Methanol Injection install and results

[675430VME]

I was overseas for work while the shop did the work so I really didn't feel any time without my car, absolutely 0% was DIY other than ordering the parts lol. I think anyone handy could install the methanol kit there are many videos online on how to do it. The only gotcha parts are installing the tank and supporting it in the trunk, then drilling a line for the lines from the tank to the pump, or power and lines for the pump depending on where you want to install the pump. The parts were ~$1.5 (meth kit from Burger + Weistec charge pipe + Snow Performance Tank). Then my shop probably got another $2k in random parts...I wanted full easy disconnects, specific colored reinforced fluid lines, hidden pump, a different pump from the kit, fittings, etc. Then labor was the big part of the cost probably another $6K? hard to break out they were doing other stuff too. Again I wanted a completely hidden system besides the tank that is 100% reversible and there is absolutely no reason to take the car apart down to the frame to hide everything like they did, that's just me being picky - DIY could be installed pretty quickly in a day or two depending on your OCD levels.
You'll need some way to log and tune for the methanol so probably send your ECU back and forth from tuner along with log pulls, or if it's JB4 the whole new tune can be done remotely. No issues after installation other then fine tuning settings on the JB4 and tune. It's pretty simple stuff when it's installed correctly, you just have to live with it for a period of time to decide what conditions you want the spray to come on (boost, throttle, etc) and then some ability to log and see what the car is doing. Worth it! I just don't trust pump gas in general and on these hi strung motors cooling and antiknock insurance is great to have.

I believe Boomgear's recent installation of the methanol kit is without drilling any holes for the tank nor the lines going to the pump etc. Maybe next time I am there I will take some pictures.

 

[Kaz]

I believe Boomgear's recent installation of the methanol kit is without drilling any holes for the tank nor the lines going to the pump etc. Maybe next time I am there I will take some pictures.

Yeah there's a way to snake everything I just asked for specific locations. Super cool to hear they are doing meth installation! helps so much with charge temps and heat soaking.

 

[TurboTambo]

I think Ryan is selling the whole kit for 3000 - 3300 USD.

That's actually good value. Hmmm...

 

[lynchy73]

I've never sprayed only water, I've heard of spraying the radiators/intercoolers with water when they are heat soaked but for injection might as well use meth water mixture. While it's possible I've never heard or seen of fire risks since water methanol mixtures are not (or less) flammable. The premixed solution I use is 51% water and is not flammable. They are pretty simple systems and again I've never seen or heard of fire risks from them. Using only methanol is not as effective as water+meth for cooling and water only has drawbacks also. Also look into where you will be spraying it should be after the supercharger - I don't know the V6 packaging at all it might be little tight, or someone might have already figure out where to place the nozzle after the intercooler

Thanks again for the info. I have an I4 myself. Very tempted to go this route. I have a track car (not the Emira) and 1 of the cars in our team is highly tuned and runs methanol injection for cooling. Apparently they use 100% methanol and the guys are pretty nervous about it.

I’ll be doing the uprated charge cooler setup on my Emira, so the water/meth injection would be integrated into that.

 

[Tracked Emira]

Thanks again for the info. I have an I4 myself. Very tempted to go this route. I have a track car (not the Emira) and 1 of the cars in our team is highly tuned and runs methanol injection for cooling. Apparently they use 100% methanol and the guys are pretty nervous about it.

I’ll be doing the uprated charge cooler setup on my Emira, so the water/meth injection would be integrated into that.

When will you be doing this install? Please post when you get it completed

 

[lynchy73]

When will you be doing this install? Please post when you get it completed

Not sure yet. I’m doing a major suspension upgrade and that’s adding up… I figure I will either do the meth/water kit in about a month, otherwise it will be next year sometime. Final goal is full on I4 track weapon with carbon seats, race suspension, 500bhp plus with upgraded cooling and aero. It’s gonna add up

 

[Lotus F1]

So what the latest and best way to add meth. Why is preferred over using a E30 mix

 

[TurboTambo]

So what the latest and best way to add meth. Why is preferred over using a E30 mix

My understanding is that using the meth injection you'll only inject as you need (maybe this is better for the fuel lines and seals, etc ?!?!?! not sure). It's also easier to get the correct ratio each time. It is pretty much impossible to know how much fuel is actually left in the tank to get the correct ratio. Plus the water in the mix helps with cooling.

 

[Kaz]

So what the latest and best way to add meth. Why is preferred over using a E30 mix

JB4 offers a super convenient way to use methanol because the actual JB4 module can also control their methanol controller. Normally, you use a system like Snow Performance (I have moved to Snow Performance and have used them before) that contains the methanol tank, the pump, the lines, fittings, and the controller. The controller is fed sensor signals like boost and/or throttle. You program the methanol controller to start spraying at X boost, and climb to Y boost (for example). What this does is add methanol only when you need it so your methanol tank can be small and fit in your trunk for example...mine is 2.5 gallons. I get around two tanks of gas before I have to refill the 2.5 gallon methanol tank, it's just based on your right foot.

Then the second part is, you need to tune for this added fuel that is cooling and adding octane to your fuel mixture. Typically you add timing and boost to take advantage of this new environment your engine sees. It's basically now getting race gas and very cold intake temperatures. The only way to tune our cars for this right now is with the JB4 system and ECU tuning (China) and soon US with Inokinetic and VF and others. Typically you end up with something that looks like an E85 tune, or a race gas tune...with the added benefit of cold intake tempts from the meth spray.

