S2E9: She’s burnin’ up Cap’n! The 420cc supercharged hemi gets methanol injection 

This is one of my all-time favorite gearhead series on RU-vid. The gloriously impractical nature of it all, done purely for the joy of discovery is mesmerizing!

I feel like this project is going to end up in the Guinness Book of World Records!

My initial thought... Holy cow! Jimbo is going DEEP into the science behind every aspect of this project. Thats what makes this channel so special. No hidden secrets, and you explain it perfectly for the average person to follow along. One question though... that intercooler is.... a little on the large side don't ya think? I bet you'll probably do a ton of testing to prove it isn't. If you wanted any OEM application air to air intercoolers, I might know a guy :). Great video!

An extremely simple and cheap way to eliminate the vacuum issue is to run an automotive blow off valve with an air filter on it.

For those wondering about the pressure activation: The 130 kPa he is quoting is including atmosperic pressure, whereas the 5 psi he says is the equivalent is just the overpressure (boost). If anyone was confused.

Safety improvement: Print a new splitter thingy with extra screw hole on the edges so that you can mount a dust cover on top of it. You don't want any dirt making your throttle stuck wide open 😆

What you need to bypass the supercharger is the diverter valve off your choice of any old VW/Audi 1.8t/2.7t engine, the rumor online is the so called "710N" unit is the best, can't vouch for that but they hold up fine to 26 psi on my car. You give it vacuum and it opens, you give it boost pressure and it pushes the diaphragm even harder closed, and best of all, if you remove the vacuum/boost reference, the internal spring will allow the valve to open around 4 PSI as a sort of failsafe boost limiter. While you're at it you might as well also pull the intercooler off the same donor car as they are relatively small and easy to remove.

A video 6 minutes new and then that groovy music starts, you know it's a good day.

Nice to see the car managed to get back home! I once just about made it home from a mountain, with the carb of my motorbike tied on with a strip of plastic from a ziplock bag.

Detonation is spontaneous pockets of ignition that occur AFTER the spark has already started the main flame front. Pre-ignition is spontaneous ignition that occurs BEFORE the spark fires, and that's what you described in the video.

"the jungle site with next day delivery" brilliant comedy

CONGRATULATIONS JIMBO. 👍👍👍👍👍 you have reached 106K SUBSCRIBERS! ROBOT CANTINA is providing the entertainment and education and FUN that viewers enjoy! Please provide more content here JIMBO!

This is a great project! I have enjoyed the previous videos as well. I want to say, when I toyed with turbocharging car engines which were never intended for turbos; adding an intercooler was the most helpful thing out of all the "supporting modifications" tried. It was a game-changer!

I remember finding this channel way at the beginning because I was butting a Predator 212 on my snowblower and was laughing at the possibility of modding it for power. That quest led me to your first dyno videos and Ive been hooked ever since. I think I was subscriber 500-something. Amazing work and what a fun journey!

The way that I would describe the transmission situation is, a CVT with an over/under drive unit(the actual transmission). such a cool project thanks for sharing

I always read videos descriptions, I hope the ointment you put on your feet is helpful. Happy motoring Jonny.

Been here since the start of this project. Crazy to see how far this project has come! I was really not expecting you to go that route with the intercooler style, but I suppose it makes sense for this setup (if one can even argue any of this actually makes sense XD). Quite an expensive add on though. I wonder if it will be too big though for it to handle. On another note, this channel really deserves more views, and at some point it is going to finally happen. Glad to have been here from the beginning. It's definitely one of my favourite channels to see a new video on.

Theres "gokart" nitrous oxide kits you can get... you know for when you need a little more get up and go.. also it cools down the air intake temps quite a bit.

Shouldn't it be possible to make a bypass valve setup using a large T coupler and a one-way check valve on the side? So when there is a vacuum, the check valve opens, and the supercharger then blows it shut when it creatives positive pressure. I'm sure there is a reason why people don't do this, but in theory it should work in my mind, haha!

Great video! Love the addition of the 3d printed parts! I default to using Fusion360, i really like the ability to use variables for my sketches/extrusions/cuts instead of setting values directly so i can easily modify the design on the fly. The addition of using a second throttle body to control the vacuum was inspired! Looking forward to the next video!

Wow this project went from 30 to 1000 fast...and I love it!! Can't wait to see the intercooler install. I wanna see 70 mph.

