How does methanol injection work

Yet it never seemed to catch on as a mainstream power adder in the hot rodding world—until now. This magical mixture allows for more ignition timing, increases boost capability in supercharged or turbocharged applications, lowers air intake temperature, and provides an additional source of very high-octane fuel—all without increasing the chance of damaging detonation.

Methanol is a high octane fuel that is also extremely resistant to detonation. The cooler, denser intake charge reduces the chances of detonation even as the high-octane methanol boosts power. Reduced chance of detonation: the lower intake charge temperatures created by the methanol and water mean less chance for engine-damaging detonation. Built-in engine maintenance: in some cases, the atomized water effectively steam cleans the valves, valve seats, and even the piston tops and intake, reducing carbon buildup.

Why is methanol used? Methanol is a very high-octane fuel that is extremely resistant to detonation. Its high latent heat of vaporization also makes it an excellent air charge cooler which means a denser mixture and more horsepower. Because of these characteristics, it suppresses detonation more effectively than ethanol or iso-propanol. What type of power gains can I expect? Boost can often be increased five or more psi. By Chance McClurkin, of Devilsown. But generally, gains of hp and as many lb-ft of torque are common, making methanol injection one of the best bang-for-the-buck power upgrades for your car.

With most aftermarket parts there's always the possibility of damage, but not if the unit is installed and used properly. As long as the injection system is working properly, it can only do good things. Since the water and methanol will help dissolve carbon buildup, it can keep your spark plugs, valves, and combustion chambers very clean, too.

Yes, but you will not be able to take advantage of the octane-boosting properties of methanol, thus you will get cooling from the water, but no increase in octane. Without methanol, you may not make as much power. Generally, it's used when someone needs more octane or is having problems with detonation. The most important issue is proper nozzle sizing. It's far too common that people go off the "if a little is good, more is better" mentality-which is why we recommend a ratio of water and methanol.

The motor can only ingest so much water in the combustion chambers before it loses horsepower. At minimum, you should have some sort of engine management that can be tuned to adjust timing, boost, and fuel curves to compensate for the octane boost and cooling effects.

You do not need an aftermarket intake, exhaust, intercooler, or strengthened internals. Although, with more supporting mods, more power can be made. Why not use the factory windshield wiper pump? Pressures lower than that will reduce the cooling effects, since the larger droplets exiting the low-pressure pump reduce total surface area, and will cause little to no gain in performance. A larger tank should be considered if boost pressures of over nine psi are utilized in road racing, where a two-quart tank will run dry in as few as five to six two-mile laps.

Under normal street use in a hp car, a two-quart tank will usually last about miles. Most wiper fluids contain some sort of glycol or detergent that can clog your nozzle. We recommend our proprietary methanol blend: Devilsown Brew. Not only does methanol improve your fuel quality, it will also give you a better intercooling effect in the inlet tract. Denatured alcohol can be used, but we strongly advise our customers to use methanol for better, more consistent performance.

Systems for superchargers or large turbo setups will deliver methanol at 50 percent of peak boost. Positive-displacement superchargers or fast-spooling turbos should inject meth at or near peak boost.

Water Methanol Injection - More Boost! On a turbocharged vehicle, the nozzle goes into the pipe just before the throttle body. How to mix Methanol and water by Terry Gambler. Matt M. Read full bio. What do you think? Car Finder:. Model: Model. Active filters:. About Us. Contact Us. Automotive journalist job.