Mechanical Pre-Turbo Frequently asked questions
Q:Why water injection?
A: Water injection has substantial cooling effects inside the engine. You will get an effective octane increase above and beyond that of most race fuel, more controlled intake temperatures, and a clean happy engine due to the steam cleaning effect on carbon deposits. (Oh yeah and MORE POWER!)
Q:Why Pre-Turbo Injection?
Pre-Turbo injection has a few benefits. By entering through the fast spinning compressor blades, the water is greatly atomized with air to feed the engine with tiny water particles. These particles are easier to ignite and make better use of the water available. The secondary effect is on the turbocharger itself, the turbo is more efficient and the compressor map is extended. This allows for higher boost levels out of a smaller turbocharger.
Q:Why mechanical injection?
It's simple. There are much fewer electronic components to fail, making the system more reliable.
Q:Can I run more “boost”, leaner fuel mixtures, and advance my timing?
Yes, yes, yes! This is the main advantage of water injection! Though we recommend you choose 1 or even 2 of the 3. We personally like to run a relatively modest ignition and fuel map, while running large amounts of boost to make power. It's always recommended to practice safe tuning even when using water injection as a safety net.
Q:How much more power can I expect with your water injection system?
The water injection system alone doesn't typically add power. The power comes from increasing boost, leaning out the mixtures, or advancing the timing. It allows this to be done safely by cooling and controlling the combustion process. In our own well over 500 RWHP Mazda RX7 we have run the car as high as 26 psi on 93 octane pump fuel with no knock!
Q:How big of a tank do I need?
Generally the standard 1 gallon tank is plenty. If you want to run the system earlier than 10 psi, you run extremely high boost levels or are running a road race car on long tracks you may want the larger 2.5 gallon tank. *Keep in mind larger tanks, as they empty require more air to fill the space. This may reduce water injection response speed. Contact us for advice in dealing with these potential issues.
Q:Where can I locate the tank?
A popular location has been to move the battery to the rear bin/trunk and locate the tank there. There are so many different kinds of cars that its best to just take a couple measurements and see where you have room. Engine bay is ideal.
Q:How often will I need to fill my tank?
This depends on your driving habits. Most nozzles are set at 550cc/min at 20 psi. This gives about 10 mins of full boost at 20 psi, or over 50 ¼ mile passes on the standard tank. While 10 mins doesn't sound like a long time, in a 500+ RWHP vehicle this is quite awhile and you will likely run out of gasoline at a similar rate.
Q:Can I mix methanol/alcohol with your kit?
Yes, but it has been optimized for water. Due to being mounted Pre-turbo mixtures should be kept to 50/50 or lower.
Q:How much water does your kit flow?
Most kits are set for around 550cc/min at 20 psi. The rate is higher/lower depending on boost pressure. It also comes with a meter valve to adjust the flow lower if desired.
Q:How can I calculate water flow at X psi?
Flow is calculated with this formula. (SQRT new pressure / old pressure) X old flow= New flow
EX: New pressure = 25, Old pressure=20, old flow= 550cc/min
SQRT 25/20x550=687.5 is the new flow at 25 psi.
Q:Is your kit reliable?
Yes! We use high quality fittings and the design is very simple. If you make sure it's professionally installed, or at least installed by a decent backyard mechanic you can expect a very reliable setup.
Q:Will my car get better fuel economy?
Yes and no....While you can tune the car leaner with water and save some fuel, the amount gained will not be much and only under boost. And if your goal is higher boost pressures and more power you will end up using more fuel.
Q: I have twin turbos what are my options?
3 options. 1) Run one nozzle to the primary turbocharger. 2) connect each turbo to an air box with a single nozzle mounted so both can suck in water. 3) email us about a custom dual nozzle setup from us.