Fire Extinguisher

The fire ex is an affection. It is like putting a parachute on the back of a muscle car. Or a hobby bicyclist wearing a jersey covered with advertisements like a professional racer. Or a hobby racer putting race product stickers all over his ride as if he were being paid for advertising. I love it. If it makes you feel cool, why not. Women copy the clothes of starlets and feel great. Men copy the clothes of stars and feel empowered. One time I took my 360 to Lime Rock for an FCA event and I drove home with the numbers on the side of my car. I loved it - should have kept them longer. My car was a track car. I had the chops to drive on a track.

 

You are of course entitled to your opinion, Doug, but I think you are completely wrong. By the way, its "affectation."

 

But my subjunctive case was right? Of course it is just an opinion, never meant it for anything more. If no one could post an opinion there would be a darth (dark lord of the Sith Order) of comments.

Actually too harsh, you did not say anything against my posting an opinion, you just disagreed. Respect that.

 

Probably, Doug. English is a 2nd language to me, so sorry for the correction.

 

MY GT3 came from the factory with a very large fire extinguisher, which you can just see here. This is the European version.
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Someone can correct or expand on this, but I believe some countries in the Middle East, Asia and even the EU require a fire extinguisher (and a spare tire, first aid kit, triangle reflector. safety vest, et al), hence many European cars offer factory options.

For people who DE their cars, many organizers encourage, or require, a "properly mounted" extinguisher on board.

Realistically, an hand-held extinguisher will be of marginal value for anything but a minor fire; that's why (sanctioned) race cars often have fully plumbed, large-capacity fire systems covering the cockpit, engine compartment and fuel cell (note the word "cell", not "tank"). Also, the purpose is not to "save the car" (though it can), but to allow extra time to get the occupants out. (there are also external triggers).

However, stuff happens, having a bit of safety gear is usually better than having none, especially if there are lives or injuries at stake....

BTW the seat-rail mounting works great. You can have your upholstery shop make a nice cover so it looks nicer and is more comfortable. Just make sure it's installed properly, otherwise you'll have a 3kg metal missile inside the car in an impact.

 

Yes, you are right, Entropy. There is a similar pitch, well grounded, in the 206/246 forum for a plumbed-in system. I had plumbed-in systems for my Lotus Elan, which I raced, and also my Lotus 23. I'd like to do that for my 246, even if just for the engine compartment (but that's for another forum).

Best,

Andres

 

Andres, do you have a fire extinguisher in your stratos?

 

LMAO

as silly as i think it is, given the fire reports on early italias i won't make a joke

in fact it might be a good idea if you don't have one already in your home

 

I do, Nikolay. I posted a photo for you in the 206/246 forum so as not to derail this thread.

Regards,

Andres

 

Agree fully with this ... as a rally official I followed some courses on fire problems. Worked on real wrecks ...

Your extinguisher will not stop / prevent a petrol burn in the car at all ... it's expensive make-up imo.

 

Hi,

I really like the way your Fire Extinguisher look, who makes it and where can I find one please.

Thanks,
Zaid

 

My understanding is that, for example in the F430 Spider, the hydraulic lines that feed the Spider Convertible top, were affected by heat from the headers. Over time, and not a lot of time was needed, the hoses would spawn a leak which would spray onto the headers which, due to the how hot our engines run, we have seen the orange light from them at night, would burst into flames.

As a result Ferrari came out with an aluminum tray that fit under the convertible top hoses to prevent leaks from falling on top of the hot headers.

Even if it is rare, standing aside watching such a small initial fire turn into one which consumes my car without a fire extinguisher that could have easily prevented it is not a day I want to happen... I would much rather have my car on a tow truck headed home because of a small fire than to the junk yard.

 

Agreed, most fires start small and are easily contained if you have the correct tools available. With limited space in a Ferrari cabin having a big bottle can be cumbersome and putting an extinguisher in the frunk looses too much time in an emergency. Luckily our Element Fire Extinguisher is small enough to fit in the glovebox of a modern Ferrari and will discharge for 5 times longer than a traditional fire extinguisher without making any mess to clean up.

Better still its MADE IN ITALY just down the road from Pininfarina

More info available at www.elementfire.com

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Ditto: The OEM fire extinguisher on my Scud lasted only three years and quickly became dead weight. Great to see alternatives.

 

Only USA and Canada, how about Australia ?

 

I believe it has different names but is the same thing in different countries. Eg I bought this in the UK
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Correct. Element is a brand exclusive to North and South America. It is sold under different brands in other parts of the world but is the same product. In the UK is is Fire Safety Stick and in Australia it is Fire Stryker

 

In France a fire extinguisher is required for some track days.
Mine is an FIA approved one , installation uses existing screw holes on the central tunnel, and longer screws.
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