FUEL CELL

So I was all set to pick up a 12 gallon fuel cell. Based on my math 12 gallons was plenty (even at full throttle) to go the 2 hour maximum allowance between driver changes. The stock tank is a massive 21 gallons ( up till 1978 it was only 15 gallons) so a 12 gallon cell would really lighten things up. Luckily I read through the rules one more time and notice this

 

10.9.1. Effective 1 January 2011, only stock fuel tanks in stock locations, or FIA/SFI-rated and  

approved fuel cells that are properly installed shall be allowed. NON-OEM
REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPED FUEL TANKS ARE NOT ALLOWED. It’s either
stock, in the stock location, or an approved fuel cell with the proper installation.
(Grandfathered exemptions for previously approved ChumpCars (prior to 31 December
2010) may be available in certain cases upon written request.)
10.9.2. Fuel cells shall be limited to the stock fuel capacity +/- two (2) gallons. (Need a special

cell size or can’t find a cell that’s close o the stock capacity? Contact ChumpCar.)

                               

Not exactly my idea of saving weight. Being the optimist that I am I have managed to look past my displeasure with Datsun for making this car into a mid size oil tanker an have come up with the following advatages of not running a fuel cell.

1. 50/50- this is the stock weight distribution. Very ideal for racing, the enginers of this car no doubt spent   alot of time getting it to this balance, and if we where to remove the fuel tank iam sure it would throw this  number off.

2. A fuel cell would sit in the trunk area, a full cell would weigh in at ruffly 100 pounds (not to mention the  extra metal shielding thats requird to meet safty tech), thats alot of weight up higher in the car instead of down low underneith thus further upsetting the center of gravity and making the car less predictable in a  corner.

3.Money- It will save some money not getting a cell, however , the orginal tank is more than likley in need of  a proper cleaning, voleeenters? anyone? no? I didnt think so, that means we have to pull the tank and have it cleaned. If anyone know a place let me know, I hear most radiator shops can do this.