Make sure the intercooler you use has a weep hole if you're planning to do WMI before it since puddling will be unavoidable. By the way, WMI into a piping elbow will keep it from collecting as a wash on the walls of the pipe. Would make it easier to run between the SC and TB. Though, everything must be taken with a grain of salt given the low CFMs you have moving through those pipes. It might even be possible that a choke point at the WMI point would help as it would increase air speed. Everything will be a bit different to some degree because of the oddball application. I'm confident in your thorough testing though. Keep it up!

A hot engine yields best power. Yet a cool intake yields best power. They aren’t the same thing. The intercooler is the right move. Great project.

You drove over that hose/cord not once, but twice! Who's gonna pay to replace that hose/cord? You must always check that you won't run over anything before pulling away! 🤣

Fantastic video. I have never seen such an elaborate water/meth setup lol. Water/meth is normally super simple and easy to use, but then again, it's not normally used on such a small engine. I knew an intercooler was the obvious solution to high IAT, but this build is all about doing silly things and I love it.

It'll be interesting to see how effective the air to air cooler is. My preference would have been for an air to water unit but I acknowledge it would be more complex and heavier, and I have no proof that it would be better. Looking forward to the next developments!

Can't believe that 20ish hp can be this addictive to watch! But I'm hooked....

So with methanol, it's got a couple of things going for it; 1.) it's an alcohol so its a fuel. As for tuning, you need to take out fuel because you're adding fuel with the methanol. 2.) It lowers intake air temperature by evaporating which allows you to increase timing since it's combatting detonation/preignition with the lower temperatures. Additional timing allows for an increase in power. THe only issue with vaporization is that it take linear distance for the vaporization to occur which equals the cooling effect. A lot of methanol induction kits include a spacer plate with a nozzle to inject meth at the throttle plate. This in theory "works" but that's way too close to the combustion chamber for maximum cooling. You'd need a long intake tract to allow the atomized meth to vaporize into a gas to make it worth something. Plus you'd want it to be after an intercooler so you'd get the benefit of the intercooler and then the meth. I saw a youtube channel of a guy who has an RX8 (a long time ago) with no intercooler and I don't remember if hes running a radiator or not (it's been a while) it does run didn't blow up. I do hope you see this and I hope it helps...

That intercooler should drop temps a lot, Should give a good boost to power.

Another excellent episode! I love how you hide your vast knowledge and expertise, behind copious amounts of twisted humor 🙂

What's pretty cool is I'm a truck driver and I picked up a load round bales about 30 minutes from this shop

I bet the inter cooler will help immensely. Another awesome video hit out of the park. Wishing you a great week. God bless all.

Watching your run to 60+ it seems like the CVT is locked up in high after 20 mph. Even through the gear shifts. I don't mean to be a pest about it. I know you'll get to it sooner or later. Thanx for the update. This was a good one. :)

I really appreciate the effort you put into this project and videos! Fantastic work. I was going to suggest you use the Insight radiator for the intercooler since it’ll hold up to that much boost and has a large surface area, but you already got an automotive one.

Wow this is the best series on RU-vid. Cant wait to another episode. 😍

Love it, you’re doing what I’m attempting to do on a 1985 SVO Mustang, it’s turbocharged but similar. Maybe we can supercharge my nephews 206 Briggs race kart. Keep up the great insight lol

thanks for being epic I look forward to your videos all week

What else we could do? Make it a hybrid electric setup? My car makes 84hp on a good day and gets to 60 in 9.5 seconds. I bet this thing would be perfect for a twin electric planetary gear setup!

A gnome sighting! Brilliant! If you installed a vertically opposed cylinder referenced at 120 degrees, your problems will go away like magic! Keep on testing Jimbo! 😁

ABC/s? I like the three R's reading, Righting and Rithmatic can't make it right without the math and the "writing" on this channel is FANTASTIC

Hello from Detroit Michigan brother thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise

Definitely loving this project, can't wait to see where it winds up. 👍👍😀💗

This is defo one of my favourite channels on youtube right now. I love the tinkering nature of this

Seeing the intercooler there gave me chills in my charge... And... Oh gnome!

Just use a reed valve from a 2stroke as a vacuum pressure relief valve between supercharger and engine.. positive pressure will seal valve and you get boost, but open when vacuum. pretty sure you could 3d print a manifold for it

Did you know you can use defrosting windshield washer fluid? Has just about as much alcohol, and it's much cheaper. Motor trend, Engine Masters tested it on the dyno. Just a few hp less than boost juice.

