Chemical Intercooling A VNT?

[Whorse]

I've been looking into this a bit, but I haven't read a single thing about this setup on a VNT. Being a smaller turbo that can't boost much higher than 15 or 16 safely, is it even worth it? I wouldn't mind running a system if there will be some HP gains, but generally people using this setup are increasing boost levels quite a bit.

My VNT boosts a steady 12.5 on my boost gauge right now with my setup, which isn't terribly high, but I haven't had a change to take the head off and check out my engine internals yet, so I want to be sure I'm not hurting my engine.

Currently running 94 octane Mohawk gas (10% ethanol), which seems to increase my power a bit. Is it worth adding the cooling system in addition to this?

[Will Martin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whorse .......Is it worth adding the cooling system in addition to this?

Not really, because the whole purpose of chemical cooling is to allow you to raise boost by way of a higher intake of octane. So you gotta ask yourself, how much more boost can you run on your VNT before it goes pass being effective? Plus you have to remember you have a 2 bar map, so you have to either by pass that, or figure out a way to fool the computer, because it won't allow you to go pass 14.7 lbs.

[Whorse]

Good call, that's what I thought but glad you confirmed.

[Will Martin]

If I have the time today, after visiting Turbovanman's shop, I'm gonna try to install my alky injection kit!

[Casper]

OTOH....injecting water, even at stock boost levels will:

1) Reduce charge air temps.
2) Reduce the risk of detonation.
3) Remove carbon deposits.
4) Because of No.'s 1-3, it will allow you to advance your base timing some.

You can also run lower octane fuel and not sweat it.

[Will Martin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper OTOH....injecting water, even at stock boost levels will: 1) Reduce charge air temps. 2) Reduce the risk of detonation. 3) Remove carbon deposits. 4) Because of No.'s 1-3, it will allow you to advance your base timing some. You can also run lower octane fuel and not sweat it.

Oh without a doubt you're right, and if done properly the benefits are worth it. But I think Whorse was asking with the thought of adding more boost, and for a stock VNT at 12.5lbs of boost, raising it to 16lbs would be good, but the effectiveness of the turbo would start to run out. You could safely gain some hp, but if he can add one without paying an arm and a leg then I retract my statement above and say go for it. Whorse, when I get mine hooked up I'll let you check it out.

[Casper]

Heck, I'd question if even 12.5 psi of boost is outside the efficiency window of the compressor on the VNT25.

In many respects, the benefits of chemical intercooling outweigh those of even a large FMIC. So conceivably, a well designed system *should* result in more power at the same boost level he's currently running.

<Warning! Mild thread hijack alert!>

Will, I see you've got an '01 Maxima. Do you hang out at Maxima.org any? I've got an '02 SE and stop by over there once in a while. Too many "Check out my Maglite mod" threads for my taste.

[Whorse]

Yeah water injection was my next question as well. How does the water injection setup differ from alcohol in terms of hardware?

[Casper]

In terms of hardware, there is very little difference in injecting water, alcohol or a water/alcohol mix. Although you could technically go full bore and install injectors and electronic controllers etc to inject straight alcohol. It's not necessary.

There are several good water/alcohol/mix injection systems on there. From mild (read: inexpensive) to wild (read: expensive and possibly overcomplicated).

Do some research before making any decisions. Google is your friend.

[Will Martin]

[quote=<Warning! Mild thread hijack alert!>

Will, I see you've got an '01 Maxima. Do you hang out at Maxima.org any? I've got an '02 SE and stop by over there once in a while. Too many "Check out my Maglite mod" threads for my taste. [/QUOTE]

[quote=Yeah water injection was my next question as well. How does the water injection setup differ from alcohol in terms of hardware?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I'm on there. My user name is Cli-max, but I RARELY go there anymore, maybe like once every 5 months. Those guys are a bit too immature for me. Too much bickering and not enough helping.

If you run an alcohol injection system I'm sure it'll allow you to run water as well, the one I have does.