After reading an episode about an engine fire (the husband/wife airshow team), I researched the VAF forum to discover that someone had done some extensive testing of firewall insulation material. He soon realized that any insulation should be on the engine side of the firewall. Spun ceramic insulation 1/8" to 1/4" thick covered by a thin stainless steel foil can take on a 2000F engine fire and protect the structure and people behind the firewall long enough to get on the ground. As the old saying goes, "Your mileage may vary"!
I've set out to find the materials to insulate the firewall. These will consist of 0.002" stainless steel foil, ceramic insulation, stainless steel rivets, stainless steel washers, and hi-temp 3M Fire Barrier 2000 caulking. There should be no insulation on the cockpit side of the firewall to create smoke or toxic fumes!
