S550 GT350R Race Car Build Build Thread Profile - S550 Mustangs

[Black Boss]

On a side note, are you going to run a fuel cell or the stock fuel tank?

Looked at Fuel Cell, but it's expensive, you lose fuel gauge capability and the bladders have to be serviced, so I'm sticking with the stock tank.

 

[BOSS302r013]

Looked at Fuel Cell, but it's expensive, you lose fuel gauge capability and the bladders have to be serviced, so I'm sticking with the stock tank.

Nick,

Fuel cells can have fuel gauges. I know ATL and Fuel Cell brands have them as an option.

The safety benefits of a fuel cell are worth the service hassles. Especially if this will be a track only car.

 

[Black Boss]

Jason,

Yea, I agree that there's an added degree of safety, but I'm prioritizing full fire suppression initially -- fuel cells add complexity and (in my mind) have less marginal benefit than a well planned, full fire system. The Boss 302S didn't have a cell, while the 302R did due to sanctioning body requirements. Most racers I've talked to while planning the build, said pass. Safety is top of mind given my experience at RA last year, I just haven't been convinced so far.

Other opinions?

 

[steveespo]

Nick I was considering fuel cell as well but like you I weighed out the cost and complexity of having o do a fuel pump and return system and programming the ECU for a return type system. I decided to go with OEM tank replacement that I was able to source for $150 like new from a wrecked donor. The $1700 I saved will go to the full car suppression system since I have full fire experience! I love this car. Great job.

 

[BOSS302r013]

Nick/Steve,

I agree, a fire suppression system would be a priority over a fuel cell if it was one or the other.

JT

 

[Black Boss]

@BOSS302r013 Jason, Can't wait to see your car -- please post pics!

 

[j3st3r]

Looked at Fuel Cell, but it's expensive,

Wait what.....have you seen your builds

Car(s) are coming along nicely Nick, cant wait to see one of your new ones in person!

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

Fuel cell definitely expensive--but if you are thinking of running endurance races (including anything over 45-50 mins when we typically chew up all our fuel) I would consider it. Dual-dry-break setup can fill very fast if allowed.

 

[mattlqx]

I wouldn't sweat needing a third-party gauge for the fuel level in a dedicated track car. Larger tank for more run time would be nice as well. It seems like in the grand scheme of the build, a fuel cell would be just another line-item in terms of cost but now that the cage is built and car is painted, it'd definitely be more work and cost than it would've been before to reverse that decision.

 

[Black Boss]

I made the call on Fuel Cell, early on before paint. A large capacity, light weight, ATL system with all the goodies is close to $4k, and more once you've accounted for Body mods and other changes, and there's a lot of complexity with the fuel system and ECU that I don't want to address in the first phase of the build.....

Meanwhile, I completed some harness mods -- shortened the front impact sensor harness and shorted the hood sensor cable:



Also installed the Brake booster, wiper motor and ABS bracket:

 

[steveespo]

So jealous. You are the man Nick.

 

[Black Boss]

Thanks Steve. Just wished we lived closer, so we could assist each other with your rebuild and my project......

Looking forward to seeing the 3rd gen 21 Car!

 

[302 Hi Pro]

I love your new color combo more, every time I see it! Great choice.

Don't forget to "Tin" those wiring splice connections.

Love reading this Epic Build thread!
All the Best,
2HP

 

[Black Boss]

Progress was delayed a little, as when I went to install the (new) engine cross member, I found that one of the frame rail attachments was bent -- I didn't spot the shipping damage until installation, but the dealer (White Bear Lake) has been fantastic to work with and a replacement, along with a few more parts, arrived today:

 

[Black Boss]

Installed the Front Subframe, Steering Rack and Front Brake pipes yesterday......

 

[Black Boss]

Installed the Radiator support, ducting and Ford Performance Tow Hook:

 

[superhero]

Not sure if you saw or know about this showing your car.

http://www.mustangandfords.com/news/2017-svt-superfest-at-vir/

 

[Black Boss]

@superhero Hadn't seen it -- Thanks for sharing -- headed down to VIR, Thursday...

 

[AMPowerJ]

This is an epic build. Good luck to continued success!

 

[Black Boss]

Got the Rear brake lines, fuel line, ABS controller and heat shields installed: