Alcohol conversion........
09-01-2005, 11:56 PM
#16
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I have the same goal, but also same tech questions, in relation to methanol for a turbo 928 under rebuild. I have 3 928 s, one of which is only for short distance cruising (ie my "fast and furious" car) and as a total rebuild is happening anyway and with gasoline hitting over $3 a gallon, it is highly attractive.
As for "issues", methanol has a lower per/pound energy value, but much higher octane rating and can withstand higher compression - meaning higher boost - for overall more horsepower. It takes about twice the volume of methanol than gasoline, though it is a bit lighter weight per gallon.
I have not checked in the last couple months, but a 55 gallon drum of methanol (99.9%) was $100.
That equates to basically $4 a gallon. But the higher boost level potential would equate to a good 30% more horsepower.
For some, a very good reason to switch is EXEMPTION from EPA stuff, meaning no need for the catalytic converters etc.
However, my interest in not in the "debate" between gasoline and methanol - as methanol is not practical in general for a street car as there are no methanol gas stations. As this is only my fast and furious special outing car and my house literally includes the underground tanks from a previous gasoline station (meaning I have 10,000 gallons of fuel tanks and methanol does not pay all the taxes etc) and even have a 150 gallon aluminum military drop tank I put on a gutted Spitfire chassis as a towable trailer some time ago, in the event I needed to "tow fuel" for a road trip.
, it is practical for my purposes. My question is to try to figure how to exactly do the conversion.
As my turbo 928 has a TEC-3, I can set the fuel-air ratio pretty much where ever I want it - so that adjustment is not a challenge. A fuel cell is going in anyway, whatever fuel it is running, so also not a consideration.
But I do not know what to actually do for the conversion otherwise. For example, it has 42# injectors (8), but does it need different injectors (ie nozzle shape)? Are there components in the Porsche 944 and 928 injection systems that the methanol would deteriorate? What, if anything, do I need to do in relation to the fuel pump(s)?
Would any of the 911 guys know the answer?
It would seem likely someone has converted a 944 to methanol for performance (radical 928 modifications are very rare). Anyone out there practical info or experience in converting an injected Porsche to methanol?
As for "issues", methanol has a lower per/pound energy value, but much higher octane rating and can withstand higher compression - meaning higher boost - for overall more horsepower. It takes about twice the volume of methanol than gasoline, though it is a bit lighter weight per gallon.
I have not checked in the last couple months, but a 55 gallon drum of methanol (99.9%) was $100.
That equates to basically $4 a gallon. But the higher boost level potential would equate to a good 30% more horsepower.
For some, a very good reason to switch is EXEMPTION from EPA stuff, meaning no need for the catalytic converters etc.
However, my interest in not in the "debate" between gasoline and methanol - as methanol is not practical in general for a street car as there are no methanol gas stations. As this is only my fast and furious special outing car and my house literally includes the underground tanks from a previous gasoline station (meaning I have 10,000 gallons of fuel tanks and methanol does not pay all the taxes etc) and even have a 150 gallon aluminum military drop tank I put on a gutted Spitfire chassis as a towable trailer some time ago, in the event I needed to "tow fuel" for a road trip.
, it is practical for my purposes. My question is to try to figure how to exactly do the conversion.
As my turbo 928 has a TEC-3, I can set the fuel-air ratio pretty much where ever I want it - so that adjustment is not a challenge. A fuel cell is going in anyway, whatever fuel it is running, so also not a consideration.
But I do not know what to actually do for the conversion otherwise. For example, it has 42# injectors (8), but does it need different injectors (ie nozzle shape)? Are there components in the Porsche 944 and 928 injection systems that the methanol would deteriorate? What, if anything, do I need to do in relation to the fuel pump(s)?
Would any of the 911 guys know the answer?
It would seem likely someone has converted a 944 to methanol for performance (radical 928 modifications are very rare). Anyone out there practical info or experience in converting an injected Porsche to methanol?
09-02-2005, 01:09 AM
#19
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We are often asked, why should I switch to alcohol from gas and from a carburetor to fuel injection?
1: To alcohol from gas:
Alcohol burns more slowly so it doesn’t build as much engine heat each run.
The engine is easier to cool between rounds.
You can run higher compression ratios (up to 16:1 is ok, 13.8:1 is our ideal) if you wish but it works great on 10:1 too.
Alcohol is less flammable so it is safer and easier to handle.
It is cheaper. Though you will use more, the cost is less per gallon.
Engines last longer.
The switching process requires:
Good fuel line fittings (preferably anodized aluminum).
A plastic fuel cell or hard anodized fuel tank.
Top lube for fuel helps prevent corrosion and lubricates the valve stems.
One full day at home working on the change once all the parts are in place.
Install parts
(That was a cut and paste for a web site selling SB chevy alcohol fuel injection systems... sure alcohol eats aluminum?)
1: To alcohol from gas:
Alcohol burns more slowly so it doesn’t build as much engine heat each run.
The engine is easier to cool between rounds.
You can run higher compression ratios (up to 16:1 is ok, 13.8:1 is our ideal) if you wish but it works great on 10:1 too.
Alcohol is less flammable so it is safer and easier to handle.
It is cheaper. Though you will use more, the cost is less per gallon.
Engines last longer.
The switching process requires:
Good fuel line fittings (preferably anodized aluminum).
A plastic fuel cell or hard anodized fuel tank.
Top lube for fuel helps prevent corrosion and lubricates the valve stems.
One full day at home working on the change once all the parts are in place.
Install parts
(That was a cut and paste for a web site selling SB chevy alcohol fuel injection systems... sure alcohol eats aluminum?)
09-02-2005, 01:37 AM
#22
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Join Date: Aug 2003
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well, i'm not sure but . i think it does and i have been told it does .. so take it with a grain of salt.. Good point about fuel economy, it takes alot more, so it still wouldnt be economical
