Project Fuel Tank

[Bill D]

That's an incredible job. Truly impressive

[cobrakiwi]

Originally Posted by Bill D

That's an incredible job. Truly impressive

Thanks,

This one is all set to ship to it's new home, I believe it is going into a csx 4k car.

[jehammer1952]

Hello Craig, Nice workmanship may I ask what gage aluminum are you using? and the is it 3003 H 14? Thank You and thank you for sharing your work it helps in many ways. and it is great to see someone that really takes the time to devote great detail

[cobrakiwi]

Here I am putting together a stainless fuel tank, this one is the smaller tank.

[C5GTO]

I’m building a fuel tank for one of my car projects, a Lamborghini Miura. I’m a first time fuel tank builder and am hoping someone can help provide some information.

The tank is made of .063 aluminum (5052 grade I think), is cut and bent but not yet welded together. I’m not concerned with the welding as I can do that. Here’s a picture of the tank. The odd shape is because the Miura is a transverse mid-engine and this fuel tank is located under the dash and down the chassis middle between the seats.



I’d like to use an in-tank fuel pump if feasible. My most basic question is how best to get the power wires through the tank in a leak free way?

Expanding on that, I’m guess some sort of access hatch is needed in order to service the fuel pump and pickup if/when required. Is there an aftermarket fuel tank hatch like this available? Something with the power wires, fuel lines (outgoing and return) are plumbed, fasteners and gasket engineered to stay leak free. If so, where do I find such a thing?

Also, where should I locate the hatch? My gut is to locate on top of the tall portion of the tank to minimize the gravity related fuel pressure against it. The downside of this is it complicates locating the fuel pickup in the middle of the tank (to minimize low fuel starvation under acceleration/braking) and will result in longer fuel lines than otherwise.

A simpler location is on the lower portion of the tank in the middle. This would simplify fuel pickup location and internal plumbing as that’s between the internal tank baffles. The downside is there would be gravity related fuel pressure on the sealing surface until the top 1/3 or so of the tank is emptied.

The car will be powered by a Coyote V8 with an 8 stack Weber style EFI. I think this means a return fuel line will be required but I’m not certain on that point.

Or should I just keep is simple as possible and use an external fuel pump? The back of the tank is only about 1 foot from the engine. Part of the desire for in-tank pump is to keep it clear of heat, etc. and because the engine compartment will be very tight. If external pump, then my only concerns would be related to the fuel level sending unit.

I guess what I’m really asking here is if an access hatch and bunch of through tank fittings can be effectively sealed against gravity fuel pressure. The tank will be removable from bottom of the car but I don’t want to be doing that as the engine coolant, heater, and A/C lines run under it. So a major hassle if there’s a leak down the road.

I know this is a non-Cobra application but I know from being a Cobra guy myself, you guys have a broad set of automotive experience.

[C5GTO]

I went searching some more on the Internet after making the post above. I found this in-tank fuel pump option from Aeromotive.

https://www.aeromotiveinc.com/produc...h-fuel-system/

It looks like it might work for my fuel tank application. Has anyone had any experience with one of these? If so, how'd it work for you. Any trouble with gas leaks around the top where it goes in the tank?

[Luce]

Since this is inside the cabin of the car I would not rely on any fitting other that hard metal pipe. This means external fuel pump. It adds complexity and requires space, but a surge tank and jockey pump would be a nice addition. Fuel starvation with an EFI pump is a real problem. You lose fuel pressure and pump prime and the engine is dead until prime and pressure are regained, then you'll likely have a hiccup when the bubble makes it to the injectors.

[C5GTO]

Originally Posted by Luce

Since this is inside the cabin of the car I would not rely on any fitting other that hard metal pipe. This means external fuel pump. It adds complexity and requires space, but a surge tank and jockey pump would be a nice addition. Fuel starvation with an EFI pump is a real problem. You lose fuel pressure and pump prime and the engine is dead until prime and pressure are regained, then you'll likely have a hiccup when the bubble makes it to the injectors.

Thanks for the reply and sorry I gave a misleading description on the tank location. It is not actually inside the cabin. It does run between the seats but the car has a "high backbone" aluminum chassis that covers the fuel tank. So there's 1/4" aluminum sheet between the fuel tank and the cabin. There is no exposure between the tank and cabin.



I'm very familiar with EFI, fuel sloshing and then fuel starvation. I had that issue in my Cobra for a long time before finally finding a solution for it. This is why I'd like to find a in-tank pump solution for the Miura.

Does the additional information change your answer?

[Gaz64]

With a tank mounted up inside the tunnel like that, I would run an external pump.
If there is ever a pump problem, way less work to repair.
I don't see having an access panel from the top side will be roadworthy, with a module internal pump.
You certainly can't mount a pump assembly like that lower than fuel level, as in your case with a third of the volume above the pump.

[Shootnride]

Joel,

Although I am very impressed with your build, I don't have any input to offer beyond what has already been said. But, I am very curious about the piece of blue machinery sitting next to the car. Can you enlighten me a little.

Thanks

Ted

[LMH]

What are the cutouts on the top for?
Larry

[ERA 626]

this is the EXACT location it needs to be in a CSX car. it fits perfect

[cobrakiwi]

Originally Posted by ERA 626

this is the EXACT location it needs to be in a CSX car. it fits perfect

I'm not sure that would work in Jeff's car, It's the wrong colour.

[cobrakiwi]

All these fuel tanks need something to hold them in place.
Today's job, get fuel tank straps ready for powder coating, these are for 427 cars.

[FUNFER2]

Originally Posted by cobrakiwi

All these fuel tanks need something to hold them in place.
Today's job, get fuel tank straps ready for powder coating, these are for 427 cars.

Looking great.

For your powder coating, I have a "Group Buy" from the company Jet-Hot. If you're interested let me know.

JET HOT- Group Buy, Sale ?

[cobrakiwi]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

Looking great.

For your powder coating, I have a "Group Buy" from the company Jet-Hot. If you're interested let me know.

JET HOT- Group Buy, Sale ?

Thanks
I will keep the coating option in mind.
I have a very good working relationship with the two companies I use local for powder coating.
Cheers

[BigGuy]

Hi,

I’m looking to replace my CSX 4000 series gas tank.

Looking to go without a fuel cell as I don’t track the car.
Could you send me some info on options, prices, and time frames for your tanks?


Thanks in advance,
Jon Trimble

[1985 CCX]

Originally Posted by BigGuy

Hi,

I’m looking to replace my CSX 4000 series gas tank.

Looking to go without a fuel cell as I don’t track the car.
Could you send me some info on options, prices, and time frames for your tanks?


Thanks in advance,
Jon Trimble

Craig is your man!
My 289 tank perfect and the 42 gallon 427 tank I bought a work of art.
I recommend highly

[cobrakiwi]

Thanks Jeff.

Here we have a fuel tank just finished for a 289 street car.

[LMH]

Very nice work!
Larry