How does a Fuel Surge Tank work?
How does a Fuel Surge Tank / Swirl pot work? - the most frequent question we get!
Looking for information on how to build an aftermarket fuel system for your high-performance race car, whether it's putting out 400hp or 1600hp? A Fuel Surge Tank is a crucial component, and many people have questions about how it works.
We've compiled all the answers and information you need to understand the setup of a stable fuel system for maximum power output in various race car models. Get the answers you need by exploring our comprehensive guide.
What is the main reason to use a Fuel Surge Tank within a fuel system?
The main feature of an aftermarket fuel surge tank is its ability to maintain a consistent supply of fuel to the engine during high-performance driving conditions. The fuel surge tank ensures that there is enough fuel available for the high-pressure fuel pumps providing fuel to the engine. This helps to prevent fuel starvation and ensure that the engine always has a steady flow of fuel, even during high-performance driving scenarios that can cause the main fuel tank to slosh.
How does the fuel flow within a fuel system?
Grasping the flow of fuel in a contemporary fuel system with a built-in surge tank is critical for utilizing a Fuel Surge Tank effectively. The fuel tank stores the fuel and the fuel pump sends the fuel to the engine from the fuel tank. The fuel is then used by the engine and any excess fuel is sent back to the fuel tank. This flow is regulated by the fuel pressure regulator, which ensures the right amount of fuel is delivered to the injectors. In high-performance driving conditions, the fuel can slosh around in the fuel tank and cause starvation, leading to inconsistent fuel delivery to the engine. To mitigate this, a fuel surge tank can be installed to maintain a consistent flow of fuel to the engine, even during high performance.
What is the purpose of a fuel surge tank?
A fuel surge tank unit is an additional fuel storage device installed in a vehicle to improve fuel delivery and prevent fuel starvation during high-performance driving conditions. It operates by redirecting excess fuel from the main fuel tank to the surge tank during periods of high demand and then drawing from the surge tank back into the engine during periods of low demand. This helps to maintain a consistent supply of fuel to the engine, even during high-performance driving conditions that can cause the main fuel tank to slosh and starve the engine of fuel.
How does it maintain a consistent supply of fuel to the engine during high-performance driving conditions?
The fuel surge tank maintains a steady flow of fuel to the engine by utilizing the supply fuel pump located in the main fuel tank. This pump continually fills the surge tank, keeping it overfilled. Any excess fuel is then redirected back into the main fuel tank. Additionally, when the engine is idle, any unused fuel is also sent back to the surge tank. With a capacity of 3 liters, the oversized surge tank can sustain high-performance driving, even in motorsports, without the supply fuel pump becoming exhausted. As soon as the supply pump has fuel again, it will continue to fill the surge tank.
What is a fuel cell surge tank unit, such as the Nuke Performance CFC Unit, and does it replace the need for an external surge tank?
The Nuke Performance CFC Unit is an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for an external surge tank and offers the convenience of a drop-in solution. To utilize the Nuke Performance CFC Unit, a fuel cell with a 24-bolt pattern fill plate is required. This design streamlines the fuel system, reducing the need for external components, and making it lightweight, simple to install, and safe for motorsports use.
Flow chart for Fuel Surge Tank with external fuel pumps:
Example of how to set up an aftermarket fuel system, including a Fuel Surge Tank for external fuel pumps.
Take notice of the different colored flow marks.
Parts for fuel surge tank installation with external fuel pumps:
-
€ 584,38 -
from € 177,50 -
€ 93,13 -
€ 373,75 -
from € 69,38 -
from € 81,25 -
from € 184,38
Flow chart for Fuel Surge Tank with internal fuel pumps:
Example of how to set up an aftermarket fuel system, including a Fuel Surge Tank with internal fuel pumps.
Take notice of the different colored flow marks.
Parts for fuel surge tank installation with internal fuel pumps:
-
€ 584,38 -
€ 584,38 -
€ 584,38 -
from € 177,50
-
€ 373,75
-
€ 93,13
Flow chart for CFC Unit, Fuel Cell Surge Tank Unit with internal fuel pumps:
Example of how to set up an aftermarket fuel system, including a CFC Unit, the Nuke Performance fuel cell surge tank unit with internal fuel pumps.
Take notice of the different colored flow marks.
Parts for fuel cell surge tank unit installation using internal fuel pumps:
-
€ 806,25 -
€ 806,25 -
€ 861,25 -
from € 408,75 -
from € 1545,00 -
from € 1042,50 -
from € 177,50
-
€ 373,75
Flow chart for Fuel Surge Tank with a dead end fuel system:
Example of how to set up an aftermarket fuel system, including a Fuel Surge Tank with internal fuel pumps when using a dead-end fuel system.
Take notice of the different colored flow marks.
Parts for fuel surge tank installation for internal fuel pumps using a dead-end fuel system:
-
€ 584,38
-
€ 584,38
-
€ 584,38
-
€ 373,75
-
from € 177,50
How does it work?
By using the flow in your fuel system the surge tank will be constantly filled with fuel. The lift-fuel pump will provide fuel from your fuel tank or fuel cell while the excess fuel returned from the Fuel Pressure Regulator is circulated back into the surge tank. These two flows generate a constant supply of fuel under any conditions, even if the fuel delivery from the fuel tank or fuel cell is reduced due to starvation during low fuel level or extreme conditions.
Our Fuel Surge Tanks / Swirl Pots works as a buffer providing an inexpensive insurance policy to protect your engine and minimizes the risk of fuel loss.
Providing a constant level of fuel increases your chance to take advantage of all the power your engine delivers. If the fuel supply suddenly fails, there are high chances that your engine will take a lot of damage, especially at high power outputs and at high rpm´s.
The combination of products creates the fuel system…
Knowing which products to choose has never been easier. We are proud to offer a wide selection of high quality products for your fuel system, whether you´re vehicle has 200 hp or 2000 hp.
All our products are designed and manufactured to maintain the highest quality and live up to the reputation we have gained in the market worldwide.
Our product line ranges from a Universal Bracket for fuel pumps and fuel filters, to one of the absolute best Fuel Pressure Regulators you can find on the market today. We also offer unique FST-kits that are ready to adjust your fuel system, our FST in combination with the most commonly used fuel pumps from major manufacturers such as Bosch, Walbro, AEM & Deatschwerks.
Which fuel pump should I use?
The number of fuel pumps on the market has increased significantly in recent years. They have different characteristics, different flow per hour and are designed for a more precise power output than earlier models/versions. Choose carefully and find out as much as possible about the fuel pumps – For more information, use the manufacturer´s websites or contact your local dealer.
We have chosen to design our Fuel Surge Tank kits to work with some of the most common used fuel pumps on the market, fuel pumps that we know work satisfactory and are of good quality. We offer complete kits designed for single or dual use of Bosch 040, Walbro GSS341 & GST450 and Deatschwerks DW200, DW301 and the new DW400 with extreme performance. We also offer a complete kit for using one our two externally mounted Bosch 044 or other likewise in-line fuel pumps.