Fire suppression tank mounting

[knuclebuster]

Hey Guys,
  Im getting ready to purchase a firecharger foam system.  I have a few questions that you might have some answers for.  First, i want to go with the 4.6 size rather than the 2.3, to give me the best protection for me and my car.  Because I want to go with the larger bottle size, Im limited to mounting areas.  Ive seen the pictures in the previous threads and Im leaning towards mounting to the roll tubing behind the fuel cell.  However, im concerned about the distance away from the dash.  I understand the unit comes with a 6' pull cable, is that enough length to mount to the dash?  Ive also considered mounting behind the seat, above the back dash, to the two middle roll bars coming down. I think it could be mounted securly enough to not worry about it becoming a projectile in the event of a hard hit.  The bottle for the 4.6 is about 19'', too much for a floor mount in front of the seat.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated before I make the purchase!

KB

[justfreaky]

KB,

 The 6' cable should be long enough.
I would mount the bottle in the trunk area. No matter how securely you think it is mounted, a flip or roll could jar it loose. I think that mounting it lower in the chassis would be of more benefit on the paved tracks also.

Steve

[thunder938]

I installed one of these last year in a buddy's car.  We mounted the tank behind the fuel cell like in that photo, but we had to put the pull cable in the tunnel tin next to the driver.  If I remember right the cable will not make it that far after routing it nice.  Also we found that once strapped in the we had to reach to pull it.  The car I put it in has the seat as far back as it can go and both my buddy and I are tall, but it was a reach and you have to pull the pin out too.  So, it is just behind the shifter.

This was in a 37 ford sedan...

Hope that helps,

[justfreaky]

 Reach is very important.
 Something like this.

 Steve

[knuclebuster]

Thanks for the input.  I think I'll mount it behind the fuel cell, as in the picture.  I kinda figured that the 6' pull cable would be short as well.  I think I'll mount the pull handle close to the location shown in the picture.  This should give me plenty of space for the tank, plenty of cable and easy access to the pull handle.  Thanks again.
KB

[justfreaky]

Remember, when you are all strapped in your forward movement is impaired.
Sit in your seat, strap in, and find a comfortable position for your placement.
I'm sure you could order your fire system with a longer cable if necessary.

Steve

[Racinjj]

Where are you guys putting the nozzles for your systems?  I really don’t see much of a point to a fire suppression system in a Legends car.  Before you all jump all over me about this I am about the biggest safety advocate out there and have had 5lb systems in all of my stock cars.  With the extremely open cockpit in a Legends car I would think the gas wouldn’t hang around enough to do much.  I think the biggest benefit would be to put a nozzle pointed out towards the header since that’s where the fire start.

[thunder938]

On the car I did we used 3 nozzles ..
1 in the trunk area
1 on the fire wall pointed toward the header
1 on the fire wall pointed toward the carb side of the motor

The firecharger is a foam system that should  squelch the fire and keep it from restarting.  Unlike a gas type system that treats the air around the fire. Granted it will be mess to clean, but if you can walk away thats what counts..

[Racinjj]

Ah, the foam system I could see being a good option.  I have only seen the Halon gas systems for racing applications.

[thunder938]

http://www.firecharger.com

[VMS Motorsports]

I actually just finalized the deal to sell the Firecharger system. They really are the future of fire suppression, no Halon, and you can recharge them yourself  for $45.00! FYI They are no longer making the 4.6L system, just the 2.3L, but still will offer replacement parts and recharge systems for the 4.6L system

Jim

[Racinjj]

Along with your fire suppression system make sure you seal up your firewall.  I am amazed at how poorly they are sealed and the large gaps from the factory.  I made new firewalls for my cars and I am going to make sure they are 100% sealed when finished.  It really helps to keep the smoke, oil, and fire out of your face and body.

[VMS Motorsports]

Its amazing the things you check for after fire (you), or bad wreck (me). I couldn't believe my "firewall"...was held in by 4 rivets, never even thought of checking it before.

[JGRacing]

I know that anything that puts out a fire is a good thing, but will foam chemicals cause any damage to the car beyond just the cleanup? 

[thunder938]

check them out, very cool set up and is waterbased.