[directorusa]

Ok gents,
Here is my setup I just finished and I am looking for some helpful criticism.
I installed the AEM meth kit because it had a progressive motor regulated by boost pressure (therefore only one nozzle instead of 2). I tapped the pipe twice for both the nozzle and pressure fitting for hose to go back to AEM controller. The pressure tap is below the nozzle and therefore is hidden in the picture. I currently have the controller set to max on the start knob and 28ish on the full knob with the medium spray nozzle installed for now. Tank and pump are in the trunk, controller in the glove box and external controller led by start/stop button near dash.
I also installed (to my best ability with the stuff I had on hand and easily obtained from local ace hardware store) a BMS n54 catch can seen in pic. I PMed 135i for his catch can kit to see what it all includes to see if I can do better with it.
Please let me know if you notice any red flags on my installs or if anyone would like more explaining to know exactly what I bought and how I went about it. FYI - very time consuming to do this, but enjoyable and I learned some stuff on the way.
My next to-do's with be an EGR delete once I figure out the best route to go on that if anyone has the insight and also install the JBD once I get some time to put together a progressive circuit ON MY OWN (since TDIwyse refuses to oblige with his exact configuration).

[BB_cuda]

why 5 hose clamps on the inlet to the catch can?

[directorusa]

the tubes are not stiff enough and collapse easily - hose clamps keep the opening. I need to find better hoses if I am going to keep this setup, but like i said, waiting on 135i to hit me back on his setup.

[directorusa]

I see your in clear lake. I am actually in friendswood.

[Novo777]

What's that free light bulb thingy by the start button sticking out?

[DWR]

These systems are always decisions of compromise. I'm not a fan of pump PWM, especially when it is in the trunk. It acts like a pressure regulator at the nozzle. Poor atomization at low flow. Here is video of a pump speed system.

On the other hand, PWM of a solenoid near the nozzle acts more like a fuel injector. But then you have the reliability of the solenoid to contend with. Inexpensive solenoids stick open, closed and everything in between, especially when the PWM frequency is too high. Here is video of a PWM valve system.

The staged systems aren't as good in theory, but in practice they tend to have good atomization and reliability. If you are clever you can make 3 stages with 2 nozzles. But this setup starts to get expensive >>> 3 nozzles can get 7 stages - but now I'm just showing off

Back to your setup. The AEM contoller is very good. Unfortunately, it isn't always set to the best configuration. Essentially, H20/methanol flow should relate to follow air/diesel flow. The AEM can control based on a 0-5v or frequency based signal. Our MAF is frequency based. That is a better method than manifold PSI.

[32valves]

looks my setup

[directorusa]

good illustrations DWR
the LED is a redundant led copying the controller led to indicate problems to the driver in an easy-to-see location.

[Chief Orman]

Originally Posted by DWR

These systems are always decisions of compromise. I'm not a fan of pump PWM, especially when it is in the trunk. It acts like a pressure regulator at the nozzle. Poor atomization at low flow. Here is video of a pump speed system.

On the other hand, PWM of a solenoid near the nozzle acts more like a fuel injector. But then you have the reliability of the solenoid to contend with. Inexpensive solenoids stick open, closed and everything in between, especially when the PWM frequency is too high. Here is video of a PWM valve system.

The staged systems aren't as good in theory, but in practice they tend to have good atomization and reliability. If you are clever you can make 3 stages with 2 nozzles. But this setup starts to get expensive >>> 3 nozzles can get 7 stages - but now I'm just showing off

Back to your setup. The AEM contoller is very good. Unfortunately, it isn't always set to the best configuration. Essentially, H20/methanol flow should relate to follow air/diesel flow. The AEM can control based on a 0-5v or frequency based signal. Our MAF is frequency based. That is a better method than manifold PSI.

PWM = pulse width modulation. DWR I am not sure I totally followed the gist of your feedback. Before getting into the PWM issue, I don't know why one wouldn't avail themselves of the second spray nozzle. Yes, a hassle to install but it seems to provide much more flexibility around nozzle sizing and flow rates. For example, use a smaller nozzle as your first stage so that you can derive some benefit from the water meth without worrying about quenching.

