At the risk of sounding stupid, I have a question. I've been reading anything I can get my hands on about rotarys. In doing so, I have noticed many cars running surge tanks. Even rotarys running on gas, not just alcohol. Now, I know on a large alcohol motor with huge fuel lines, a surge tank becomes needed. But why am I seeing surge tanks on rotaries that are running on gas?



Josh

 

An attempt to prevent fuel starvation from the pickup in the main tank.

 

No fuel/not enough fuel under boost = POP!

 

Are you implying that its just a factor of over engineering? Ive only noticed this trend when it concerns a rotary power fuel injected power plant. Any other FI engine fails to have the surge tank (speaking in terms of cars running 9's or slower). This is what struck my curiosity.



Josh

 

I don't know if it is a matter of over engineering or just the fact that rotaries really do not like detonation.

 

i think its just cause the fd tank pickup stinks. when you get the tank low on gas you can starve it for fuel on the stock tires

 

That would make sense. I always read about this, but dont ever happen upon pictures. I suppose that is the reasoning. I always assumed when veiwing these 9 and 10 sec cars, that they had aftermarket fuel cells WITH surge tanks.



Josh

 

Not surge tanks, sumps.

 

OK, let me rephrase that. I assume they have aftermarket fuel cells with an additional surge tank downstream of the cell. It would make sense if they are actually putting a surgetank downstream of the factory tank. Im not clear as to the situation. Thats why I had the confusion.

 

I guess Im dreaming since no one seems to relate to what Im talking about.