setup. I don't think it needs improving, I'm just looking for a little data on how it behaves in race condition.
Finally, on going lean, we're well protected as we have fuel pressure and air/fuel ratio data logged in the dash, and warning lights if either goes into the 'danger' zone.
-Matt
Thanks for the tips.
I found the thread on the fuel consumption rates, and I have a pretty good idea what our specific car burns as well.
As for the swirl pot, the latest spec Radical cells seem to have a swirl pot/pump all built together in one unit in the tank. Very trick looking little setup. I don't think it needs improving, I'm just looking for a little data on how it behaves in race condition.
Finally, on going lean, we're well protected as we have fuel pressure and air/fuel ratio data logged in the dash, and warning lights if either goes into the 'danger' zone.
-Matt
Answering my own question in case it's helpful in the future.
The latest spec 76l cell will stumble/starve with enough fuel to drive about 3/4 of a mile, then dead stick. So you don't want to cut it too close on fuel.
It looks like the "accessible" capacity of the cell is about 70l, which with the 1340cc engine we run for endurance races gives us somewhere between 105 and 115 minutes per tank.
Current plan is to run 90ish minute stints to be SUPER safe.
-Matt
The latest spec 76l cell will stumble/starve with enough fuel to drive about 3/4 of a mile, then dead stick. So you don't want to cut it too close on fuel.
It looks like the "accessible" capacity of the cell is about 70l, which with the 1340cc engine we run for endurance races gives us somewhere between 105 and 115 minutes per tank.
Current plan is to run 90ish minute stints to be SUPER safe.
-Matt
Matt Graham said:
Answering my own question in case it's helpful in the future.
The latest spec 76l cell will stumble/starve with enough fuel to drive about 3/4 of a mile, then dead stick. So you don't want to cut it too close on fuel.
It looks like the "accessible" capacity of the cell is about 70l, which with the 1340cc engine we run for endurance races gives us somewhere between 105 and 115 minutes per tank.
Current plan is to run 90ish minute stints to be SUPER safe.
-Matt
To quote Perry Mason (younger readers should consult a history of televison source) "Asked and answered, your Honour". The latest spec 76l cell will stumble/starve with enough fuel to drive about 3/4 of a mile, then dead stick. So you don't want to cut it too close on fuel.
It looks like the "accessible" capacity of the cell is about 70l, which with the 1340cc engine we run for endurance races gives us somewhere between 105 and 115 minutes per tank.
Current plan is to run 90ish minute stints to be SUPER safe.
-Matt
If only it was always this easy....................
Intelligent question.
Intelligent contributions.
Resolution
Gassing Station | Radical | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff