How VW/Audi Water/Methanol Injection Works?

Posted by usrallyteam on April 24th, 2017

Water/methanol injection systems are still considered a big upgrade within the high performance automotive market. -not the most pricey upgrades but also beyond "inexpensive". What's very certain is that the knowledge to correctly specify and tune is esoteric vs. common. Also, there are some laggards who still haven't accepted the simple fact that injecting water/methanol actually works! The proof is there, but some minds are stuck in the dark ages. These people will remain just as stuck in a modern builder's rearview mirror.

Regardless, when implemented correctly, the injection of a water/methanol solution into their VW’s or Audi’s engine can benefit every forcibly induced engine. The most important functions of a VW or Audi water/methanol injection system is to prevent detonation. That's by adding effective octane and also by dropping intake air temperatures. -by as much as 50 - 70degF on an intercooled engine. In combination with an ECU tune, can also deliver a BIG increase in torque/horsepower output.

So, how does it work? As most know, compression of any substance makes it heat up. In a gasoline-powered engine, that heat may take the air/fuel charge to a point that it auto-ignites. This ignition happens prior to the spark plug firing. The consequences of this phenomenon aren’t very bad if it takes place just a degree or two before it's supposed to. However, if it takes place during instances of high-horsepower or far too soon, damage to the internal components is almost certain.

This is where Audi and VW water/methanol injection systems become valuable. A finely atomized mist is sprayed into the intake piping. The alcohol flash evaporates and quickly cools the air. This leaves behind even tinier water droplets. Then, they evaporate and pull out even more heat. Anything that does not evaporate before the combustion chambers does so once inside. This slows down the burn rate to a safe pace and can easily save a high-stressed engine from harm or even total destruction. Chances of detonation are highly decreased as the cylinder’s internal temperatures are dropped.

So, are there any other benefits? Yes, indeed. In addition to the reduction of intake temperatures, low octane fuel becomes safe to use. An engine that runs only on 93 will work just fine on cheap 89. And, as most already know, colder air is denser than it is at higher temperature. So, more oxygen is received by the cylinders every time there is a reduction in temperature. This improves operating efficiency and allows for more power to be produced. On top of that, when water evaporates, it expands about 1600x in volume. This pressure creates a "steam engine" effect and actually helps propel the vehicle with less gasoline fuel consumed. You get more torque and horsepower AND also more safety with cheaper fuels.

So, crank up the boost in your VW, Audi, or any other performance car. Hit that bottle of nitrous oxide without fear! Always have enough octane for safe operation. A water/meth injection very definitely will do the job for you. -just make sure you speak to an expert about it first.

Author’s Bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about VW & Audi water/meth injection.