Citation FV fuel cell

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09.12.24, 1:57 PM
BLS

Citation FV fuel cell

Now that the new shop is built I finally have room to work on the car again. The original fuel cell is toast, has cracks, will need a replacement.

If you have a good used one let me know.

Any sources with the Citation design such that I don't have to draw it up? The 4 gallon ATL will not fit as the rear is narrower than the front and narrower than the ATL wedge cell. Plus, I need the maximum amount of room available in the cockpit and have made a few adjustments to maximize the space.

Thanks!
Barry
09.12.24, 4:36 PM
FVRacer21

Can you post a picture of your cell? Most companies do each one special.

we may have a source to do a multiple run, but they need to be identical to keep the price reasonable.

we are looking at the “winged verion”

ChrisZ
09.12.24, 10:51 PM
Garey Guzman

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLS

Now that the new shop is built I finally have room to work on the car again. The original fuel cell is toast, has cracks, will need a replacement.

If you have a good used one let me know.

Any sources with the Citation design such that I don't have to draw it up? The 4 gallon ATL will not fit as the rear is narrower than the front and narrower than the ATL wedge cell. Plus, I need the maximum amount of room available in the cockpit and have made a few adjustments to maximize the space.

Thanks!
Barry

Did you try contacting Steve Lathrop? He's a big guy and I was under the impression that he could fit in all the Citation cars he designed.
09.12.24, 11:33 PM
BLS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garey Guzman

Did you try contacting Steve Lathrop? He's a big guy and I was under the impression that he could fit in all the Citation cars he designed.

I've had some email questions answered years ago by the "master". Unfortunately, I'm not the best size for FV at 6'4. But I managed to eek out enough space to drive the car back when I rebuilt it. I then stretched it as the Citation was designed to the minimum wheelbase rather than the max, go figure. That was my downfall though, many mods, and then the car sat due to lack of space and not enough time. Anyway, I'll get it finished this year and enjoy some quality track time :)
09.12.24, 11:40 PM
BLS

2 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FVRacer21

Can you post a picture of your cell? Most companies do each one special.

we may have a source to do a multiple run, but they need to be identical to keep the price reasonable.

we are looking at the “winged verion”

ChrisZ

Mine is the winged version. I believe it is a Lathrop design. I'd certainly be interested in participating in a "group" buy.

A couple pics I took earlier today with a ruler for some measurements:

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/att...d=112551&stc=1

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/att...d=112552&stc=1
09.13.24, 11:57 AM
FVRacer21

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLS

Mine is the winged version. I believe it is a Lathrop design. I'd certainly be interested in participating in a "group" buy.

A couple pics I took earlier today with a ruler for some measurements:

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/att...d=112551&stc=1

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/att...d=112552&stc=1

pm me with phone number and email. I will see where we stand with the project.

ChrisZ
09.13.24, 4:00 PM
DanW

Harmon Racing Cells in Corona, CA builds custom cells at a reasonable cost. He built a nice custom one for me at a very reasonable cost and lead time.

https://www.harmonracingcells.com/
09.14.24, 6:08 PM
BLS

Quote:

Originally Posted by FVRacer21

pm me with phone number and email. I will see where we stand with the project.

ChrisZ

Chris, done, sorry for being late.
Thank you!
09.14.24, 6:10 PM
BLS

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanW

Harmon Racing Cells in Corona, CA builds custom cells at a reasonable cost. He built a nice custom one for me at a very reasonable cost and lead time.

https://www.harmonracingcells.com/

Dan, thanks. I actually did a quote from Harmon for my own design for my own design car, but have never had one made since I never built the car :) It was a reasonable price for a somewhat complicated cell.
09.16.24, 10:40 AM
Amon

Fuel cell

I believe Steve Lathrop out of Indy has the drawings for the Citation fuel cells and possibly can supply them
to you? He's on Apex so reach out to him if necessary.

Mark Farnham
09.17.24, 10:48 AM
Arbitrary

I had to have one made by Pyrotect going through Fred Clark for my Citation; due to the same issue of the frame rails getting narrower. It's a wedge without wings. I'd be happy to send you pictures and the Pyrotect part number assigned to it if you're interested. Feel free to send me a PM.
09.19.24, 11:40 PM
BLS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amon

I believe Steve Lathrop out of Indy has the drawings for the Citation fuel cells and possibly can supply them
to you? He's on Apex so reach out to him if necessary.

Mark Farnham

Hi Mark,
Sorry for the late reply. I've been in contact with Steve and just waiting for him to return to his shop. Thanks!
09.19.24, 11:46 PM
BLS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arbitrary

I had to have one made by Pyrotect going through Fred Clark for my Citation; due to the same issue of the frame rails getting narrower. It's a wedge without wings. I'd be happy to send you pictures and the Pyrotect part number assigned to it if you're interested. Feel free to send me a PM.

