How big is the gas tank in a Z? The book says 20 gallons but, the gas gauge shows differently. I have put gas in my car with the gas light on and it only takes 14 gallons. I am trying to run it as empty as possible for an autocross this weekend. However, I don't want to run out on the way there.

 

It really is 20 gallons. When my trip computer shows ---- on DTE I still have 3-3.5 gallons left. When I go racing I drive around on ---- for a good 50 miles, then run at the track (1/4) a few times, then drive a few miles to the gas station and I still have only put 18.5 gallons in at most. I guess they make the gas light come on early so people dont ever run out.

 

Make sure that you have at least 1/4 tank of fuel in the car. Otherwise, you will suffer some fuel starvation in right hand turns.

-Rob

 

I have not noticed any fuel starvation problems in the 2 years I have been autocrossing the car. I have raced a couple of times with the fuel light on.

 

Is that is what that little yellow light is for!

I thought it was an indicator that the fuel level was just right for the three fastest runs!

 

The fuel gauge will adjust the reading level to your current driving, so if you are at the track for a session, it will project how much fuel you have left based on your driving. Once you turn off the car, it resets itself.

For AutoXing, you shouldn't encounter any problems, but with road racing, you may be in a very long turn that has sustained lateral g's...

Depends on the track. At VIR, if I have less than 8-8.5 gallons in the tank, I have fuel starvation halfway down the straight as a result of T17(long sustained right hander for those of you who don't know the track).

 

Ditto... Any long right hander followed by a straight has caused this for me...

Wonder if I can squeeze an accusump (can they be used for fuel?) somewhere...

ahm

 

Adam, what left hander have you had problems with? How much fuel did you have at the time?

 

its right handers - fuel pump/pickup is on passenger (right side). T10 at Summit does it on anything less than 3/8 tank (when the motor is started before a session). The downhill right onto the front straight at lime rock as well - i think the elevation change magnifies the effect. Basically, I try not to get below 1/2 a tank before going out for a session. With my turbo going on, I'm actually pretty concerned about this (going lean + FI ==BOOM), and seriously considering doing something like an accusump (some form of accumulator) to prevent starvation.

ahm

 

Happens to me down the back straight at MO which has a long right hander (Key Hole) before the straight. Maybe autoXers don't experience it??

 

It's very rare that autocross courses have long turns, and even more rare that we have long straightaways afterwards.

 

I've done as many as 8 Solo2 run with the light on (all in one day) - no issues. In fact, the car seems to run faster.

20 Gallons eh? That's about 75 liters. The most I've had to fill was for 72. I figured it was a 70 liter tank with a couple of liters going into the filler neck or something.

 

I've never gotten fuel starve during an auto-x, Most of the time after an event I fill up 18-19 gallons. I try to get to the event with the trip gauge saying 0 miles to empty.

 

I run my car on empty, autocrossed the hell out of it and have never had any starvation issues. The most gas I've ever had to put in the car was 19.3 gallons, twice I've gone that low. At nationals this year I plan on having to put gas in the car between thursday/friday runs.

 

Thats funny I run a full tank of gas during an autocross, on purpose. Just like the way the car feels with a full tank.

 

We're giving up over 200lbs to the RX-8s, so I drop as much weight as I can. Call me silly, and most of you will, but at Nationals I'll be draining my windshield wiper fluid...

 

I've also had fuel pickup issues after turn 10 down the front straight at Brainerd and at Road America after the carousel and kink. I try not to go below a half tank.

 

Don't forget to drain your xenon light fluid as well...

 

Posted this exact problem over two years ago here:
http://www.ntechengineering.com/inde...n=update092803
Our fix was a major fuel system upgrade/change. We run two pumps, braided stainless lines, and two fuel returns from the fuel pressure regulator we use... No more problems.

 

My 03 is getting progressively worse for this - lately the E light comes on and I only put in 13 gallons or so - used to be about 16. Annoying.