Fuel tanks.

[soop]

I am just wondering about the legalities of alloy tanks in a VY commodore.

Doing a few cosmetic mods, and the shape and location of the OEM tank is a pain in the arse. Is it legal to remove it and use an alloy tank?

[Calaber]

Soop

Good question. I would think that alloy tank manufacturers would know the legalities. ADR's covering the fuel tank would relate to crash protection and strength against rupture in an impact, ventilation of fumes, clearance from all moving parts, probably something like minimum clearance from the road and probably a heap of others I can't think of. Provided that the alloy tank met those rules, I can't see why you couldn't use one in the VY. Do I suspect an ulterior motive here, such as true dual exhausts running down either side of the car?

[soop]

Exactly that Calaber .

I've the intention of running a twin 3" system down either side of the car, with a modified rear bar to suit. Everything else about the modification is fairly straight forward, and while the process is posible whilst using the OEM tank, Its alot harder and not quiet as good looking if you happen to stick your head under the car.

Also, the asthetic appeal of an alloy drop tank has always been one I've liked.
Hopefully in a couple of months and a few (hundred) hourse of work, my car should resemble a modern day take on an A9X or GTS from the 70's. Not to a tee, but enough to still be a VY commodore while having the tough muscle car look. Which I feel is missed alot of the times these days. Alot of people seem to get to caught up in the theme and over do it.

Subtlty is key.

[BoNeZ-01]

haha.. I was gunna say the same thing while reading this post, how I was reminded of the long range drop tank on the SLR 5000..
Ahh.. Those were the days of the real classics..

[Calaber]

Well, I reckon it sounds like a great idea. I can't recall seeing an alloy tank on anything later than a VN, but your SS is just the sort of car it belongs on. Done professionally, and assuming no legal barriers get in the way, running the proper dual system, modifying the rear bar and having that true muscle car appearance at the back is definitely the way to go.

I've often thought I'd have liked to fit a dual outlet system to my old girl, purely for the looks, but the fuel tank forces undesirable compromises and it would probably look stupid on a V6 Berlina anyway, even if I took the effort to match the outlets and bumper cutouts perfectly.

But on an SS? That's a different matter altogether. Good luck with it - I hope there's no legal reason to prevent you from doing it.

[soop]

Cheers Calaber.

I can't see why it couldn't be done on the Berlina. So what its a V6?
253ci power cars had twin systems back in the day... You're 3.8 makes more power then those old boath anchors.

I'll have to look around for someone who knows what they're doing in regards to a drop tank then.

[Sean880]

Fuel Tank Modification

I would suggest that you will need a specific approval for such a modification.

Reference: ............http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rd...340/0/VSI8.pdf

[soop]

That says nothing about the actual fuel tanks.
I'm going to make the assumption at this point, that a tanks a tank regardless of the material its made from. Provided all the original specs are met in regards to the breather and return lines, and it has anough ground clearance. Obviously I'll confirm this however.

[Benboy]

Any (ANY) modification(s), unless approved to ADR standards, that change/alter/modify any aspect of your vehicle from the ADR standards/requirements that existed at the time of manufacture of your vehicle are ILLEGAL.

[Calaber]

Any (ANY) modification(s), unless approved to ADR standards, that change/alter/modify any aspect of your vehicle from the ADR standards/requirements that existed at the time of manufacture of your vehicle are ILLEGAL.

Which, I think, was exactly the point I made in my first post in this thread. I suggested that there would be requirements for any replacement tank to meet to be legal, and that tank manufacturers should be aware of those requirements. The fact that you don't see late models running around with alloy tanks doesn't automatically mean they're illegal. I credit Soop with the intelligence to do lots of homework before he touches his car.

[BoNeZ-01]

Which would mean it would need to be inspected and passed by an engineer, and given a certificate of compliance(or whatever it's called)?
Which could end up costing more than the fabricating of a modified tank, and all the parts that go with it..

[Calaber]

Unless there is a manufacturer who has a tank design which has already passed all relevant certification. Perhaps there is - I wouldn't know as I've never wanted to go down this road with any of my cars.

[BoNeZ-01]

True, I guess it's a matter of hunting around for one of these tank designers, if there is one..

[Calaber]

I have to admit, a quick search of Google wasn't much use. I guess you would need to go to those guys who make them for the old Toranas etc. to see what they know.

[soop]

Which is exactly what I plan to do.
Getting an engineers certificate isn't all that hard. Good mate of mine has an LH Torana that must have 50 of the bloody things.
I think alot of people just get scared of the whole process lol.

[Sean880]

That says nothing about the actual fuel tanks.
I'm going to make the assumption at this point, that a tanks a tank regardless of the material its made from. Provided all the original specs are met in regards to the breather and return lines, and it has anough ground clearance. Obviously I'll confirm this however.

It most definitely does.

It is covered under "2. General Modifications" which means you need a specific approval. This part applies in the case of fuel tanks and a whole range of other mods which are not an "approved modification" as described in part 3.

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rd...340/0/VSI8.pdf

Ring Vic Roads and they will confirm the rules for you.


Cheers

[soop]

Ahh righto, I see what you mean now. I was looking for a specific paragraph.
So basically acording to that document, if the replacement tank is manufcatured within the ARD guidelines, and is approved by an automotive engineer then it should be apples?

Straight forward enough.

[slo82]

hello soop did you find any infomation out on drop tanks etc. i want a tank for my VH. cheers Adrian.