PM sent, thanks!
01.12.25, 11:26 AM
Rich_G_SC

Pyrotect

Pyrotect did a copy of my original, wing-style citation cell a few years ago. It wasn't cheap but they did a nice job. I sent them the old one and they copied it and transferred over the old HW. Also added a rear "window" port that the original didn't have. They should have the specs/design from mine on file...maybe.

Other option was go to a more standard design that might be available off the shelf. That would have required fabbing a new aluminum cover so I just went with the original style.
01.12.25, 2:48 PM
S Lathrop

Citation/ Zink Fuel Cells

I have sent drawings to Fuel Safe. They can make fuel cells in that shape. The design that I sent was for a cell that would fit any of the Citation or Zink cars that I worked with.

The cell is a almost the same as what is pictured but it has been changed slightly to fit the Z12 Zink FV.

I posted about this putting together an order for several cells so as to reduce the costs for all involved.

My customer will be hitting the track this year so we will be ordering a cell shortly. Send me a PM if you are interested in getting a cell.

I have had cells built by another supplier and I can approach then for a quote on cells as well. This supplier makes cells that meet FAA requirements for aircraft. I can approach this supplier as well to gat another option.

In any case, there are some new technologies that can be incorporated into eith of the cells produced by the 2 potential suppliers I have. The improvement is to incorporate a fuel mat in the bottom of the cell. This will allow you to run the cell to about 1/2 gallon of fuel and not suffer a miss.
01.12.25, 9:38 PM
BLS

Steve, will send email, I was getting ready to ask if you had anything further. If you look at my picture above you can see the width right at 19" which is a concern I have, That is as wide as will fit in the car.

Barry
03.10.25, 10:50 AM
FVRacer21

1 Attachment(s)

I am working with a company on a run of new fuel cells to copy the original Donn K Allen "winged Fuel Cell for the 84 and up Citation FV.

I am planning on buying one myself, but the company would like to do a multiple run to prove the concept.

We are finalizing the details but would like to know the market that is out there.

What I am finding is that if someone has had a replacement made by another company, they might have modified the original dimensions.

I am trying to come up with a universal replacement cell that can be ordered like a catalog item, without having to send your cell in for measurement.

If you are in need or close to need for a new fuel cell, if your original foam is starting to deteriorate, or if you want to upgrade to a cell that has some resistance to ethanol, Private Message me so we can compare the dimensions.

Once the first run is done and proven, we will be able to post pictures and prices.

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/att...d=114564&stc=1

Thanks

ChrisZ
03.10.25, 1:28 PM
BLS

I believe the cell Chris is working on would also fit many other FV cars, and likely provide a bit more room for the taller among you...
03.10.25, 4:33 PM
S Lathrop

ChrisZ

I have sent a drawing to Fuel Safe for a cell like what you want. If you wish I would be happy to send you a copy of that drawing. Send me a PM with you email address and I can sent you a copy.

The order I have to place is in no big hurry to get done. But I can place the order so we get the number of cells produced up.

Also, a copy of what you have is not optimal. The cell design I have done will allow you to run the car down to about 1/2 gallon without any issues for the engine.

The drawing that I prepared for Fuel Safe is similar to the cell you have but the design for the cell that I am planning to order will fit all the Zink and Citation FV. The Z12 requires a slight change from what you have but with out the change, the cells will not fit the Zink Z12 FVs. There are many Z12s out there.

A lot of Zinks have new roll bars that allow the use of the "5 gallon wedge" cells, Modifying the roll bars and the seating position to accommodate the wedge cells I feel creates a safety hazard because the roll bar height is increased so much, and there is not the frame structure to deal with the higher loadings if the roll bar has a large longitudinal force. Also because the seating position is so erects, the CG of the car is raised enough to significantly compromise the performance and safety of the cars.
03.10.25, 10:00 PM
FVRacer21

Quote:

Originally Posted by S Lathrop

ChrisZ

I have sent a drawing to Fuel Safe for a cell like what you want. If you wish I would be happy to send you a copy of that drawing. Send me a PM with you email address and I can sent you a copy.

The order I have to place is in no big hurry to get done. But I can place the order so we get the number of cells produced up.

Also, a copy of what you have is not optimal. The cell design I have done will allow you to run the car down to about 1/2 gallon without any issues for the engine.

The drawing that I prepared for Fuel Safe is similar to the cell you have but the design for the cell that I am planning to order will fit all the Zink and Citation FV. The Z12 requires a slight change from what you have but with out the change, the cells will not fit the Zink Z12 FVs. There are many Z12s out there.

A lot of Zinks have new roll bars that allow the use of the "5 gallon wedge" cells, Modifying the roll bars and the seating position to accommodate the wedge cells I feel creates a safety hazard because the roll bar height is increased so much, and there is not the frame structure to deal with the higher loadings if the roll bar has a large longitudinal force. Also because the seating position is so erects, the CG of the car is raised enough to significantly compromise the performance and safety of the cars.

Steve,

Will send you a PM with email.

The manufacturer has a special pickup that they claim will be "good to the last drop" - or close (apologies Maxwell House :) )

I look forward to the measurements.

ChrisZ