Fuel Tank Reduction

[noctorum]

Is there any real advantage in running with only 1/4 tank or an 1/8 of a tank? I do some street racing but its a bit far out, and I'm afraid of running out of gas. I could have a friend tail me with a jug, but I won't bother if its not that much of an improvement.

[Alastor187]

Originally Posted by noctorum

Is there any real advantage in running with only 1/4 tank or an 1/8 of a tank? I do some street racing but its a bit far out, and I'm afraid of running out of gas. I could have a friend tail me with a jug, but I won't bother if its not that much of an improvement.

Well assuming that gasoline weighs ~ 6.25 lb/gal and you have a 10 gallon tank a full tank would hold about:

6.25lb/gal * 10 gal = 62.5 lb of fuel.

Running around with a ¼ tank would bring the total fuel weight down to:

62.5 lb * 0.25 = 15.63 lb ( a reduction of 46.87 lb)

For a 3000 lb car, removing 50 lbs equates to just over a 1.5% weight reduction. Probably not very significant for light to light races, but something that would add up lap after lap.

Obviously, every ounce counts but if you haven’t taken any other steps to reduce weight I think you will be alright with extra fuel in the tank. I would try to run a little fuel as possible but more than enough to get home. The gains are not going to be worth the walk ;-)

[Ridenour]

I agree. I run 1/2 to full in winter, to prevent condensation, and because the roads are shitty so I know I won't be racing. But in the summer, I usually keep 1/4 to a 1/2 max gas. If the weekends coming up and I think I might be looking at possibly lining em up with someone, I make sure to keep it below 1/4 tank.

I have heard that some people with inverse-pyramid tanks actually get gains from more gas, due to the increased fuel pressure. I always found my Grand Am was fastest with less though.