993 moving oil tank to front - ideas?

[JoeMag]

Considering moving the oil tank from stock location (fwd of right front wheel) to front. Ideally it's to get more weight on front, though I think stock location is better for polar moment being in between shock towers.

Any ideas on tanks that could be used?

[stownsen914]

I have two different Porsche race cars that have used Patterson oil tanks for many years, and have been happy with them. Peterson tanks look similar, and I've heard they are good as well.

[PeteKz]

After you spend many hours and $1000's to do it, I'll bet that it doesn't make any difference in your lap times. You would be better off spending that money on something else, say, better/newer tires, more on-track racing instruction, etc.

[stownsen914]

While your statement may be true, I guess that’s the case with most any incremental modification on a racecar. This a mod for a well developed racecar that, and this is commonly done to improve weight distribution on a rear engine car.

[dannobee]

All of the factory race cars had the tank mounted in the front. If there wasn't some advantage, Porsche wouldn't have wasted the time and energy to do it on the race cars.

If you do the math, moving 30+ lbs from the rear of the car to the front certainly DOES make a difference. It'll change the F-R weight distribution by over 1%.

From my nascar crew chief days, a 1% change is a pretty big change.

[winders]

Originally Posted by stownsen914

While your statement may be true, I guess that’s the case with most any incremental modification on a racecar. This a mod for a well developed racecar that, and this is commonly done to improve weight distribution on a rear engine car.

Originally Posted by dannobee

All of the factory race cars had the tank mounted in the front. If there wasn't some advantage, Porsche wouldn't have wasted the time and energy to do it on the race cars.

If you do the math, moving 30+ lbs from the rear of the car to the front certainly DOES make a difference. It'll change the F-R weight distribution by over 1%.

From my nascar crew chief days, a 1% change is a pretty big change.

What works for a street car isn't always best for a race car.

Another reason this is done is to increase the oil capacity of the race car by using a larger oil tank.

If you do it right, you can reduce oil aeration as well.

Finally, you can get that restrictive thermostat out of the engine and use a more appropriate unit up at the oil cooler(s) at the front.

All nice pluses along with the better weight location.

[PeteKz]

Fair enough. Part of what made me question it was the original statement "moving the oil tank from stock location (fwd of right front wheel) to front." From the rear wheel to front makes much more sense.

[JoeMag]

...my bad on the typo. 993 oil tank is forward of right REAR wheel (versus behind on early cars). Running fuel down low to minimize weight, front gets pretty light.

In my case, I have modified 993 tank (no filter or thermostat) with -16 lines running throughout with mocal thermostat, one oil filter in front (in pic right side), and one on engine. Besides mounting front tank, it's a relatively simple plumbing exercise for me.

[TimT]

We made up some tanks for the earlier cars which drop right in the smugglers box. The Petersen tanks are a nice off the shelf solution.

[r lane]

The standard tanks take 12 quarts. How much for the forward tank. My theory is that the more forward, the more capacity required to provide additional head pressure for the pressure side of the oil pump.

[r lane]

I have installed a forward tank and am running a -20 line from tank to oil pump inlet. I realize it necks down at that point, but still think the head pressure keeps available oil to the pump. This issue may only apply to racing conditions as under hard braking, oil running away from the engine, and then back on the throttle. Just my theory. Bob

[winders]

I have a 4 gallon Petersen tank up front with all -16 lines. I have never had oil feed issues with up to 430 HP engines using 964 and GT3 oil pumps. I have seen plenty of other front oil tank race setups with -16 lines with no oiling issues. Heck, I know a 900 HP turbo engine race car using -6 lines…again, with no oiling issues.