Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverback51
I'm curious about the statement regarding plumbed systems. While I agree a plumbed system cannot be aimed, they are used on a lot of race cars and seem to function there. And specifically on the NHRA Funny Cars with their systems.
Am I'm missing something Jim?
|
Hi John,
Fixed systems in race cars are designed only to protect the driver. They really don't protect the car. Total discharge time on those sytems is typically only a few seconds (and that's with a large bottle and very few nozzles). That knocks the fire down long enough to get the car stopped and to get out. The only funny cars I've seen that didn't burn to the ground were blower explosions which typically blow themselves out. Any kind of an
oil leak/fire, kiss the car goodbye.
On a street driven car, there are several instances where a fixed system would be useless. The above mentioned
oil leak fire, a gas fed fire, a brake fire, an electrical fire and any fire where there isn't a nozzle. All the systems I've seen are a "deluge system" where once activated, all nozzles discharge. That means your bottle will empty immediately, since nozzles away from the fire discharge as well.
If you want the "race car" look, install one of those systems (and have good insurance) but if you really want to protect your car, get a Halon type AND a dry chemical extinguisher and know how to use them.
Jim