What's the go with SS drop tanks?

[classicdat]

I'm probably a bit older than a lot of you, so can you explain to me why you would go to all this effort please? http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver ... 3_full.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Is it just the look or is there something else going on here, is it some people's idea of cool or does it actually have some practical purpose?
I'm interested, because my understanding was these originated as long distance tanks for fuel hungry muscle, they seemed cool on a GTHO, but to me look out of place on a 12ie, and will upset the balance and functionality of the car.

[Bartman]

I think they're designed to lower the center of gravity of the mass of the fuel. BUt I too have often wondered how they might effect handling given that they transfer the weight to behind the rear axle, putting more weight into the overhang.

[nick_m]

I reckon that looks disgusting.
I originally did mine cause the car was low and the bigger diff hit the sheet metal above the diff head so had to move my fuel tank.
However mine actually sits a fraction higher than the spare wheel well used to be. Mine also isn't shiny and stainless and was going to get painted black. The added bonus was more fuel capacity up to about 55L.
I've thought about the weight thing and I think it'll be pretty negilible, Coupes have theres behind the axle plus the rear overhang on a 1200 isn't large so *should* be alright. I mean there is many a race coupe getting around the track alright

So I reckon he's just done that for wank. Not my cup of tea

Also look how low it is, its going to catch on everything, Driveways will not be fun

[DAT620]

The advantages are that the tanks can be dropped into a hostile area or used to surprise the enemy in areas tanks might not normally be.

[crustywhip]

I dont under stand that 1200. Maybe the idea sounded good at the time.
Some escorts had a factory drop tank, I always believed they were there to add capacity and so you could fill from the back with a cool hinged number plate.

[gingofthesouth]

In a race car it meant lowering the centre of gravity, setting up weight distribution differently, larger tank for endure events, smaller tank for shorter racers, easier to adjust filling position.

All drop tanks for cert (at least here in NZ) have top be baffled. This reduces slosh and helps handling/cornering and fuel supply when running a bit low.


Drop tanks originate from Airplane use. First used in the spanish civil war it meant they could fly longer and jettison the tanks when empty and switch to their internal tanks. It was used so that they could keep the main fuselage light for manoeuvrability etc.

I have one in my car but that is because the guy who built my car for racing around Taupo decided it needed one. But he did the worst installation job ever. Even the inlet was a hash job.

I would have removed it completely if I could find a decent standard fuel tank and a tyre well to install back in.