A fresh Robot Cantina video!! I knew this was going to be an excellent weekend.

I really don't know....again? Yup! Once again thanks for that. Pur-mi-smile

This is awesome been following along since the beginning I can't wait to see the final revised end result it's going to be awesome and I think many people will follow in your footsteps! 🍺

Man this is getting complicated! But so much fun. You guys put a lot of work into this one, if I didn't know better I'd say you knew what you were doing. Keep these crazy videos coming please they are do educational and enjoyable. Congratulations on your channel and I hope it grows immensely.

Outstanding. Things are coming together. I can see light. 💪💪

What a fun journey this has been Jimbo, every episode I learn something new about cars and their principles. I expect once you have air Temps under control that you'll get an impressive decrease in 0-30 times

Well, I didn't know I needed this video series in my life, but I am glad it's here.

I look so forward to each new installment of these. I'm here in Maine, currently on my second tour with this rediculous Covid crap, rooting for your success, each time you hit the Hillbilly Proving Grounds, as though I actually have something invested in the project. 😎 Truth be told, at this point in your build, you've gone so far over my head that I'm just following along the best I can. But it's a lot of fun to watch and I'm anxious for you to break that record top speed again, soon. Thanks for the education AND entertainment. Until next time.... 😎👍🇺🇲🔥

Jimbo you're nuts, but in a good awesome way!!! Keep up the good work!

I wouldn't mind knowing more about that foot cream my friend 👀 I still read the descriptions religiously lol

The increase in power with methanol, allows you to run either higher boost, or higher compression to see those results.

Love these updated Jimbo! Just in case it’s useful, the Speeduino board you’re using can function as the Water/Meth controller, including doing open/closed loop PWM and ignition control b based on a few different variables. Might help give you a touch more control over the volume getting injected in case that’s still an issue for you.

Thanks for using all your energy in this project! This is educational and entertainment at it's best!

Hey there! I’ve been following along with the series off an on for a bit, and I’ve finally got something to mention. If you’re running fuel injection, you really don’t need to use your TB in a “draw through” configuration. I’d understand if space was an issue but if you were to pressurize the front of the TB in a “blow through” setup you’d have vacuum under the TB at idle where you want it and the supercharger would never see a vacuum, and would render the whole bypass valve problem moot. Drawing oil through blower seals was a common problem a long time ago when running a turbocharger in a similar configuration (having the carburetor in front of the turbo) and the way around it for Buick at least was to use special carbon seals, or use aircraft stuff like a RayJay turbine that already had the seals from the factory. The benefit to running draw through was a sort of natural intercooler from the atomized fuel absorbing the heat from the compressed air before it made it to the engine. Those benefits really didn’t outweigh the negatives of sucking oil into the engine when coming off the throttle. If you’re set on using a roots style supercharger in a draw through, Nissans eaton supercharger (off of the xterras) has a vacuum operated bypass valve. Can probably snag it from a scrapyard for cheap. Also, I think there’s another size of AMR style supercharger you could use if you find the 300 to be too small (I think it’s the amr-500). It has the same mounting brackets so it ought to be a straightforward swap if it came to it. Cool project, btw.

Always a good day when I get another robot cantina video! Entertaining as always!!!

My guy, the beginning of every episode you have been right about what I literally just finished doing. Have your gnomes been spying on me?🤔👀😂😂 love the vids by the way!!

choked on my tea when you said "METH BAZOOKA" .. brilliant !!

I remember a buddy using denatured alcohol instead of methanol in his evo and it seemed to work pretty well.

Such a great video on meth injection even without the test TBH. your setup looks like you did things exactly right as far as all the supporting bits to make it super controllable and safe.

These videos keep on getting better and better

Back again today! Love this project.

This reminds me of JJ from JJ and Mikey but slowed down and talking about engines, nice!

You could use an intercooler from a B5 Passat with a 1.8t since they were pretty small and wouldn't be hard to adapt to your setup.

With an intercooler like that - it's time to send the boost to the moon! 😁 Can't wait for the next episode!

Ok... the Meth Bazooka made me almost spit out my drink. Good stuff.

Oh hey, they are back! Great setup for the meth injection system. For sure wasn't expecting that. With this intercooler subsystem this engine will be really pushed to its limits.

I've never seen this channel before today and I love it! Subbed for more.

