When it comes to power tuning, everyone has an opinion on how to squeeze more from an engine. Opinions vary, but we can all agree on one thing: Excessive heat can cripple performance. Concerning turbocharged engines, we're often asked what's the best way to combat excessive heat--upgrading the intercooler or installing a methanol injection system. We decided to test both to see which was more effective.
Contacts
Neuspeed
800.423.3623
www.neuspeed.com
Snow Performance
866.365.2762
www.snowperformance.net
ORME Brothers Inc.
VP-M1 (methanol)
877.676.3277
www.ormebrothers.com
Vehicle Stats
Audi A3
Mileage: 35,648
Engine: 2.0-liter I4, dohc, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled
Transmission: Six-speed DSG
Testing octane: 91
Current Modifications
AWE Tuning K04 turbo upgrade and fueling kit
AWE Tuning turbo-back exhaust with metallic catalytic converter
AWE Tuning diverter valve
OEM S3 intercooler
VF Engineering intake
Neuspeed Hi-Flo intercooler pipe conversion
Baseline
Peak wheel-horsepower: 232 hp @ 5400 rpm
Dyno Data
Clayton chassis dyno, aka Mustang
Temperature: 64-72 F
Humidity: 38%
Test gear: Third
Test Data
Snow Performance Stage 2 2.0T FSI Boost Cooler
Peak wheel-horsepower: 244 hp @ 5518 rpm
Peak gain vs. baseline: 12 hp
Parts: 150-plus psi pump with fittings, VC-MAF controller with wiring harness, nozzle holder with two nozzles, 8-foot high-pressure tubing, pump sealer, miscellaneous electrical connectors, bulkhead adapter for water bottle
Additional parts required: Methanol resistant sealant ($6) and methanol/water mix
Tools: Electric drill and bits, 1/8-inch-27 NPT tap, wire stripers and crimpers, pliers, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver
Installation time: 2-3 hours
Price: $489
Test Parameters
Nozzle size: 375 ml/minPump set at 150 psi
Start voltage: 2.0V
Full voltage: 4.3V
Nozzle and holder assembly installed six inches from throttle plateMethanol/water mix was a 50/50 home blend
Notes
The kit does not come with a mounting bracket for the high-pressure pump, thus requiring custom fabrication. If you don't want to fabricate, you can purchase a stainless steel pump bracket from www.bshspeedshop.com. Since our A3 was already equipped with the Neuspeed Hi-Flo intercooler pipe conversion, the aluminum pipe made installing the nozzle assembly quick and easy by creating a perfect niche.
Pros
* The VC-MAF is a digital reference controller that uses a signal from the factory mass air flow (MAF) to control pump output, allowing users to tailor the amount of the methanol/water solution delivered based on the engine's specific vehicle configuration to ensure the motor isn't flooded.
* VC-MAF controller has two dials, one (Start) is used to select voltage in which the pump is activated at 10 percent and the second dial (Full) is used to indicate the voltage at the pump will be at 100 percent. Once the two voltage points are set the controller will linearly adjust the pump output from 10 to 100 percent.
* Kit uses the factory windshield washer bottle as a reservoir, allowing for 3.6 liters of fluid storage, easy refilling, and use of the factory low-fluid sensor to keep track of the fluid level.
* Kit contains two nozzle sizings designed to support different power outputs.
* 150psi pump ensures that the mixture is properly atomized, optimizing cooling and reducing the risk of flooding.
Cons
* Vehicle-specific kit lacked a mounting bracket for the high-pressure pump.
* The red pressure hose makes a stealthy installation impossible.