Water-methanol injection

What is water-methanol injection and how does it work?

It's a system that sprays water, or a mixture of water and methanol, at high pressure into the intake manifold using an atomizing nozzle. The water absorbs a significant amount of heat as it evaporates, cooling the intake air and actively cooling the combustion chamber, allowing the mixture to burn more efficiently and safely at higher turbo pressures.

Should I use only water or a mixture of water and methanol?

Distilled water provides a cooling effect and reduces knocking. Adding methanol to the mixture (usually up to 50%) also adds the effect of a higher-octane fuel, resulting in extra power. Methanol also acts as an antifreeze, preventing the system from freezing in cold weather.

What is the difference between Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 kits?

Stage 1 is the entry-level system, with turbo vacuum/pressure control, suitable for light modifications to gasoline or diesel engines. Stage 2 increases the injection flow rate for higher turbo pressures (low boost, high boost, specific applications such as TFSI or K03/K04 turbos). Stage 3 EFI incorporates an advanced electronic controller with progressive mapping according to engine load, and the LCD diesel version adds a control screen for adjusting and monitoring the system in real time.

Do I need water injection if I already have a performance intercooler?

Yes, they are complementary, not mutually exclusive. An intercooler cools the air through passive heat exchange until it approaches ambient temperature; water-methanol injection can lower the temperature below ambient and, furthermore, continues to cool the combustion chamber during combustion itself, something an intercooler cannot do. It is common to combine both systems in mid-to-high-performance engine builds.

How do I choose the right kit for my engine?

It depends on the engine type (gasoline or diesel), the installed turbocharger (stock or K03/K04 upgrade), and the target boost pressure. For reference: Stage 1 is for entry-level builds, Stage 2 is for medium-to-high boost pressures or specific turbochargers, and Stage 3 EFI/LCD is for high-performance builds that require more precise control. If you have any questions, please tell us your engine, turbocharger, and target power output, and we'll recommend the correct kit.

Is it compatible with NOS, LPG or bioethanol (E85)?

Yes. The water-methanol injection system is fully compatible with nitrous oxide, LPG/autogas, and E85 bioethanol installations, and in many cases improves the safety of these systems by reducing the risk of detonation associated with higher combustion pressures.

How much maintenance does the system require?

Maintenance is limited to refilling the tank with distilled water (or the recommended water-methanol mixture) and periodically checking the spray nozzle to prevent blockages from mineral deposits—this is why it's important to always use distilled water and not tap water. The pump and electronic system require no additional maintenance under normal use.

What happens if the tank runs out of water while driving?

The kits include a level sensor that alerts you before the tank is completely empty. It's important not to drive with an empty tank on engines with turbo boost specifically designed for water injection, as this would compromise the knock protection the engine is calibrated for.