[03SuperchargedGT]

Hey guys i just need some opinions on what would be a better set up for me. Im currently running a vortech v2 at 8 psi, with a bbk 78 mm throttle body/plenum combo, as well as a bbk x-pipe and flowmasters. I will be adding some mac long tubes with a bbk cated x-pipe and a Anderson power pipe. Im looking to get the most and and safest horsepower out of my car. Please keep in mind my car is an automatic. What set-up do you think will be better the intercooler or the water methanol injection?

[cliffyk]

This was a popular mod in the supercharged Miata world (which I left when I had a windfall profit from and unexpected job in late 2006).

I did it on my '92 Miata running 12 psi with an M45 Eaton and found it to be a real hassle. Here in Florida where the road temperature in the morning is often 70° and then 120°+ in the afternoon it was a PITA to dial in. After trying a number of schemes to have morning and afternoon injection rates I finally gave up and settled on 6-8 psi, "sub-intercooled" boosts during the summer...

[slow02gt]

you always add an intercooler to a non intercooled blower set up.. makes it more efficant(however you spell that word)

[cliffyk]

Originally Posted by slow02gt you always add an intercooler to a non intercooled blower set up.. makes it more efficant(however you spell that word)

Actually you can run quite nicely at 6-8 psi without an intercooler, even without a significant efficiency loss, by adding a bit more fuel. At 8-10 you need to be much richer than you'd think or like, and maybe pull some timing.

At 12+ it's intercooler time...

BTW, I won't argue this--I've done it for the last 40 years...

[supercharged03gt]

Originally Posted by cliffyk Actually you can run quite nicely at 6-8 psi without an intercooler, even without a significant efficiency loss, by adding a bit more fuel. At 8-10 you need to be much richer than you'd think or like, and maybe pull some timing. At 12+ it's intercooler time... BTW, I won't argue this--I've done it for the last 40 years...

Id agree. Im non IC and am at 10 psi. runs just fine

[03SuperchargedGT]

so do you think it is safe then to run all that and push for 350-370rwhp without a intercooler or injection

[cliffyk]

Originally Posted by 03SuperchargedGT so do you think it is safe then to run all that and push for 350-370rwhp without a intercooler or injection

I have no direct experience with supercharging the 4.6 L 2V, however my gut tells me that 350-370 rwHP will put you right on, or a bit over, the "I should'a had an intercooler" line.

You will have some damned hot air going into the engine at full boost...

[00silvergt]

I'm running 10 psi with no intercooler, but I am borderline with intake temps. I say anything over 10 psi and you should be running an intercooler.

I don't have any experience with meth injection. Sorry I can't answer your question.

[Doc8224]

you guys that aren't running intercoolers say it runs fine and that may be true but it will be a cooler denser charge if you did run one. I wouldn't run a blower with out an intercooler. As for water meth I think is a nice boost but I would be more likely to run a small dry shot to cool the charge. 30-50 shot a boosted car will get you 50-75 at the wheels because of the charge cooling effect.

[cliffyk]

Originally Posted by Doc8224 you guys that aren't running intercoolers say it runs fine and that may be true but it will be a cooler denser charge if you did run one.

Of course. I don't think anyone here ever said the it would be optimal, just possible..

<snip>As for water meth I think is a nice boost but I would be more likely to run a small dry shot to cool the charge.<snip>

The water/methanol injection is intended only to cool the charge, and not specifically add power as would nitrous. It does work and let me run 12 psi with no intercooler here in Florida with 110° intake air.

[03_StangGuy]

The intercooler will help with reliablity over the long term. You wont need it with 10 psi but it wont hurt that for sure.

[Doc8224]

Originally Posted by cliffyk Of course. I don't think anyone here ever said the it would be optimal, just possible.. The water/methanol injection is intended only to cool the charge, and not specifically add power as would nitrous. It does work and let me run 12 psi with no intercooler here in Florida with 110° intake air.

Yea I know it works fine, I was just saying thats what I would do. Just because I would want the power.

[gills99stang]

Originally Posted by cliffyk This was a popular mod in the supercharged Miata world (which I left when I had a windfall profit from and unexpected job in late 2006). I did it on my '92 Miata running 12 psi with an M45 Eaton and found it to be a real hassle. Here in Florida where the road temperature in the morning is often 70° and then 120°+ in the afternoon it was a PITA to dial in. After trying a number of schemes to have morning and afternoon injection rates I finally gave up and settled on 6-8 psi, "sub-intercooled" boosts during the summer...

I was thinking of someday getting the methanol injection installed, but I had no idea you had to dial it in??

[futureMACH1racer]

Water Meth, is more of a supplemental cooler, not something that you would use for everyday driving scenarios. It would be great for track duty, but for traffic? Trust me you want an intercooler.