Why Use A Surge Tank? What Is The Real Purpose?

[Sayajin]

Okay guys.

So I know exactly what a surge tank is, I also know how to set one up.

My question however is WHY install a surge tank?

I mean I always planned to install one as I thought it was just one of those things you are supposed to do, especially if you have a high HP application.

However I have been doing some more research and talking to a number of people with high hp cars and they dont use a surge tank. Hell they look at me crazy for even talking about one.

Essentially the setup is very similar, just without the tank. They use a lift pump to get fuel out of the tank, then have the line running to a larger pump (or 2 pumps) then route it the way you normally would. They completely eliminate the surge tank.

So my question is, if it is not used because that is the only way to supply enough fuel to the system in high hp applications, what is the primary purpose to install a surge tank?

Thanks guys.

-Sayajin

[sh@un]

so the fuel system doesn't get air in it due to the sloshing fuel in the tank, given the high rates of tank scavenge in big hp applications (and the sorts of driving such cars are used for)

[Omurru]

Means there is a constant air free supply of fuel to the pressure pump. When dragging or circuit racing as your tank gets low and the fuel is being thrown around the pump can suck in air.....well thats my understanding of it....

[r33_racer]

oil surge....fuel surge. Both shit things especially in racing. Im surprised you know what one is and how to fit one up but yet not know the purpose behind it.

[bkc]

Okay guys.

So I know exactly what a surge tank is, I also know how to set one up.

My question however is WHY install a surge tank?

I mean I always planned to install one as I thought it was just one of those things you are supposed to do, especially if you have a high HP application.

However I have been doing some more research and talking to a number of people with high hp cars and they dont use a surge tank. Hell they look at me crazy for even talking about one.

Essentially the setup is very similar, just without the tank. They use a lift pump to get fuel out of the tank, then have the line running to a larger pump (or 2 pumps) then route it the way you normally would. They completely eliminate the surge tank.

So my question is, if it is not used because that is the only way to supply enough fuel to the system in high hp applications, what is the primary purpose to install a surge tank?

Thanks guys.

-Sayajin

Thank you very much for your question, which is more than wonderful I wish more useful answers!!

[Beer Baron]

oil surge....fuel surge. Both shit things especially in racing. Im surprised you know what one is and how to fit one up but yet not know the purpose behind it.

lol, I'm surprised too. especially since it's name pretty much sums up what it does. anyone (i assume) can see that you want your fuel pump sucking in 100% fuel in a straight line, under braking, around a corner etc ALL THE TIME. with a big arse fuel tank fuel will be moving away from the pick-up under all those conditions hence the need for a surge tank.

[Sydneykid]

You don't need a surge tank if you are going to race (circuit or drag) with no less than 1/2 tank of fuel ALL the time.

The idea of a surge tank (say 3 litres) is so you don't have to carry around an extra 35 litres of fuel all the time.

At an SG of 0.75, that's a weight saving of 26 kgs.

cheers

[Pauly33GTS-t]

bkc, you're cool dude, but can you please reduce the size of your font to the same as everyone elses and with no bold... My pupils get 5mm wider everytime i read your posts .

thanks.

[Sydneykid]

bkc, you're cool dude, but can you please reduce the size of your font to the same as everyone elses and with no bold... My pupils get 5mm wider everytime i read your posts .

thanks.

When reading his posts I sit further away from the screen.

cheers

[r33_racer]

You don't need a surge tank if you are going to race (circuit or drag) with no less than 1/2 tank of fuel ALL the time.

The idea of a surge tank (say 3 litres) is so you don't have to carry around an extra 35 litres of fuel all the time.

At an SG of 0.75, that's a weight saving of 26 kgs.

cheers

Yeh or your stupid enough to put a 40 litre fuel cell in the boot which surges no soon as your fuel level drops below 30 litres....*points at self*

[Butters]

This is an interesting topic to me.

Going back you would never even consider trying to run up a gtr with 550rwhp on a single in-tank fuel pump.

Now it gets done all the time.

People used to spend $1000's on over complicated fuel systems that made your boot smell like a BP refinery.

I am wondering now what in-tank options can take you to 700rwhp.

A single intank bosch 044 seems good to about 550 - 600rwhp.

Does anyone know if you can fit Two bosch 044's through that nissan fuel tank hole ?

Is their a pump that can be mounted in-tank that flows more then an 044 ?

Edited April 16, 2007 by Butters

[Sydneykid]

This is an interesting topic to me.

Going back you would never even consider trying to run up a gtr with 550rwhp on a single in-tank fuel pump.

Now it gets done all the time.

People used to spend $1000's on over complicated fuel systems that made your boot smell like a BP refinery.

I am wondering now what in-tank options can take you to 700rwhp.

A single intank bosch 044 seems good to about 550 - 600rwhp.

Does anyone know if you can fit Two bosch 044's through that nissan fuel tank hole ?

Is their a pump that can be mounted in-tank that flows more then an 044 ?

In tank, 2 x 044 mounted one above the other, the top one simply has a longer pick up hose to the strainer. Been done before.

cheers

[NXTIME]

Is it just my car, or does the smell of raw fuel inside the cabin come hand in hand with surge tank/extenal pump set ups?

[R31Nismoid]

Fuel hose "breathes". So yes, vapour is normal.

[femno]

This is an interesting topic to me.

Going back you would never even consider trying to run up a gtr with 550rwhp on a single in-tank fuel pump.

Now it gets done all the time.

People used to spend $1000's on over complicated fuel systems that made your boot smell like a BP refinery.

I am wondering now what in-tank options can take you to 700rwhp.

A single intank bosch 044 seems good to about 550 - 600rwhp.

Does anyone know if you can fit Two bosch 044's through that nissan fuel tank hole ?

Is their a pump that can be mounted in-tank that flows more then an 044 ?

You could put as many fuel pumps in your tank as you want but all it is reliable for is on the dyno or sitting still....

Start drag, circuit etc etc and see how well it works....and you cant say 'ill keep the tank full' cos it aint gonna happen with 700rwhp and a couple of laps.

Yeah fuel hose 'breathes' but if you run braided stuff it minimises the smell - to a point.

[NXTIME]

It's all braided. I realise that fuel hoses 'breathe', but the in cabin smell is unbearable even after 15 or 30 mins of parking car with windows closed, engine off. Open the door and you could almost pass out from the vapours. Luckily I don't smoke

[R31Nismoid]

Mine isnt that bad though, and i just use normal fuel hose... and a fair bit of it too

[r33_racer]

same in our car...fuel vapour smell is pretty strong....but it keeps my bloods octane level high....side effect is a stupid headache after a race.

[RRob]

Use teflon braided hoses and get no smell whatsoever.

[Marco-R34GTT]

Really? Wow, never heard of Teflon in braided hoses....

Bugger me, you learn something new every day...