First post, been watching. I am about to order a new SR3 XX for pure hobby HPDE weekends, no racing. However, am struggling with various opinions about fuel cell pros/cons. Obviously, more safe. But, given the cars structural build, is it necessary or unusual risk to go with standard tank? As reminder, not racing wheel to wheel, so risk goes down significantly in my opinion. Look at all street cars on track without fuel cell.
Also, given the ~5 year replacement issues, seems as though I would skip cost now and just enjoy the car without that hanging out there. If want to sell it, and future owner wants to race it and needs fuel cell, then could simply replace factory tank and get full duration of certification. Any opinions?
Thanks, Dan
Hi Dan (@raider89), Welcome! If you are planning to use the car for track days the foam filled metal fuel tank is fine. You are correct That a fuel cell is safer and is required if you plan to race the car in most series, but for the way you plan to use the car the standard tank is more than adequate. I have never heard of anyone having a serious issue with an aluminum tank.
if you are shopping around for an XX but haven’t made a deal yet drop me an email at CharleyH@RadicalSportscarRegistry.com because I might be able to get you a deal through one of the Radical dealers that I work with a lot.
Charley
Hi All,
I've got a 2015 SR3 RSX (Chassis 981) here in Tasmania and I'm close to getting on the track for the first time. I've seen a few comments on the fuel cell 'life'. It's mentioned above in this thread as being '5 years' and I'm wondering if anyone can help me work out what I should/need to do?
- What will happen when it 'fails'?.... How would I know? (filters block?... fuel pressure drops?...??)
- Is the '5 years' a good indication of life? Mine has literally just passed the 5 year mark. Anyone got any advice on what I should do.... if anything?
- Is there anything I can do to assess the condition of the cell (I'm guessing the foam breaks down or does the bladder wall start to leak??)
Any help or insights from your experience appreciated
@rjbender, When the fuel cell starts to leak you will have a fuel smell around the car when it is in the garage. What is usually happening at this point is that there is a small (or several small ) leaks that are seeping into the foam surrounding the fuel cell. Once the leaks get worse the fuel cell will get worse and you may see fuel leaking into the cockpit that is visible when you look at the slot between the seats. Also if you look under the car you may see fuel seeping through the rivets under the fuel cell.
Regarding age, the fuel cells a certified for 5 years and don’t last much ore then that. If you search through the posts you will see a post that I made showing my ~6 year old fuel cell and how it had leaked. The newer ATL fuel cells like you have in your car tend to look pretty good all the way up until they start leaking, so it is a good idea to change them out soon after they expire.
There are a few ways to get new fuel cells. You can order a new cell directly from Radical and I believe they charge about $5,500 for the cell. Or you can order a fuel cell through me and I can get you a Harmon fuel cell. The Harmon fuel cells are about half the price of the cell from Radical . Shipping may be expensive to your end of the world?? If you decide to get a fuel cell from me I would request that you take your fuel cell out (I can explain how to do it) and take some measurements because I would want to be 100% sure that everything will fit perfectly before we ship it to you. Feel free to contact me directly if you would like a Harmon Fuel cell, or like I said you can go directly to Radical.
Charley
Does the Harmon cell still qualify for the various Radical Cup series and other race events in the US?
Dan,
I bought a Harmon cell from Charley last winter and had it installed. I've been racing with SCCA ever since. I think they are supposed to last longer than the standard cell too? For some reason I seem to remember they last 7 years instead of the standard 5. I'll have to see if I can find my paperwork on that as I'm not 100% sure.
I thought about moving to the standard aluminum tank at the time. As we're sitting right next to the tank, I just feel the fuel cell makes more sense. If the tank was in a different location I might feel differently.
Does the Harmon cell still qualify for the various Radical Cup series and other race events in the US?
Dan, you would have to check with them to be sure. I can tell you that the Harmon cells are FIA certified and have a 7 year warranty.
Well, I finalized my order for new SR3 XX and signed contract yesterday via Wisko Racing. I declined the Radical fuel cell on this one. Frankly, I would rather have the Harmon and 7yr warranty for less money. So, at some point, I likely will reach out to you Charlie for connection to Harmon.
Would a 2007 have a fuel cell or regular fuel tank?
@gobble, it could have either. One indication is to look at which side the fuel tank vent comes from. Starting at the back of the car, look for the vent line coming through the bottom of the diffuser. Then follow that back to see if it comes from the right or left side of the car If it comes from the left side it is likely a fuel cell and if it comes from the right it likely a fuel tank. You can also look at where the fuel filler line goes through the firewall on the right side of the car. Looking around the gap you should be ample to see if the fitting is welded to an aluminum tank or bolted to a fuel cell bag.
Argh .. I'm going through this same dilemma was about the pull the trigger the opposite way ... going WITH the fuel cell. Now you have me rethinking (again) 🤣 . Such a slippery slope - yes, HPDE track car ONLY, like the (enclosed) trailer was for my current car, like the truck was for a small open trailer, and so on...
When are you expecting your car?
I ordered my SR3 XX without fuel cell. I figured I would put Harmon in it if needed in the future. Just heard a few days ago car expected early-mid Jan, then transported to Wisko. VIR is supposed to open early Mar after winter break, I intend to go up and get it, drive track, setup with Wisko for a few days. Then headed back to Texas.
@dwang2000, if you plan to use the car for track days the aluminum tanks can be a good way to go. Fuel cells are required if you plan to race but they are more expensive and need to be replaced when they expire. An aluminum fuel tank will last the life of the car. Both options work well, it just depends how you plan to use the car.
Charley
