Alcohol - EFI

[Fran and Bud]

A few old time data points on running Alky (methanol) that may help to
provide a frame of reference for Alcohol/EFI efforts:

Stromberg 97 carbs: (Ask your Grandpa!)
gasoline jets = .045 to .048 dia. -vs- methanol jets = .076 to .090*dia.
Flow characteristic of Str. 97's was to richen with increased air flow thru
venturi consequently
the smaller jet sizes correspond to dual carb setups while 3 and 4 carb
setups required the larger jets.  At any rate the alcohol jet area was
typically 3.5 to 4 times the gasoline jet area. 

Mechanical (constant flow) FI: (Ask your Dad)
gasoline nozzles = .020 to .024 dia. -vs- methanol nozzles = .030 to
.035**dia.  (292 - 327 SBC)
This was at 30-40 psi fuel pressure.  If both jets were flowing gasoline the
.02? nozzle could flow about 27 to 30 #/hr and the .03? nozzle would flow
about 75 to 85 #/hr. (each nozzle).
The excess fuel was bypassed from the nozzle supply back to the tank thru a
bypass check valve and pill (orifice).

Note:  Not only were the jets or nozzles changed to larger sizes but all of
the flow paths had to be increased in size also - lines, passages, dump
tubes, needle valves, etc. and these old engines were struggling to get 1
HP/cu.in.

Other Considerations:
Optimum air/fuel ratio for gasoline = 14.7 /1 & for methanol = 6.5 /1
also latent heat of vap. = 3+ times as high for methanol as for gasoline
resulting in significant extra cooling of intake charge = more dense air =
need for more fuel.

Seat of the pants estimate for a 350 SBC which at 35 to 45 psi would run
24#/hr EFI injectors might lead you to believe that 80#to 90#/hr EFI
injectors would be needed for alcohol. Smaller if the pressure was raised to
60 - 70 psi .  This kind of injector is $$$/each. (Indy/F1)

You will also have to either make sure that all soft goods/sealing
compounds/etc. will not be affected by the methanol (dissolve/swell/etc.) or
change them out to materials that are compatible - including the internals
of the lines/pump/regulator/injectors.  Have heard that Rochester injectors
will accept alcohol but dont know for sure and dont think Rochester makes
high enough flow rate injectors - but you could go to two injectors/runner. 

Please feel free to disagree with any or all of this - thats how we will all
come to understand the EFI world a little bit or a little better.

Regards, Bud