Denatured alcohol?

[dpasadena]

Does anyone know if denatured alcohol can be used instead of methanol? I have read somewhere it could be used. I am running an alky control kit with methanol with great results. I just aquired 55 gallons of denatured alcohol for free so I would love to use it if it has no negative results. I appreciate any help.

 

[kh440]

That's what I've been running, and no noticable side effects.

 

[dpasadena]

thanks for your input. i will feel a lot better using the alcohol now

 

[LOLGN]

I've been using it exclusively and you can pick it up pretty much anywhere. I had my car up to 28psi briefly and no knock on denatured

 

[notacarlo]

Using it since 03'....side effect, faster car.

 

[dpasadena]

Thanks for all your replies.

 

[Razor]

Majority of pump life data I have is on methanol. The worse case scenario is you develop a shortened pump life. The free alcohol offsets that in any way. Best case, no reaction and a win win for you.

Keep the drum off the ground. Some 2x4 or 4x4 pieces of wood.. or get a drum stand.

HTH

 

[1dollardog]

I have a question on this. What mix of denatured with water (if any) do you mix? I've heard of some people doing a 50/50 some 70/30 and so on. What really works best? Thanks, Steve

 

[dpasadena]

i have only used straight methanol. i have heard by many knowledgable people that this is the best way to go. when you add water to the mix, things can become inconsistant sometimes for some reason. i stick to what works.

 

[1dollardog]

Do you get the same "cooling" effect with straight denatured alcohol as you would a alcohol/water mix? I have a hot air and I need it as my liquid intercooler. Is the data the same for a hotair as an IC car or should the mix be different?
Thanks

 

[dpasadena]

i don't have any data on the cooling effects of water. i just listened to people who have used alcohol on these cars. straight alcohol has worked great for me. i run 25lbs. of boost with 91 octane and get less than 1 degree of knock retard in 3rd gear. i do have a stretched stock location intercooler though. i would assume you could safely run 20lbs of boost rather safely on straight alcohol. when testing my kit, i gradually raised the boost and my car screamed at 20lbs! while testing at lower boost levels, some kid in a new gto wanted some action. i was a little nervous because i knew my boost was down. i watched my boost gauge while i was embarrassing this kid and it was only going to 16lbs. i know these gto's have 400hp at the motor. i have only a few bolt on parts. bone stock long block with 105k on it. i thought that was pretty good at the low boost levels. even if you can boost to 18lbs. or so, i think you will be very happy with running straight alcohol. i would personally forget about any water. i beleive it's a safer bet for your engine to not mess around with water. just my 2 cents. hope this helps

 

[dpasadena]

i don't have any data on the cooling effects of water. i just listened to people who have used alcohol on these cars. straight alcohol has worked great for me. i run 25lbs. of boost with 91 octane and get less than 1 degree of knock retard in 3rd gear. i do have a stretched stock location intercooler though. i would assume you could safely run 20lbs of boost rather safely on straight alcohol. when testing my kit, i gradually raised the boost and my car screamed at 20lbs! while testing at lower boost levels, some kid in a new gto wanted some action. i was a little nervous because i knew my boost was down. i watched my boost gauge while i was embarrassing this kid and it was only going to 16lbs. i know these gto's have 400hp at the motor. i have only a few bolt on parts. bone stock long block with 105k on it. i thought that was pretty good at the low boost levels and a stock engine. even if you can boost to 18lbs. or so, i think you will be very happy with running straight alcohol. i would personally forget about any water. i beleive it's a safer bet for your engine to not mess around with water. just my 2 cents. hope this helps