Well, it was an enjoyable visit. I actually learned quite a bit about the Coolingmist kits after seeing everything in action and seeing how it works. For me reading about stuff helps, but practical demonstrations really locks it in. It seems that they have a well put together kit and their controller is very advanced. The one thing I would say is that for $600 (or $525 for the considerably smaller engine area mount kit) it seems to lack some of the polish that I would have expected. But, that said, other kits cost much more to obtain that polish! The fact that their controller is programmable is pretty interesting. While David (one of the owners) did not have the pc software set up to demonstrate, he did have a small hand held pocketpc/planner type unit made by hp that was able to demonstrate most of the stuff, just a different program from their base kit (it comes with their $1000 kit). I like that you can use any form of 0-5v input source to control the unit in conjuncture with the boost switch. It seems it is able to sense and combine input from both of these sources to do 2d mapping. This for instance could be the MAF signal, EGT signal, TPS signal, etc. I would think that since our boost is controlled by TPS, controlling it by TPS would be a good way. Alternately, the MAF signal would be decent since it already senses boost. When I say the kit is not as polished as I would have expected, I mean there are lots of little things. No straps or mounting provisions come with the trunk kit. The only failsafe on the kit is the float switch that determines the level of the mixture in the container. This switch only comes with the trunk mount kit, but you could add one to any of the kits I would imagine. This float switch currently does not work with 100% meth, but they just had a new one designed that will float in a 100% meth mixture as well! David advised that they also have a failsafe addition that will be coming soon that will work with the controller to monitor everything, but at a considerable expense apparently. This is not on the market yet though. In order for clog detection to be incorporated, you need an additional add on of $50. A pressure flow gauge is an additional add on that is possible, but none of these are included in their trunk mount kit. The fittings that come with the kit all seem top notch though. All nice solid brass fittings. One thing I like about this is that the kit features quick connect connect fittings that are easy to work with. With the stainless line (additional $100) you get all stainless fittings, 15 feet of stainless tubing and different style of fittings that are not quick connect. As for the controller, I liked the controller. While it looks like the knobs on the controller could be easily disturbed and thrown off, you can lock all that with the computer program. With a couple keystrokes you can lock in all the settings where even if the knobs get turned, the settings do not get changed. The controller can activate the pump any where from 1-30 psi. The amount that is injected can also be controlled and set to be truely progressive! This can be changed by adjusting the duty cycles of the pump. With a bit more work this kit could be one of the best out there for the price. It will require some work though. Wiring up indicator LEDs for inside the cockpit would by high on my list as well as ridding up some sort of clog indicator inside the cockpit. Again, for the money though it is a good deal if you don't mind the extra work! No freebies for me, so this review was in no way effected by that! While I think it is a pretty darn good kit, I am still not 100% sold. But it definitely helped aid in some good comparison shopping.
Stupid question, but when talking about gauges and clog indicators and whatnot... with meth, isn't it likely that if it DOES stop flowing your engine will be damaged/blown before you notice and react to a warning light?
Not from what I have read. It can happen sure, but there have been several accounts where it has not happened. My luck though it would be toast. As for the gauges and clog indicators, we are not necessarily talking about a 100% clog, but more of a partial one. This will cause an increase in pressure that can be detected and then it is time to tear things down before you continue to boost up! Now if it were a 100% clog, sure you would probably blow an engine if you were at full boost and maximum advance, but there are already filters in place to prevent that, much like the fuel pump on your gas tank.
It is essential to run a wideband for those who run methanol and keep an eye constantly so that when A/F shoots up to let off the gas immediately (running lean could be from clogged line, failed pump, short on the controller), that is the best insurance in my opinion. It is almost useless to mount the A/F gauge in the clock pod, it needs to be monitored all the time.
Already got the wideband covered. The meth won't go in until after the 2.5 block, turbo and 6 speed most likely. But I like doing my research ahead of time.