Cams or Meth?

[96gsdsm]

Like it says... I can't decide... Mods are all in my profile.

The car will be used mainly for autoX... but I would love to take it out to the strip once in awhile... Hopefully I can snag an 11 second run this year.

I've been trying to think about what would make more useable power... as well as restrictions in the autocross world as far as cams go.... which would put me in a verrrry competitive class.

Let me know what you guys think and why.

 

[romeen]

Since you will be primarily competing in autocross I would definitely say water/meth injection. As you already touched on the cams will shift your powerband to the right which, although beneficial for 1/4 mile, will be bad for autoX. Especially since you are on a SMIC (even though it is upgraded from stock) you will be much more prone to heatsoak given that you don't get alot of airflow across the IC in autoX.

 

[brute]

So cams put you in SM and water injection doesn't? If that's so, I'd say hands down injection. SM has crazy cars, and if you're going to be in it, you may as well have a fully built car. Both are mods that aren't really for a specific purpose (i.e. huge turbo = big numbers). Both mods will give you a lot more room to grow, no matter what your car is used for. Good luck!

 

[96gsdsm]

Yeah, meth injection (as of yet) is not considered a modification and will not bump you up classes with the people I run with.... while cams would throw me straight up to street mod.

Looks like meth it is!

I'll probably just do both and not mention cams on my mod. sheet

 

[JayRolla]

+1 for meth, have you thought of switching to e85?

 

[dsm dork]

cams

you don't long enough in high boost to take advantage of meth. it's autox not a road race. Cams will benifit you much much more.

 

[96gsdsm]

+1 for meth, have you thought of switching to e85?

Nope.... it's not readily available around here ... 93 octane for me

 

[Boosted98gsx]

I would say cams. You don't need methanol for a 16g. Get a set of FP2s

 

[96gsdsm]

That's 3 for meth, 2 for cams... plus the DSM buddies I surveyed.... 4 meth, 5 cams... It's looking like 7/7.

You guys gotta push me over the edge one way or another here.

 

[brute]

Like I said before, if you're serious about auto-x (like it appears you are), go with meth. If you're going to be bumped into SM, you might as well do it with a built motor and crazy stuff. Just get meth and compete in your class for now. When you have enough money and skill to go to SM, get the cams.

 

[dsm-onster]

water/alky injection works great for all turbos. What engine doesn't like 100% intercooler efficiency. This what you'll effectively receive. Plus super-high effective octane in the combustion chamber will allow you to wearout that little 16g long before you get a few counts of knock...

On the other hand, they now have higher duration grinds w/ wide ("square") lobes that will reduce much of the torque loss down low to which a typical cam upgrade can lead. Of course an accelerated ramp rate means beefier springs.

I think they are a toss up except for the cost. Water/meth injection is cheaper here.

 

[Boosted98gsx]

water/meth is a $500 kit plus $50 each time for a new can of the stuff, whilst cams are $430 1 time investment.

 

[drewvr4]

personally i would say cams, as stated with what you have would make more sence...but if it bumps you a class go with meth...its up to you.

 

[TSIMonsteR]

water/meth is a $500 kit plus $50 each time for a new can of the stuff, whilst cams are $430 1 time investment.

Devils Own Alky injection kit is less then $250 total. Winter Mix Washer fluid (~49% Meth and ~49% water) works well for the fuel... which is ~$1... where did you get your numbers.....

I say meth. Cams are going to take away from your low end.... WHICH you need. You will benefit from a race gas tune (meth) more so then cams for Auto-X

For Drag, get both

 

[dsm-onster]

water/meth is a $500 kit plus $50 each time for a new can of the stuff, whilst cams are $430 1 time investment.

My $200 aquastealth kit from Be Cooling (aquastealth.com) was on my t-bird TC for 2 years then moved over to my eclipse and been on there for 3. Both are and have been daily drivers. water meth mix can be had from wal-mart at under $2 a gallon for the winter mix wiper fluid.

In fact, a little research can allow one to build a GREAT kit for under $150. . .

For Drag, get both

Absolutely... Both are significant upgrades. Both help your set up love pushing the pedal to the floor in a straight line.

 

[romeen]

Devils Own Alky injection kit is less then $250 total. Winter Mix Washer fluid (~49% Meth and ~49% water) works well for the fuel... which is ~$1... where did you get your numbers.....

I say meth. Cams are going to take away from your low end.... WHICH you need. You will benefit from a race gas tune (meth) more so then cams for Auto-X

For Drag, get both

Completely agree. Kit prices have come down, you can get quality ones for as low as $200. Plus the meth should give a performance boost throughout the entire rpm band and will help with both autoX AND drag racing. Being able to safely advance your timing should help with engine responsiveness which will help greatly in autoX.

 

[96gsdsm]

Ok, you guys convinced me... I'll hold off the completion date a week or two and just do both.

Eff it.

Then I'm gonna need some real nice coil over suspension to compete in SM