Transition to Racing: Need aftermarket fuel cells?

[FOXBAT]

Not that I am sure, but I am trying to put together a spreadsheet for what it would take to certify my car for racing.

Does any of you track rats out there know whether or not the OEM fuel cells will pass muster for SCCA and NASA racing?

[FOXBAT]

I have discovered the reason for the deafening silence on my post.

Mark at IOPort, who was kind enough to do a search for me, discovered that neither ATL or FuelSafe offer a fuel cell and bladder for a C5.

FuelSafe did, however, offer to build a bladder and twin Bosch fuel pumps for a cool $10,000! Mind you, that bargin price is without a can, fuel level sensors, and plumbing.

So, my only conclusion must be that SCCA and NASA etc. allow OEM fuel tanks on the track.

[Olitho]

YEs, I know the SCCA let's me run with my stock fuel tank in T1.

[Subdriver]

Originally Posted by Olitho

YEs, I know the SCCA let's me run with my stock fuel tank in T1.

Yep, stock fuel tanks legal in SCCA T1.

[No Doubt]

Mark at IOPort, who was kind enough to do a search for me, discovered that neither ATL or FuelSafe offer a fuel cell and bladder for a C5.

Fuel Safe has a bladder that uses the OEM tank. Sorry, can't link to non-supporting vendor. Will send PM with info.

"C5 Corvette Pro Cell Bladder - 20 gal (requires customer OEM tank) FS-SA107A"

Note: price withheld.

If you need a complete aluminum fuel cell with bladder, shutoff, plumbing etc. then you're talking a purpose built car such as SCCA World Challenge, etc. or a highly modified production car as used in unlimited class ORR. Other categories and classes also require this.

[Falcon]

Originally Posted by FOXBAT

Does any of you track rats out there know whether or not the OEM fuel cells will pass muster for SCCA and NASA racing?

The OEM fuel tanks are approved for NASA racing.

[DJWorm]

The best advice when someone asks, "What do I need to go racing?" ...

- is to tell them to first decide what type of Racing, and what class they intend to participate in.
- contact the sanctioning body and consult the Rules
- visit a sanctioned race and speak to some of the participants

Then and only then should one consider converting a street car to either a dual use car or a production based dedicated race car.
Consider that sometimes it is easier and cheaper to purchase a car that is already prepped or have a professional prep ypur car.
Also, remember, some classes and types of racing are so competitive and the rules so varied that it is most often smart to build a purpose built car...IE...you start with a pile of tubing and build you own car....although some bear a resemblance to a production car they are as far from production as one can get.

When all the above is considered ...then it is rational to sit down and prepare an accurate spreadsheet on preperation costs.

One should prioritize preperation as follows
1. Consider the minimum safety requirements but prepare to the maximum allowed.
2. Upgrade suspension...including dedicated race tires & race wheels
3. Upgrade brakes
4. Upgrade hardware for strenngth, endurance and reliability
5. Educate driver, driiving school, read, read, read.
6. Upgrade to lighten vehicle to minimum weight allowed
7. Add power...consider low speed vs. high speed/Torque vs HP/ wide power band vs. narrow power band

[Subdriver]

Originally Posted by DJWorm

The best advice when someone asks, "What do I need to go racing?" ...

- is to tell them to first decide what type of Racing, and what class they intend to participate in.
- contact the sanctioning body and consult the Rules
- visit a sanctioned race and speak to some of the participants

From someone who has gone through that process, I can attest to the strength of DJ's advice on this...

Originally Posted by DJWorm

Consider that sometimes it is easier and cheaper to purchase a car that is already prepped or have a professional prep ypur car.

... and this.

[DJWorm]

As an example:

- If you were to have a professional prep your car for say SCCA T1 racing, purhaps Phoenix Racing; figure on $20,000 for the car and additional for the season budget.

- In contrast you could purchase a used T1 prepped car for say @ $10,000 over book value. (this could also be run in NASA events)

- To have a professional prep your car for SCCA National level or Pro Solo AutoX, say in ASP class, figure on $10,000.
- SM2 and or a Solo I Time Trials/Hillclimb car will take $20,000 - $40,000 depending on how much engine work you opt for.
You can AutoX on the local level with very minimal prep and a shoestring budget. NCCC also has events.

- If you just want to do just HPDE's and do minimal Safety, suspension, brakes, race wheels and tires; figure on $5,000 - $7,000. Includes the car prep and first season expenses. (6-10 events). This assumes no shunts and no blown engines or Tranny/Diff failures.

Tow vehicle and trailer not included in any of the above estimates.

SCCA Club racing in GT-1, World Challenge and ALMS take almost unlimited budgets for purpose built cars.

Drag racing likewise has minimal prep and then higher brackets which cost more to be competitive.

One thing to heavily consider is that aside from AutoX....all warranties are void and there is NO insurance.

[FOXBAT]

Dear Track Rats in Arms:

Many thanks for all the information and considerations. The Excel spreadsheet has been prepared; rules examined; practicalities considered.