Fuel cell tank?

[Arde]

I am considering a fuel cell gas tank with foam form my Lancia Fulvia Zagato build. It is more modern than the car, but I want to increase range
to more than the stock tank as I increase engine displacement. Any thoughts or experience with fuel cell for 70s cars?

 

[gwittman]

I don't know if all fuel cells are the same but in racing, I have seen the foam in the fuel cell deteriorate and break up. When I got mine, I asked about that and was told that if I totally drained the tank when not in use, it would last a long time. Mine has been in the car over 30 years without any problems, but I followed their advice. I don't know if that is practical for a street car.

SCCA now has an age limit on fuel cells. I don't remember that age, but the fuel cells come dated now and if it gets past the age limit it will not pass SCCA inspection. You would not have to worry about it, but it must indicate they must have a limited life for safety purposes.

 

[Arde]

Interesting. I plan to use it as a street car and not empty it, but if it lasts a fraction of yours I am happy.
I am considering a larger tank inside the trunk, and thought that fuel cell would be safer in case of tank damage, and perhaps less chance of fumes escaping into the cabin. That part worries me the most.
There are many other considerations, like changes to the polar moment of inertia and higher center of gravity, which I wish I could simulate before deciding. I know it has been used for rallying so it cannot be that bad.

 

[mbmw]

Usually the age limit in racing is 5 years. After that, it can be recertified by the manufacturer for a additional 5 years. The ethanol in the fuel is also very aggressive to some rubber and plastics, but a lot of race cars use non ethanol or leaded high octane fuels. The foam will prevent fuel slashing around.