24 replies to this topic

[1994alex]

Am i right in thinking that the right hand side is the same as the left but the fuel thing is in a different place?

[Cooperman]

The cars which had the twin tanks had a 5.5 gallon LH tank. The RH tank is a handed tank, but not quite a 'mirror image'of the LH one. The filler neck is in exactly the same position as it is on the other side and the tanks are joined by a pipe making the tanks self-levelling.
With a total fuel capacity of 11 gallons and at a fuel consumption of around 12 mpg on rally stages and 20 mpg on the road sections that gave sufficient range. The single 5.5 gallon was a real problem as 60 miles of rally stage as a range was a bit 'minimal' to put it mildly.

[1994alex]

So if i wanted a right hand tank I could use a left hand tank and just swap all the parts around?

[Cooperman]

It is possible to modify a LH tank to fit on the RH side, but it's a messy job, not easy and not particularly nice when done. It involves welding a petrol tank - not really advised.
You really do need a proper RH tank with a fitting kit to do the job correctly. They ain't cheap either.

[1994alex]

I will have to start looking for one then

[Cooperman]

Twin 5.5 gallon tanks are fine, but for normal motoring the single later-type 7.5 gallon is normally sufficient as road Mini will normally do 35+ MPG as a minimum. So allowint 1/2 gallon reserve, 7 galls. gives 245 miles useable range.
Now, rallying an 'S' with 11 gallons at say 12 mpg and leaving a 1 gallon reserve will give only 120 miles and that can be a bit tight on some events.
Why do you need such a very long range? It always best to run with as little fuel in the car as possible to save weight and improve performance. It is surprising how much slower the car goes with 11 gallons of petrol in is as that weights about 110 lbs which is 50 kg. You sure notice the additional weight after brimming wto 11 gallons!

[minimarco]

Just get the filler neck and cap if you like the look.

[Cooperman]

Just get the filler neck and cap if you like the look.

Poseur

[1994alex]

I was thinking about having twin tanks in my next project thats the reason for asking

[AndyMiniMad.]

Ive been Down In Ft William all week...The sun was shining for a change so I decided to go for a walk up Ben Nevis...I could of done with twin tanks myself!! Thats quite a climb...but the views were great....