[Tom '74 911]

Dave,
As someone who is running the original OEM tank in my '74 911, I think this is a great idea. I did a full fuel tank flush/cleaning a few years ago and found handfulls of crap in my tank. Now a few years down the road, my fuel filter is again looking too dirty - I think due to rust INSIDE my tank. See my comments below.

Originally Posted by TRE Cup

With "correct" replica ST and RS tanks going for over $2k (real ones being either fragile or unobtanium $) , Fuel Safe 911 cells from $2500 and up, we are wondering if there is a market for a well built aluminum fuel tank.

I think there is a market although it is probably small. I have been considering a replacement tank and have looked at fuel cells as an option. My issues w/them for a non-track only car is the price (quite $$) and the lifespan of the foam inside. For a street car, having to replace the foam due to degradation is kind of a pita (plus more $$). I've considered standard (not foam filled) fuel tanks from a place like Summit which would require more effort & some fab work to fit. A more turn key solution would be nice.

For this particular offering, we are thinking a capacity between 22 and 27 gallons. We are NOT trying to emulate the old school look here, but would offer some filler neck options if you are after the thru hood look.

For me personally, I'm not concerned with larger capacity. I don't mind stopping every 3-4 hrs. to pee & fill up. It may be nice to provide a "stock filler connection" option if possible.

Specs would include:
drop section for fuel pickup and return- no starvation under cornering or low fuel level loads

baffles to reduce instant side loads from fuel slosh

Some kind of slosh or swirl pot type arrangement would be important - nice.

aluminum construction for no corrosion long life- available in variety of coatings

Nice, no rust.

center or off set fill options- either under or thru hood (using blau 102 mm caps, or monza flip top)

I know you guys do a lot of thru-the-hood fillers, but as I mentioned above, it may be nice to have a "stock fill connection" option if possible

roll over valve for venting and filler neck
aftermarket level sender compatible to oem gas guage

The sender must be compatible w/the oem gas level gauge

fiberglass "mimic" undertray that seals the bottom opening of oe gas tank . Looks like the oe tank from under the car and keeps the smooth air flow.

I think if you're going to offer a Porsche specific tank like this, the more turn key the better in terms of installation. I know that fiberglass is much easier to mold & work with than aluminum, but how would the durability of a fiberglass bottom be?

Cost estimated in the $1600-1900 range depending on finish and cap options.

This would be the absolute top of my price range. I haven't priced it out, but I imagine you could get a square tank and all the bit you need from a hot rod shop for close to $500? I could be way off and I've never tried to actually make one of these fit so maybe they're a real pita. A buyer will have to weigh the cost of having a turnkey solution for "$X" vs one that will require fitting etc... for less. I realize you have to make $$, but the lower the price, the more you will sell.

This tank would not be legal for track use, where an approved bladder/ foam is required. But would be for DE use in most classes.

I think this is fine. A solution in between OEM and a fuel cell is great.

What are your comments on this low volume production tank ?

A few additional comments: Would a spare tire fit? I WILL NOT mention that I have never used mine because I don't want to jinx myself, but I do carry a spare just in case - as well as a few of those "quick fill" flat cans etc... My last comment is in regard to aesthetics. My car is not stock and I don't really care about using OEM only parts etc... I must say however that the images you posted are not aesthetically pleasing to me - JMHO! One of the things I love about my car is that it's just nice to look at - I love the lines. Anything you can do to compliment that is a bonus I think. I know that curves are FAR more difficult than flat surfaces to work with. For the price range you suggested earlier, I would be MUCH more will to purchase if it was more aesthetically pleasing. CNeilson's (sp?) tank that he built for his most recent ST is at the top of the ladder for me - I think it looks great. I realize something like that is also at the top of the ladder in terms of $$. Maybe there is a good compromise that you could reach?

Thank you for your thoughtful input