yea, things are getting a bit out of hand on the definition of a consumable, used to be just tires, fluids and gas, now you need to add (prices are based on my car, and a 10 race season)
-fuelcell bladder $2K / 5 years / 10 races = $40 per weekend
-window net $50 / 2 years / 10 races = $2.5
-right side net $150 / 2 years / 10 races = $7.5
-seat belts $150 / 2 years / 10 races = $7.5
-roll bar padding $50 / 2 years / 10 races = $2.5
that is an extra $60 per weekend.....
not really that much on its own, but it all adds up pretty quick.
I just finished taking my cell all apart, I was told that not only the foam goes bad, but the bladder itself can be eaten through and get what looks like thread bare.
Mine was fine, both the foam and the bladder. I am posting some pictures I took at
www.addictionmotorsports.com follow the race car link and look for the fuelcell button at the top.
I did have to replace the pickup hoses, they we falling apart and would have clogged things pretty soon.
I pump dry my cell after each weekend.
I am seriously thinking of going back to a stock tank after 2009, or maybe a square off the shelf cell.....
Jim