NHRA fuel cell rules?

[fe66comet]

Was looking into how to legally install my fuel cell per NHRA rules, I kinda ran into a couple snags I was hoping you guys could clarify for me. First is my plan was to run nylon 500 psi braided line through conduit I installed inside my boxed frame rail, after doing some reading it appears that only metallic line can be use except for a 12" whip in either end. Am I interpreting this right? Second is it is stated the fuel cell has to be enclosed by the body, my cell is going under the bed floor in the rear. They also state the cell has to be protected by DOM tubing if it projects through the floor of the vehicle. Can aluminum be used? And what gauge tube and metal is required? Also if I have my fuel lines I cases in conduit can they be braided? Thanks guys

[ScotiaFE]

A couple of excerpts from online NHRA stuff.
If the cell is plastic it must be covered with metal if outside the vehicle. ie: hanging down. Why not just use a metal fuel cell? That is legal.
You need a steel metal frame work made from 1 1/4" DOM steel if the tank is outside the "frame rails". Why not keep it inside the frame rails?
No you are not interpreting this right, You can use braided line the whole way just not your nonstandard ie: not approved by NHRA stuff.
It's really quite simple. If it does not look safe and close to what everyone else is doing you will get a finger wag. jmo

Tanks: When permitted by class regulations, fuel tanks located
outside body and/or frame must be enclosed in a steel tube frame
constructed of minimum 1 1/4-inch O.D. x .058 chromoly or .118
mild steel tubing. All fuel tanks must be isolated from the driver’s
compartment by a firewall, completely sealed to prevent any fuel
from entering the driver’s compartment. All fuel tanks must have a
pressure cap and be vented outside of body. A positive-locking
screw-on fuel tank cap is mandatory on all open-bodied cars.
Insulated fuel tanks prohibited. When used, fuel cells must have a
metal box protecting the part of the fuel cell that is outside of body
lines or trunk floor, excluding hose connection area in rear. Nonmetallic
fuel cells or tanks must be grounded to frame.

Lines: All non-OEM fuel lines (including gauge and/or data
recorder lines) must be metallic, steel braided, or NHRA-accepted
“woven or woven-pushlock.” A maximum of 12 inches total (front to
rear) of non-metallic or non-steel braided hose is permitted for
connection purposes only; individual injector nozzle and motorcycle
fuel lines are excluded. Fuel lines (except steel braided lines) in the
flywheel/bellhousing area must be enclosed in a 16-inch length of
steel tubing, 1/8-inch-minimum wall thickness, securely mounted as
a protection against fuel-line rupture. Fuel lines may not be routed
in the driveshaft tunnel. It is mandatory that fuel lines passing
supercharger drive belts be steel braided, NHRA-accepted woven
or woven-pushlock, or be enclosed in protective steel tubing. A
current list of NHRA-accepted woven or woven-pushlock fuel lines
is available on NHRA.com. All NHRA-accepted fuel lines must use
ends that are specifically designed for the type of fuel line being
used. No hose clamps allowed on NHRA-accepted fuel lines.

[fe66comet]

Thanks that explains a lot, the cell I am mounting rearward of my axle underneath my truck bed. It will extend down beyond the rails and would want to protect it regardless. It went poly to assure the alcohol in the fuel would not corrode it, we have 10% or more here. The fuel lines will be in conduit all the way to the engine compartment past the bell housing to protect it from the heat of the exhaust and any possible abrasion. The fuel pump and filters will be enclosed inside the frame rail behind a cover plate also, all electrical will also be enclosed in that area in a separate wrapped harness. I am also intending to install a battery box in the bed floor to shift weight rearward also.

[Qikbbstang]

It is used in many filter applications. Just like to warn you guys the foam is strange in that it can go from perfectly spongy to something that simply turns to dust when touched.. When does this happen?.............No one can say, I have samples that are 15 years old and doing fine and some samples that turned into "dust" in a couple years. Needless to say 3-4 cubic feet of foam turning to a gummy powder in a fuel cell could really wreck your fuel system. Just be aware the stuff breaks down.

[drdano]

This happened in my buddy's drag car.  Pre-pump filter was full of crap, opened the tank and "Where the hell did my foam go?!"  Ran the same racing fuel for years and years and one day the foam just disintegrated.

[fe66comet]

I ordered mine no foam for that reason, I did not see in the 10 second bracket anywhere that it was required. Hopefully not, I have also had bad luck with the stuff in hot rods and dirt cars and trucks. It does a great job of fuel control till alcohol is introduced then you have foundation sealer.