Fuel Systems for Street Stocks

A Street Stock race car gets a lot of labor and love put into it. Most of this is spent on building a rollcage and an engine. Because these are thought to be the most important parts of the car, they are given priority during construction.

The engine must deliver its power to the wheels of course, and the rollcage must cocoon the driver. Too often these systems get the majority of the attention while some other things are paid little heed.

For instance, if the fuel line is attached to the tank at one end, and to the pump at the other, the system is often considered complete. For sure, it is not an exotic item you can point to and impress your friends.

THE FUEL CONTAINER

A fuel container in a race car is often referred to as a fuel cell. This is not always the case. The plastic tank commonly sold at race car shops is just that--a plastic tank. It does hold fuel. It does have a wide mouth cap that looks like it belongs in a race car. It is a seamless, rotationally molded, polyethylene container. Unfortunately, many racetracks only require something other than the original fuel tank. These plastic tanks often fill the bill.

Although it seldom happens, these tanks can be punctured rather easily by pieces of metal traveling at race speeds. Bear in mind there is also a wide variation in response time and ability of emergency teams at many tracks.

Requirement or not, get a fuel tank in a steel can that is made by a reputable fuel cell manufacturer such as JAZ or ATL. They have quality parts. I have used both with good results. They usually have foam blocks inside to prevent fuel sloshing. This foam is designed for use with gas and not alcohol. With gas it lasts a long time. Even with foam intended for use with alcohol it should be changed halfway through the season. Often your fuel cell will be delivered with a rollover vent in place. Be sure to ask about this at the time of purchase.

A fuel cell of this type will have a vent fitting and an outlet fitting. The cap will seal and not be vented. Venting should be handled with a rollover vent valve.

I have seen Street Stock tanks vented with a length of hose attached to the vent fitting. This hose is run down to below the tank. The idea is that when the car is upside down, the end of the hose is now above the tank and fuel won't run out. OK, think about how effective this is for stopping fuel spillage when the car is up on its side. It ain't!