Gary, you mean like this one? just kidding... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yep, that's it! Just make sure the system NEVER gets plummed into the cockpit, as Halon absorbs oxygen, and it will kill you. I have seen a number of installations in cars this way. Very tragic that some one dies because of not being able to breathe, which has nothing to do with a fire. Gary Bobileff
Not even then if it is halon. The race cars I have seen with in cockpit nozzles use non-halon systems.
I remember guys were putting fire systems in these cars back in the mid 1980s. I almost bought one then but when I asked why this was on the car it changed my mind. You have to admit this is really is a crazy design if it's this prone to catching fire. The other possible choice instead of Halon and it's newer substitutes are some of the newer non-toxic/non-corrosive foams (not AFFF). A bit messier to clean up but the fire won't flash up again. It's what replaced that horrifically corrosive AFFF that was in my track car. Bob S.
As bad as that may seem it doesn't look all that bad. I've seen far worse fires in Lambos. How much does it cost to install a Halon type system in a CT? I might get that done since most of my joy rides will now include my 2 year old son.
The best fire suppression system IMO is made by S.p.A Systems. The ones I use have no stored pressure but generate fire suppression when fired. This is the only system that's legal or safe to ship by air or even technically on some roads. The components are carbon fiber. Gary is quite right about older fuel systems.
The pressurized bottle is a bit of a safety issue in itself but the downside of using the corrosive, messy AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) make it undesirable for a high value road car IMO. The SPA Design system does employ a pressurized CO2 cartridge to activate. I would prefer a "clean agent" system using Halon 1211 or FE-36. Regardless of which type of system is employed it becomes another maintenance item that will need to be regularly inspected and serviced. Considering the minimal amount of actual use that many of these cars get it is easy for something that hopefully will never be needed to get neglected. These systems are a "one-shot" deal, pull the handle and the bottle discharges completely. This makes any practice or testing problematic as the bottle needs to be replaced after use.
SPA makes systems that don't use pressurised gas to activate: "using a military spec pyrotechnic device to evacuate the contents (pyrotechnic devices are ideal where a pressurised container cannot be used such as aviation applications or where air transportation is required on a regular basis."
So instead of a pressurized container a pyrotechnic device causes the discharge as in a low grade kind of a bomb? Sonds interesting but how exactly is this safer?
It doesn't have to be AFFF. That really reduces the horrific maintenance issues. You can get these systems re-charged by some local fire departments. They also won't suffocate you or a small child in a Countach with the windows closed. Yup it's one shot and requires a recharge afterwards but if you discharge the entire Halon tank you do have to recharge that as well. The Halon isn't as good at preventing re-ignition though. There are trade offs for every system. Keeping the car in tip top shape should be the first priority.
I know the Owner of the Car. It was stored away a long Time in St. Gallen when it buyed from a Doctor, who Restored the Car at the local Ferrari dealer. Ray is right, it was the first drive of the Car.
Because it's designed to Mil Specs. and won't go off falsely when placed in low PSI environments such as aircraft or being air shipped. The controlled device is well within the structural capacity of the fire system. There are two issues here. Owning/Driving a Miura without making the modifications Gary spoke of and fire systems. As I air ship often the system I referenced is best for me.