I never saw a pc like the one from you at 4:18 . Keep up the good work. I enjoy your show!

I put a GX420 into a G-11 Daihatsu Charade before finding your channel... it has surprising pull for such a tiny engine and mine is directly coupled to the gearbox so starting off is a little slow, but boosting induction might be the key to normalising the launch capability. Anyway, great work with what your achieving.

Great video once again. That cement mixer powered Honda is cruising now. Definingly fast enough to go get burgers!

maybe i should not be here at 5am but i am entertained and in need of a new project

Love the content, personality, and humor

Jimbo, you ain't right. But you keep spinning that straw. You're bound to make gold some day.

Okay this is crazy enough that I have subbed! Awesome work man!

That standard relay will probably burn itself up in a relatively short period of time being used for PWM. Lot of nitrous guys learned that one the hard way. You'll want a solid state relay for that.

Water meth injection should get those intake temps way way lower than what you're seeing. I know this is a very small engine, and even using the smallest nozzle may be just to much spray using this stage 1 setup. The spray comes on at a selected boost pressure and stays steady. But if you can get a stage 2 setup that has a progressive controller, you can set spray to start at 5psi, and max spray pressure at say 15psi for example(even though you'd never reach that). The idea is that it'll slow the spray rate down enough that it's not too much for the engine. I think you'd have much better luck using a progressive setup vs the hobs style setup. Hobs style isnt the best for PD blower engines. Just an idea that's probably worth trying out. Somebody what mentioned using a blow off valve instead of the double TB setup. Just wondering why this wasn't tried out using just 1 TB between the engine and blower set up as a blow through design?

Jimbo I knew you where a man of culture and class but you using opera is just the icing on the cake

… outstanding! I am a TINKERER just like you. I SO look forward to your new videos, and cannot WAIT for the next one! Outstandingly, stupendously, curiously amazing 👍🏼👍🏼 wish I could work by your side… keep it up Robot Cantina 😉💯

You are so 'crazy', but please, go on! One of the most ridiculous 'series' on You-Tube, I've ever seen! Keep on running, ... ! Let the good stuff going on! Best wishes from a real 'gear-head' ! (A "Bachman-Turner Overdrive"- gear-head since 1974 !) Roll on down 'your' highway, ... ! ... and I can really say: "You ain't seen nothin' yet!" So true, ... Markus L. db9pz (my HAM-Radio-Call in DL)

Well, what an awesome thing to wake up to. A new video from Jimbo! 🤠 Love seeing the experiments, as always bud. I'm not new to mechanics or electronics but I didn't know a methanol injection could get so complicated so quickly lol. Maybe an intercooler is the best way to go, but I'm sure you'll get 'er figured out! Can't wait for the next episode. Stay cool out there man, and in the words of Larry the Lobster, "always be hydrating!" 😂

I tried to put a SC in a small engine a few years back, had the exact same problems, the only difference was that my reason to not use a turbo was different, well, all my problems were solved using a turbo after a 100 fails with the SC when i finally gave up . Don´t get me wrong, I´m having the most fun watching you deal with this, but you should give up on the SC sooner than later. Best luck and thanks for the show!

Wooooot new episode! Gotta enjoy this for my lunch break at work today 😋

Twenty six minutes!?! HAPPY SUNDAY TO US!

Thank you for all your hard work.

This is way better/cooler than ev's! I think at least small motor hybrids are the way to go... but this is great man, I want one... maybe in a moped???

This needs to be the next Garage 56 24 Hours of Le Mans entry, hahahahaha!

I just came here to say the supercharger in your thumbnail looks like its wearing a top-hat and a monocle 🧐

that intercooler looks like its rated for 300hp. i wouldn't be surprised to see a pressure drop of >2 psi.

I fast forward past the stuff that makes me feel stupid and go straight to the test drive 🤯🤭

this show makes me smile . its just crazy but good , thanks .

Thanks again Jimbo, can't wait to see you hit 70!

Great episode. I love how complex everything has become.

It's really nice to see you go and test things. Nice video as usual. I'd just add : Your shopvac ain't pulling no where near as much air as your engine will, except if it's a 12hp shopvac. And you don't need an intercooler once you run enough meth, if you take your iat numbers after the water/meth injection it's probably really cold. Edit : Ohh and we fed methanol trough a turbo plenty of times without issues.

Loving this! Was waiting to see the SC going on and associated issues.