Methanol Use Recommendations

[SRT82ECOBOOST]

I am very hesitant about running methanol as I have heard/read some horror stories. Now you can find these  same stories built around other performance mods such as nitrous and F/I as well, but the use of meth is new to me. I just want to make sure before I start buying stuff that I have all the information laid out in front of me.
Judging from information available and responses in threads, it seems like the lone way to ever get down into the 11 second range is running a 100% meth system. So here are the three scenarios I am weighing out:
-Run 100% meth for the strip only(Stage 5 or XV1, separate meth reservoir), with no meth on the streets (Stage 4+)
-Run 100% meth for the strip only(Stage 5 or XV1, separate meth reservoir), 50% meth on the streets (Stage 4+, windshield washer resorvoir for the meth)
-Run 100% meth all the time and just change tunes at the track from 4+ to Stage 5 or XV1
I appreciate anyone's help in guidng me in teh right direction.

[QwikSHO]

I'm anxious to learn as well, as I've never had meth before.

I just dumped 110 in the tank and tuned accordingly for the track.

[SHOdded]

If you go to the mainpage of the forum and type in METHANOL in the search engine, some illuminating information will be herded forward for you   Otherwise, I am sure the many members actively using this "fuel" will chime in soon enough.

[crash712us]

First off I have not see or heard of any meth horror stories, not to say it hasn't happened. But when used correctly it is very safe and great enhancement to our cars. For myself I have been running meth in my car for over 2yrs daily, with no issue. While do have a street tune and race tune, or I could easily load a non-meth tune and pull the fuse on meth system and swamp out bar 3 MAP sensor for the bar 2. For myself I use a 2 quart tank for my meth, and I use about a quart of meth a week on my 26mi a day commute.
Most other have opted to used the 2qrt tank as there wind shield washer tank and there 1gal washer reservoir as the meth tank. And there a few other that have a 5gal tank they mounted in there trunk.
Now all I've have described are alkycontrol systems which are 100% meth systems. Alkycontrol puts together a really nice system, with everything you need to get the job done. And Julio of Alkycontrols is top notch when comes to customer service.

[EcoBrick Bob]

Two things to always consider .... #1.  Methanol in concentrations of over 50% is flammable.
#2.  If you use it, you want to consistently use the same percentage and not over tune or under tune your engine.  IE: If you are running a tune that is designed for 100% methanol, don't substitute W/W solution.  Also, running methanol without a tune, or too much methanol for your tune   doesn't hurt anything, but may actually slow your vehicle down.

One great thing about our engines ECM is that if it senses a lean condition it will react suddenly to protect it.

[SRT82ECOBOOST]

One great thing about our engines ECM is that if it senses a lean condition it will react suddenly to protect it.

So if there is a failure of the methanol pump, there is a built in safety in the engine management? Or do you have to piggyback some sort of safety device for this situation?

[EcoBrick Bob]

My information comes from 4DRHTRD's experiences with his fuel system.  Perhaps he can chime in.

The methanol pumps are pretty bullet-proof.  The key is to make sure you have no leaks.  I also always made sure my system was primed at the strip.  On the street, I only infrequently saw my pump light on, as my system was activated by a boost pressure switch that only turned it on at 8 PSI.

[Josephm]

Meth actually helps as well to keep the valves?, (think its the head or valves) with direct injection, it gets pretty bad, actually really bad. The mazdaspeed that are direct injection saw some nasty black gunk and found when they run meth, it helps keep it clean.

There was a member with a mazdaspeed, or still has it on here and he can chime in.

[EcoBrick Bob]

That was true when I was running W/M... I scoped the top of my intake valves and they were quite clean.  Intake was also very clean.  Audi's with DI have had problems with crap on the intake valves, to the point that the carbon absorbed much of the charge and caused idle and performance issues.

Making me want to install my system again.... Have 2 gal of 100% methanol ready and willing!

[Josephm]

I would be interested in seeing someones valves that has not ran METH after 30k miles, as i hear they get bad but it is undocumented on this platform.

[jomc111]

if this motor builds up anything like the mazdaspeeds i would assume they are pretty bad after 30k with no meth, mine after 8,000 miles had enough crap built up on the valves that a difference in performance was easily noticable after i cleaned them. i think 4dr is the only one that has had his intake off after having some miles on the motor but he was running nitrois so i am sure the fuel helped keep it in check

[jomc111]

here is some examples one was 90k with nothing done the other 50k, this is on the mazdaspeed platform

[Grimster]

water/meth is great.  One of my concerns was the amount of meth I would be using.  I was already afraid that I would run out of meth while under boost and then grenade my engine.  I have my meth drawing from the stock reservoir....so the built in "low washer fluid" sensor is great to mitigate that.  Also, in normal driving conditions...where you go WOT or feather the throttle just a little from time to time....you hardly use any meth.  I would imagine the only time you might have to top off the reservoir and then refill it later that day...is when you are taking the car to a track day or something. 

But ya, just 1/4 racing or "Spirited" driving around town...it won't use much.  I probably top off my washer tank once every couple of weeks when I remember to.  Even then...it's never as empty as my mind tells me it should be. 

I run a custom mixture of washer fluid (33% meth, 67% water) and HEET (99.9% meth).  I mix it to where it is roughly 40% meth and 60% water.  That is roughly one bottle (128oz) of washer fluid and one bottle (12oz) of HEET.  Super cheap - about $2 for the washer fluid and $1.50 for the bottle of HEET.  I'd say it lasts about 2 months, maybe more depending on your driving.

Running 100% meth might net you slightly better results than what my mixture gets, but Im content with my setup. 

[Grimster]

Oh, and I don't change tunes.  If for whatever reason I didn't want to inject methanol....I just dont go WOT or let the boost get above 7psi.  99% of the time my meth pump sits there idle, so leaving it tuned for it all the time is fine.

I like knowing it is there when I "need" it.

can't wait for it to cool off a little more so I can go to the 1/4 track....

[bpd1151]

As some of the "older" members will attest to......

I'm addicted to my Meth(anol). I go through more than I care to admit to.....

But then again, most addicts won't readily admit to their, ummm, errr..... addictions.

HAHA.

My engine oughta be as clean as new with the amount of Meth I spray through her on a regular basis.