I'm getting damn close to doing a Meth Injection setup on my '04 STI. Seems like a logical next step for me in my theme of throttle response, powerband building mods for Auto-X that are daily driver friendly
A couple of questions for guys who have been down this road before:

Looks like Aquamist is the favored kit right now... a couple hundred dollars one way or the other doesn't matter to me. Anyone who's better than Aquamist I should be looking at?

Wondering who in the bay area does installs? GST is my go-to shop for power related stuff. Not sure if they do Meth injection. I haven't had a chance to stop by and talk to them about it

From what I've read plain old Washer Fluid from auto parts stores has a good mix of Methanol/Water that's readily available. Is this correct?

Assuming I spend the money for a good kit with failsafes and a proper install/tune. Any reason I shouldn't do this?

 

This won't add too much to your knowledge on the topic, but meth is a polarizing mod. Some swear by it, others say it's not worth the risk, "why not E85 given the abundance in the area and quicker spool," etc.

I had considered it for a while, and still am intrigued by the potential, but as said, people, and often with first hand experience, will vehemently advocate one or the other.

iirc ddavis has a kit on his wagon, and kamnewton had one before going to E85.

 

I'm not willing to do E85. It's not common enough and if it isn't by now, it never will be. There is no where between San Jose and Ventura to buy the stuff, so driving to LA becomes difficult if not impossible

 

Copy that, and that is a compelling reason to do it over corn juice.

Anyone more knowledgeable available to answer this man's questions ?

 

Aquamist all the way if you do decide to go this route. Tops in quality, most comprehensive failsafe system, excellent support (Richard L practically lives on the support thread on the other site,) and installation is easy due to the pnp connections now. No more of wire spaghetti mess to sort out anymore like back in the olden days haha.

Don't know about shops but it's a fairly simple install nowadays and I could certainly help with most questions you have if you decide you would like to diy.

Steer clear of the windshield washer fluid. Inconsistent alcohol percentages, additives you may not want in the system (clogged jets and, occasionally, buggered seals as a likely result,) etc.

Boost Juice from Snow Performance is a great product albeit a little pricey for what it is... Consistent mix, and has kept the seals in my old school HFS-5 in great shape whilst stored for long periods of time. Or alternatively (if there is a supplier near you) you can buy 99% pure M1 grade methanol and mix it 50/50 with distilled water. Very cheap but... you have to be kind of **** with the mixing to be very sure that you are consistent.

You don't have to tune to the bleeding edge either. A good bump in power can be had with just a little WI. Any other questions just ask mate.

 

Dude don't to Meth, its a bad drug and will mess your life up.

 

Ive used a few different kits on different cars in the past. Aquamist is my favorite and I would recommend them.

Like Vaj said, dont do windshield washer fluid. If you going through the trouble of installing a nice kit and tuning the setup properly I would use the right stuff. I order premixed boost juice in bulk from Summit Racing. They deliver fast since their shop ships from Nevada. I probably spend $40 on juice once every few months, its not bad.

I used to run 100% meth in a different car and would buy a 5 gallon drum of it from Gotelli's speed shop and it was a good bit cheaper, but now that I run a 50/50 mix I just spend a little more and get the premixed boost juice.

I installed my first kit then had my tuners install my last two. Honestly I hate wiring, pulling interior pieces and running wires through the car and its a good bit of that on the install. EQtuning wired my Aquamist and they did a clean job.

My failsafe is setup to default to wastegate boost if anything triggers the failsafe. That could be less flow from a clog, more flow from a line that popped off, bad wiring..etc. I had a clogged injector once and the failsafe worked the way it should. Alot of guys dont set this up right.

I was in a similar boat as you and chose Meth over E85 for these reasons..
- I daily drive the car and there is no E85 stations around me.
- Better mpg for commuting (not a huge thing, but every bit helps).
- I take long trips in my car and didnt want to have to worry about places to stop to fill up.
- I like the idea of having race gas on demand. I dont need high octane all the time, especially on my daily commute. I stay under 13psi and it doesnt trigger which is nice.

 

Meth is awesome! Nothing better for turning this:

Into this:

 

Update:
I had a free moment at work and dropped by GST today to speak with Mike.
It seems he's not real enchanted with Meth injection anymore. Basically says that the fail-safes aren't bulletproof enough and the pumps are not really setup for alcohol. Mike's word on Subaru drivetrain is the law as far as I'm concerned...So - back to my Spanish Standoff with E85 availability

I called Propel this afternoon and there are no plans for a station in the Monterey/Central Coast area.
Have an email into Peason Fuels, but don't expect to hear back until next week.

Seriously HTF do we not have E85 near Laguna Seca. SO MANY E85 track cars now.

 

I'm going to take 25 gallons in cans

 

Well, buy some land, get some permits and install a propel pump in Salinas.

I mean, it takes investment and risk from a station owner to lose a gas pump to e85. They have to be sure it gets regular use. Simple economics.

Some weekend warriors likely aren't going to help pay that investment off. So, you get to wait.