How to Make a Supercharger Better

Forced induction systems work better when supplied with cold air.

Improving the power of a supercharger is the goal of many racers. Whether your supercharger is a stock factory-supplied unit or an aftermarket add-on, there's definitely room for improvement. The easiest way to improve your supercharger is by adding a methanol/water injection system. These systems function similarly to a nitrous oxide fogger system, except that rather than injecting a fuel to be burned, the methanol cools the intake air, which allows the supercharger to run cooler, thereby significantly increasing the supercharger's power.

Things You'll Need

• Windshield washer fluid
• Methanol injection kit
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Install the methanol tank to the firewall of the car with a screwdriver, then install the fluid pump nearby -- while avoiding mounting it to the firewall -- and below the fluid tank. There is also a relay module included with the kit. It is best to install this nearby, as well.

2. Drill a hole that is the same size as the methanol injector into the air intake tube. Install the injector into this hole. It will screw into place and will seal with a rubber gasket.

3. Run the single fluid hose from the fluid reservoir to the fluid pump's inlet. Run the other fluid hose from the pump outlet to the injector.

4. Install the electrical switch and route the electrical wiring. From the pump, there are two wires, red and black. Route the black wire to a ground point and fit the red wire into the relay module. From the relay, there are two additional wires, yellow and red. Route the red wire to the pressure switch and mount the switch to the throttle body and to power. Run the yellow wire to the fuse block. Install the included fuse into the fuse block.

5. Double check all the electrical connections, then take the vehicle for a road test. The pressure switch will only engage at wide open throttle.

Tips & Warnings

• Methanol injection kits can use windshield washer fluid diluted with water or the methanol mixture supplied by the manufacturer.

References

• "Street Supercharging: Roots, Centrifugal & Twin Screw Superchargers"; By Pat Ganahal; 2009
• "Designing and Tuning High-Performance Fuel Injection Systems"; By
• "Forced Induction Performance Tuning"; By A. Graham Bell; 2003