Author Topic: Gas tank relocation? (Read 9163 times)

Sly Bob · « **on:** October 23, 2010, 09:58:30 AM »

I have a friend at work who has a NA Solstice that isn't an internet user that often asks me if there is anyone that has relocated their gas tank. I have told him that it hasn't been done but he persists.

The tank as it is now supports the back window. Without the tank there, you would have to have some sort of folding bed tray back there that could support the top assembly when you put it down. He isn't concerned with fuel tank capacity and says that he could cut the capacity in half and he could live with the trade off.

The only place that you could put the tank would be where the muffler is now. That would mean that he would have to get another exhaust system and put a fuel cell of some sort there. I would think that you would be best to use a fuel cell so you don't turn the car into a Pinto.

Getting someone to do a job like this might be tough though. Has anyone done such a thing?

Graywolf · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2010, 01:30:56 PM »

Like the way your friend thinks. Outside of the box. My top is removed from my car and still no trunk space.

Yogi · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2010, 01:53:50 PM »

Fuel cell or not, locating the tank right behind the bumper WOULD turn the car into a PINTO!

LatinVenom · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2010, 02:17:03 PM »

No shop will put it there because of liabilities.

Sly Bob · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2010, 03:57:20 PM »

Quote from: LatinVenom on October 23, 2010, 02:17:03 PM

No shop will put it there because of liabilities.

Those were my words to him exactly LatinVenon.

frictionfighter · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2010, 05:49:04 PM »

http://www.tunerzine.com/articles/347/images/tjin_edition_solstice_11.jpg[attachment=1]

kennysabarese · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2010, 10:42:53 AM »

There you have it!

Is he looking for trunk space or a lower center of gravity for performance? If it's the latter, then you are moving the weight back which might upset the car more than the gain from lowering it.

If it's just for trunk space, looks like that method works. RPI had a trunk extender product out, I think some vendor still sells it. But a different muffler is required.

Sly Bob · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2010, 01:03:20 PM »

That'd work frictionfighter and it's primarily trunk space that he's looking for Kenny. I mentioned to him again and he said that maybe the simplest way to get more space would be to leave the tank where it is but just reduce it's size.

That would probably be true but if you're going to the trouble ya' might as well move it at the same time.

frictionfighter · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2010, 03:55:41 PM »

The Solstice Book also talks about this. The roll cage generally necessitates it...

60 s Sol · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:28:25 PM »

Quote from: Kenny on October 24, 2010, 10:42:53 AM

There you have it!

Is he looking for trunk space or a lower center of gravity for performance? If it's the latter, then you are moving the weight back which might upset the car more than the gain from lowering it.

If it's just for trunk space, looks like that method works. RPI had a trunk extender product out, I think some vendor still sells it. But a different muffler is required.

I just completed adding 1.6 cu ft to my trunk. (I have side pipes so the space for the muffler was open.) Here's a link to my thread on the Solstice Forum.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/expanded-trunk-mod-completed-66958/

kennysabarese · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2011, 06:13:36 PM »

Very cool

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #11 on:** January 13, 2011, 08:03:01 PM »

Sweet, now you won't need the kappa rack on top of the trunk

U4EA · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2011, 08:37:09 PM »

Quote from: 60 s Sol on January 13, 2011, 04:28:25 PM

I just completed adding 1.6 cu ft to my trunk. (I have side pipes so the space for the muffler was open.) Here's a link to my thread on the Solstice Forum.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/expanded-trunk-mod-completed-66958/

How about pictures of the exhaust/side pipes to complement this GREAT MOD!

60 s Sol · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2011, 03:53:11 PM »

Quote from: U4EA on January 13, 2011, 08:37:09 PM

How about pictures of the exhaust/side pipes to complement this GREAT MOD!

Thanks for the interest. I need to learn how to post pictures on this forum. Until then, let me give you a link to my mods thread on the Solstice Forum. Under car exhaust shots are on page 4.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/60s-sol-mods-52120/

Side Pipes
Info from the other forum post

I took my car in for its last free oil change (courteous of Pontiac) and had the guys take some photos while it was on the lift. The pipes split right after the cat, bend to the sides and connect to the side pipes via flexible couplings.

I think the bends and diameter changes quiet it somewhat, but it still has a full, somewhat raspy sound. I should get some sound later this week when my son brings over his good camera. Sorry, but us old guys are slow.

1LILNDN · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2011, 12:27:19 AM »

Has anyone though of taking out that high tank and putting in something Longer and and lower w/a sump and still have the same Volume. that would give more space across and up. There are companies that custom make cells. Just my thoughs. I

Sump = drop in center
something like this
____________________________________
[ ]
[__________ ___________]
[_____________]

U4EA · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2011, 05:09:45 AM »

Quote from: 60 s Sol on January 14, 2011, 03:53:11 PM

Thanks for the interest. I need to learn how to post pictures on this forum. Until then, let me give you a link to my mods thread on the Solstice Forum. Under car exhaust shots are on page 4.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/60s-sol-mods-52120/

Side Pipes
Info from the other forum post

I took my car in for its last free oil change (courteous of Pontiac) and had the guys take some photos while it was on the lift. The pipes split right after the cat, bend to the sides and connect to the side pipes via flexible couplings.

I like "DIG" this car man!

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #16 on:** January 15, 2011, 10:52:18 AM »

Quote from: 1 LIL NDN
link=topic=5527.msg84100#msg84100 date=1295065639

Has anyone though of taking out that high tank and putting in something Longer and and lower w/a sump and still have the same Volume. that would give more space across and up. There are companies that custom make cells. Just my thoughs.

Don't think that would work. The tank shape is designed that way for the roof to fit around when folded, esp the sides.

spider · « **Reply #17 on:** January 15, 2011, 12:50:38 PM »

Leave the gas tank where it is & use the space under it for storage. Putting the tank under & behind the diff is out, wider& lower is out due to the tops wings. There is only behind the seats for maybe >>>> critterman.

Critterman · « **Reply #18 on:** January 15, 2011, 07:03:36 PM »

what did I do now?

1LILNDN · « **Reply #19 on:** January 15, 2011, 11:45:18 PM »

Think about it : With the top up theres more storage space . with the Top down what ever you are carring becomes the top support . Maybe theres a way to make a top support that folds up like the 09 Coupe soft top frame for storage .
" Just might be worth looking into "

idkfa · « **Reply #20 on:** January 16, 2011, 12:54:57 AM »

Quote from: TomatoSoup on January 15, 2011, 10:52:18 AM

The tank shape is designed that way for the roof to fit around when folded, esp the sides.

I've thought about this and the only thing I've come up with is just that same size cell up against the firewall and the werks-style trunk mod cut out the back. I think that would be the only real way to maximize trunk space. Could even make a L support bracket for the back of the window but I don't think it's even necessary.

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Author Topic: Gas tank relocation? (Read 9163 times)