I don't really follow the distinction you may be making around PWM and progressive controllers. A progressive controller ramps up flow based on the settings you give it, e.g., between 12 psi and 24 psi ramp from 30% to 100% flow. Is this what you mean by PWM? If so, aren't all newer generation pumps using PWM? Or is this something specific to a few extra special pumps. For example, I just bought Snow's latest and greatest kit but I don't remember reading anything about PWM.

I am in the middle of getting my Snow kit installed and I am planning on two nozzles...175mm from 14psi to 24psi and then my second 350mm nozzle comes on full blast at 25 psi.

[Kjelly]

Where did you attach the meth kit to in the trunk? Is there a supporting beam for the screws of the tank?

[Chief Orman]

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

why 5 hose clamps on the inlet to the catch can?

If one has blocked the EGR, does it become less important to install a catch can?

[DWR]

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

PWM = pulse width modulation. DWR I am not sure I totally followed the gist of your feedback. Before getting into the PWM issue, I don't know why one wouldn't avail themselves of the second spray nozzle. Yes, a hassle to install but it seems to provide much more flexibility around nozzle sizing and flow rates. For example, use a smaller nozzle as your first stage so that you can derive some benefit from the water meth without worrying about quenching.

I don't really follow the distinction you may be making around PWM and progressive controllers. A progressive controller ramps up flow based on the settings you give it, e.g., between 12 psi and 24 psi ramp from 30% to 100% flow. Is this what you mean by PWM? If so, aren't all newer generation pumps using PWM? Or is this something specific to a few extra special pumps. For example, I just bought Snow's latest and greatest kit but I don't remember reading anything about PWM.

I am in the middle of getting my Snow kit installed and I am planning on two nozzles...175mm from 14psi to 24psi and then my second 350mm nozzle comes on full blast at 25 psi.

Progressive controllers use PWM. You can PWM the pump motor or the solenoid to control flow. Just trying to show the difference in how it affects the spray pattern.

Generally, best atomization comes from more, smaller nozzles.

[directorusa]

Originally Posted by Kjelly

Where did you attach the meth kit to in the trunk? Is there a supporting beam for the screws of the tank?

I used some spare aluminum ~1" bar to support behind the carpet trim. To compensate for the difference in shape and padding back there, I cut some 3/4" pvc pipe (again, lying around in my garage) at an angle to make them plumb.

I was planning to install a solenoid, but just wanted to get the kit installed to get it out of the way since I had some time. I really do not like it set to boost pressure because it would seem it is not going to get much use unless I am punching the gas pedal all the time. I suppose MAF or RPM would be nice. Looks like I need to upgrade to a multi-input controller.

I started this thread because I was in the dark on what most people were using as kits except pieced-together ones. So here is my trial-and-error contribution for anyone looking to put a meth kit in and was looking at this AEM kit.

As a side note - some people have suggested that CBU is caused by punching on the gas (similar to diesel trucks when they step on it and a plume of smoke flows out of the exhaust pipes AKA "rolling coal" because there is more fuel than air), but from what I can tell by observing the Torque App - EGR is practically 0% when accelerating (if this is factual). Therefore, I went with the catchcan approach to see what happens. But I still would like to experiment with an EGR block in the near future for an extra combatant.

My primary reason for the meth kit is CBU cleaning.

[directorusa]

Having trouble finding a good solenoid.

Anyone have experience or recommend this snow performance one?
http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Performan...22RR099647Y7P5

[Chief Orman]

Originally Posted by directorusa

Having trouble finding a good solenoid.

Anyone have experience or recommend this snow performance one?
http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Performan...22RR099647Y7P5

Go the Snow website and check out the latest solenoids. I think Snow, AEM and others have completely refreshed their product lines over the last 24 months and generally have more sophisticated products across the board. The attached looks like an earlier generation product.