10 replies to this topic

[B(Kuch)Kucera45]

Ok I looked back and found a couple of topics on fire suppression systems that are kind of old.

I was just wondering what your thoughts are on the spa and ess systems which one you like and why ?

I would like to get a fire system in the car now that my son is racing.

And does anyone have one laying around that they want to get rid of before I buy a new one ?

[av8tor]

I know we don't have a whole lot of fires in SM, sorta like having to wear a parachute in a Pitts, but one that someone had laying around would not be my first pick.  When you decide on the type of system, it is really convenient if you can get it serviced locally.  I really like gas systems as opposed to AFFF, Because of the post fire cleanup.

[wheel]

Suggest that, even if you go to a full on-board system, you also keep a hand-held in the car.  The on-board won't help if you blow a motor and light the grass on fire under the car.  

wheel

[davew]

Most of the fires have seen around Spec Miatas are not in the car. They are grass fires, spilled fuel fires, brake cleaner that got ignited, etc. The handheld will work on these occasions.

 

I agree with brother Jim, keep the handheld also.

 

dave

The other wheeler

[chris haldeman]

I will 3rd the handheld. I install a handheld extinguisher in every car. Twice already the handheld from my car has been used to put out a fire for somebody else. Not only at the track but at the shop it is nice to know there is something close by for fire control. The exact situation described above happen at the January NASA race in Houston. Engine expired in grand fasion with oil igniting under the car. Driver pulled off track and promptly started a grass fire. With no handheld in the car he couldn't help but watch as the flames engulfed the car. Race was red flagged , and the car was heavily damaged. On board system was activated but did nothing to help. Simple hand held would have worked in this situation

[Mark]

Yes on the hand held for sure. For the in car systems I prefer ESS over SPA due to the ease in refilling the bottle. The ESS refill is a 75 diy kit. The SPA bottle needs a certified dealer to refill at about 250 a pop. This is for the electronically activated system, the manually activated system may be less. Even in So Cal these places are not on every corner. I do like that the SPA kits that I have installed have 6 nozzles though.

 

Mark

[DavidNJ]

Does anyone use systems with an automatic thermostatic trigger? I've seen bottles with just a thermostatic trigger run next to the fuel cell (I had one on my oval track car) and dual manual/thermostatic activation inside the car. The fuel cell one was to stop fires from a post-crash leak where the driver may not see the fire and responds quicker than the safety crews. The dual system works when the driver may not be conscious or aware after the crash.

 

Is it common in other classes to also carry a handheld in addition to an automatic system?

[Diller]

 

 

Is it common in other classes to also carry a handheld in addition to an automatic system?

 

From what I have seen in the paddock, yes. Many cars from other classes have both systems

[Mark McCallister]

I just had my mechanical SPA 4L AFFF system serviced for $185 (including return shipping). Plus $20-ish to UPS it to them.  Service is required every 2 years, so it's about a $100/yr expense.  They always replace the dip tube and send me back the old one for inspection (and I agree, it needs to be replaced along with the foam every two years).  I think one of the reasons I chose the SPA was having 6 nozzles instead of 4 (2 in engine bay, 3 in cockpit, 1 over fuel tank/lines), but I suspect in the real world it wouldn't make much difference. 

 

In a perfect world I would have a 3M Novec 1230 system in addition to AFFF, but they are crazy expensive.  One thing about the gas systems, while the cleanup and damage is less, they only work as long as the gas stays in/on/around the car.  I think the coverage is probably better initially than the foam, but foam stays there hopefully on top of any fuel, whereas once the gas blows away, a flame-up can happen again.  Hopefully you are long gone by then.

 

And I would definitely say having a handheld in the car is every bit as important as the system.

[Chris D.]

Wow, very useful thread.   I plan to add a fire suppression system soon as well.   But, I never considered keeping a handheld in place as well.  Never would have thought of that, but it sounds like a good plan to me.   

[B(Kuch)Kucera45]

Thanks guys that's the information I was looking for before I spend $500 on a system only to regret it down the line.