This is different than an E30 tune because you just use pump gas (91 or 93), and can use any pump gas (91 or 93) without also having to find E85/E30 etc. because your higher octane fuel is already on your car in the methanol tank. It's just easier to deal with getting gas anywhere...while from the comfort of your garage you can always make sure your meth tank is filled. I didn't want to be tied to a single (or a few) gas stations. Also methanol significantly cools intake temps and this is great for continued runs, or going hard in hot temps.

 

[TurboTambo]

lol already got those added bungs on the side of the charge cooler.

So the bung on this elbow is for the water injection nozzle? If I can ever get in touch with Mach5, I'll purchase this elbow and there charge pipe.

I've also just had a look, and that elbow and pipe look a nightmare to fit. Is it just worth buying the whole new charge cooler kit and doing it at the same time???

 

[Milk242]

So the bung on this elbow is for the water injection nozzle? If I can ever get in touch with Mach5, I'll purchase this elbow and there charge pipe.

I've also just had a look, and that elbow and pipe look a nightmare to fit. Is it just worth buying the whole new charge cooler kit and doing it at the same time???

If you are touching that area, best to just do it all. I was quoted 3500 in labor at my local lotus dealership. That would include draining and flushing the coolant

 

[Lotus F1]

JB4 offers a super convenient way to use methanol because the actual JB4 module can also control their methanol controller. Normally, you use a system like Snow Performance (I have moved to Snow Performance and have used them before) that contains the methanol tank, the pump, the lines, fittings, and the controller. The controller is fed sensor signals like boost and/or throttle. You program the methanol controller to start spraying at X boost, and climb to Y boost (for example). What this does is add methanol only when you need it so your methanol tank can be small and fit in your trunk for example...mine is 2.5 gallons. I get around two tanks of gas before I have to refill the 2.5 gallon methanol tank, it's just based on your right foot.

Then the second part is, you need to tune for this added fuel that is cooling and adding octane to your fuel mixture. Typically you add timing and boost to take advantage of this new environment your engine sees. It's basically now getting race gas and very cold intake temperatures. The only way to tune our cars for this right now is with the JB4 system and ECU tuning (China) and soon US with Inokinetic and VF and others. Typically you end up with something that looks like an E85 tune, or a race gas tune...with the added benefit of cold intake tempts from the meth spray.

This is different than an E30 tune because you just use pump gas (91 or 93), and can use any pump gas (91 or 93) without also having to find E85/E30 etc. because your higher octane fuel is already on your car in the methanol tank. It's just easier to deal with getting gas anywhere...while from the comfort of your garage you can always make sure your meth tank is filled. I didn't want to be tied to a single (or a few) gas stations. Also methanol significantly cools intake temps and this is great for continued runs, or going hard in hot temps.

I guess the big difference is in $$$ in hardware and install vs just pumping the gas.

 

[TurboTambo]

I guess the big difference is in $$$ in hardware and install vs just pumping the gas.

You will get additional cooling effect from the water injection component. But otherwise I see it as pretty much same same.

 

[finny76]

So where can someone buy a Meth Injection kit for the EMIRA with upgraded intercoolers?

 

[virtualmacho]

Anybody done it for the V6 ? (if so, we may need to start a separate thread)

 

[finny76]

Anybody done it for the V6 ? (if so, we may need to start a separate thread)

V6 is supercharged NOT turbocharged like the 4 cylinder version.

 

[virtualmacho]

V6 is supercharged NOT turbocharged like the 4 cylinder version.

Exactly. The lack of tubing on the Emira implementation makes it so much more difficult to find nozzle space between the intercooler and intake manifold. That's why I'm asking.

 

[ADC]

Exactly. The lack of tubing on the Emira implementation makes it so much more difficult to find nozzle space between the intercooler and intake manifold. That's why I'm asking.

Pretty sure it is fine to inject before the supercharger, on the inlet tract, FWIW. Some well known Evora an Exige kits do this.

Rustled up an old thread on the Lotus Forums from memory (hopefully not against rules to link there?) -https://forums.thelotusforums.com/topic/91028-supercharged-v6-anyone-tried-water-injection/?page=2

Archive link to one of the referenced blog posts about putting water/meth through the supercharger - https://web.archive.org/web/2025080...hanol-injection-through-my-eaton-supercharger

 

[virtualmacho]

Pretty sure it is fine to inject before the supercharger, on the inlet tract, FWIW. Some well known Evora an Exige kits do this.

Rustled up an old thread on the Lotus Forums from memory (hopefully not against rules to link there?) -https://forums.thelotusforums.com/topic/91028-supercharged-v6-anyone-tried-water-injection/?page=2

Archive link to one of the referenced blog posts about putting water/meth through the supercharger - https://web.archive.org/web/2025080...hanol-injection-through-my-eaton-supercharger

Thank you, was an interesting read.

My concerns were about injecting a methanol mix into the supercharger and damaging it in some way. Some say it is perfectly safe, while others raise concerns. This is why I was looking at ways to spray post supercharger. The Snow web site didn't have photos of actual Evora/Exige installation, but since the kits don't seem to include a spacer plate to go between the supercharger and intake manifold, I am assuming it sprays into the supercharger.

I am not worried about the position of a water-only spray. This photo in the Lotus Forums thread shows a post-MAF pre-throttle location marked in yellow. This looks to be the most cost effective method of reduced intake temps in the V6 Emiras. The water is going to be cooling a lot of metal not just air, so obviously not the coolest intake, but somewhat cost effective...

[EDIT] I also would like to reduce the number of bends that the spray has to go through. I understand the supercharger and the air inside gets plenty hot, but still...