A good case for fuel cells.

[crafty]

This is a series of photos taken from a video of our race last weekend, this is my mate's car.

We race in China, he has a Caterham , I'm running an MNR (7 style car). We race in an open class that includes Mitsubishi EVO's, Nissan GTRs, Atoms, Elises etc. I nearly got wiped out by an EVO in T4 on the first lap, it was a near miss.

My mate's rear end spat itself out and took out the fuel tank on the second but last lap.

We are all installing fuel cells before the next race.

The Ultima has just been sent down to the track to do track days (not sure if I want to destroy it by racing), its getting fuel cells too.

Edited by crafty on Thursday 22 March 03:50

[deadscoob]

I may be naiive, but I thought in the UK all race cars had to have fuel cells?

Regardless, it's a good sequence to show why it's worth getting them.

I assume your mate is ok?

[crafty]

Yep - he's fine, apart from some very stained underwear.

[Steve_D]

deadscoob said:

I may be naiive, but I thought in the UK all race cars had to have fuel cells?.....

There may be some race series that require them but most do not.

Steve

[crafty]

Im not going out again without one!!

[UltimaCH]

Jeez, that was rather worm. Lucky driver.
I will definitely install them even if used on the road. Don't want to get a messy situation in case of a crash, collision, etc. The tanks are too close to very hot elements which could ignite the fuel in case of rupture.
Does the factory offer them as an option?

[macgtech]

Steve_D said:

There may be some race series that require them but most do not.

Steve

That is correct. Looks like you had a lucky escape - could have been a lot worse, especially had you been sliding backwards after the initial impact.

[Steve_D]

If the diff exploded and shot some pieces through a metal (assumed) tank then how is a fuel cell going to help? They aren't bullet proof and I thought their main benefit was surviving crush forces rather than punctures.

Steve

[F.C.]

Steve_D said:

If the diff exploded and shot some pieces through a metal (assumed) tank then how is a fuel cell going to help? They aren't bullet proof and I thought their main benefit was surviving crush forces rather than punctures.

Steve

There are self sealing fuel cells available they have a flexible bladder within that effectively self,seals after being punctured.
ATL amongst others make them.

[alfasteve]

Mine

[crafty]

Is that an Ultima one?

[alfasteve]

I guess the question was ment for me Crafty.
well it isnt an original Ultima Cell my car will not exactly be std eather
the cell will be between the cabin and the engine

[spatz]

look at Svens thread he has found an american supplier making an ultima fit one

[F.C.]

spatz said:

look at Svens thread he has found an american supplier making an ultima fit one

Link?

[UltimaCH]

Here goes: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[crafty]

I've been in touch with fuelsafe ..... Their email below

The price for the Ultima bladders will be $ 2248.00 usd each for the left side and $ 2123.00 usd each for the right side. On the left side bladder this will include the Bladder, collector with pump, sending unit, fittings and full safety foam baffling. The right side will include all of the same just not the sending unit.
 
And for the Caterhams the bladder will be $ 1522.00 usd each. This will include the fill plate, sending unit and full safety foam baffling. If we get the green light to build these we will have to get a drawing going and have you review it and sign off on it before we build.
 
These quotes are for the bladders and you building the containers.
 
The lead times for custom bladders right now is 3 weeks or less. Let me know if you have any questions at all?? I would like to work with you and your comrades to get these built and keep you safe. NO FUEL FIRES..!!

[chuntington101]

Crafty, glad your mate made it out ok. Dose look pretty scary! might be worth looking at some form of scatter shield for the diff to. I know there are loads for clutches and gearboxes esp in the drag world. Could even just be some reasonably thick steel plate above the diff I would guess...

[crafty]

Change of direction - mine are for sale (new - still in box)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4117429.htm

[crafty]

Open to offers.... 2 brand new fuel cells.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4117429.htm

Ive gone to the dark side....... got myself an SLC!!!!

[YIIHAA]

crafty said:

Ive gone to the dark side....... got myself an SLC!!!!

Are you going to get it built as an Ass-peerer?