fuel tank

[major_ashwa]

what is the ideal place to keep the fuel tank

[major_ashwa]

what is the ideal place to keep the fuel tank

[nathan s]

Ideally it should be close to the center of gravity, so the cg doesn't change much as the fuel tank empties.

[Colin]

keeping the tank away from heat sources like exhaust's should also be a consideration

[Lyn Labahn UW-Madison]

In the center of the car is nice, because as the fuel is burned you will not change your lateral weight distribution. Also note that the rules require the tank to be mounted in an area that has protection equal to the structure outlined for side impact. So don't let it just hang out in the breeze...

[Agent4573]

we run our fuel tank directly behind the seatback. It keeps it low and keeps it towards the center of gravity.

[jdmdb1]

Our teams tank is behind the seat as well..

[B Lewis @ PE Engine Management]

A word to the wise... We have seen teams in the past locate the fuel tank too close to the exhaust cuasing a "vapor lock" problem when the car is good and hot. It's always a good idea to run a $30, liquid-filled fuel pressure gage on the rail so you can identify problems like this when they creep up (at least during testing).

[osubeaver]

Brian,

When you say "vapor lock", are you saying that when the tank gets hot that the pump cant move as much fuel because of the pressurization? This makes me wonder about a problem we've been having with our '04 car...