Fire Suppression Systems??

[jimw427]

I am looking to purchase a fire suppression system for my Cobra, the question is which one and why? Years ago Halon was the only way to go, from what I see recently that is not longer the case. I have also been looking into the Fire Freeze, and the Firecharger system that is a foam but is self rechargeable.

Just looking for information drawing from this vast body of knowledge and experience. Which do you feel is the best in-car system and where to purchase it.

Thanks for the help......Jim

[Ron61]

Jim,

I have the one that is easy to clean up but it has been so long since I saw my car that I can't even remember which one it was. I believe mine was some kind of foam or a mixture and after abut 15 minutes you could just wipe it off the carpets if there were any left. Some of the guys with newer cars will know more than me about which is best. To me any one that will work and protect you long enough to get out of the car is good. And if you plan to race it will have to meet the inspection standards.

Ron

[mrmustang]

Stay away from the halon based ones as the gas is meant for enclosed area to rob the flames of it's fuel source (oxygen)....In an open cockpit car such as the Cobra, this just does not work well. I used to sell the Coldfire (Firefreeze) systems and still use them personally. I can hook you up with a distributor if you like.............


Bill S.

[jimw427]

mrmustang, that would be great if you could hook me up with a distributor in my area, Batesville. Indiana, zip is 47006.

Thanks.....Jim

[undy]

Here's mine I installed last month..

[Smokingcobra2]

Had Halon on my boat. Did a good job as it was enlcosed, BUT still had fibergalss damage. Wish i let it burn, caused more trouble with burned wires.
As for my Cobra it can melt to the ground and i will buy a new one. Being a volunteer fireman, fibrglass melts and even a small fire cause's major electical and plastic dmamage.
joeg

[jimw427]

What are everones thoughts as far as a fire suppression system being a necessary safety feature?

[Ronbo]

On a street lo-po sled your chances of vehicle fire are pretty slim...

However on a high vibration, exposed oil line race car like the Cobra I see no reason to skimp on anything saftey related. Another thing to consider is at high speeds it takes that much longer to get the car stopped and get everyone out, grab the extinguisher, get the hood open...

BTW I don't consider the engine bay system enough, you should still have a hand extinguisher. (if anything to help to help the other guy get his car put out)

[Ron61]

I don't know what your track rules are but up here you are required to have a fire suppression system and they also prefer that you have a hand held bottle too, but that is not mandatory to pass inspection.

Ron

[undy]

In addition, my hand-held extinguisher is in the trunk too. The fixed system is intended to "knock" the flames down initially and the hand-held unit will povide any needed flame "clean up". It's about as safe as I can get .... with a little racer bling to boot. Some people think it's nitrous and understand very liitle about fixed extinguishing systems (just don't see them much on street machines) Total investment was around $700, small potatoes compared to other things.

The fixed system has nozzles on both sides of the intake, forward installed. In each nozzle are 3 orifices, providing a 120 deg spray pattern on each side. This should do good with snuffing anything out. One needs to make sure the engine's off along with any cooling fan(s) to prevent evacuating the smothering gas. The other 120 deg nozzle is under the dash, spraying all under the dash electrics/electronics with an orifice dumping in the driver's footwell. I did a good bit of research prior to purcase and installation.

Dave