SEMA 2013: Banks Straight-Shot Water/Methanol Kit

On a street car, it can get really expensive if you keep your fuel tank stocked full of race gas. Also heat soak plays a big role in your intake air temperatures while traveling down the highway or even around a race track. A water/methanol system like Banks Power Straight-Shot provides a significant drop in intake temperatures along with race gas-like octane. “You can save engines with water/methanol,” says Gale Banks. “It allows you to run high boost on low octane, safely.”

By monitoring both throttle angle and boost pressure, we can anticipate what the engine is doing and deliver the proper amount of flow with virtually no lag time. – Gale Banks

The key to a good water/methano systeml is quickly reacting to the engine’s demand. “With our system you can turn on the water/meth at as little as 1-2 psi of boost and progressively increase from there,” says Banks

The brains of the Straight-Shot system are housed in a 2-1/16″ gauge head unit. From there it allows the user to fully command 2 stages of injection. It also doubles as a multi-function gauge, displaying boost or TPS, EGT and pump duty cycle. Universal models contain an on-board 100 psi-a pressure sensor for boost sensing, while plug-and-play models connect to your factory MAP sensor.

The system can be configured to inject based on boost pressure, throttle position signal, exhaust gas temperature, or a combination of either boost or throttle plus EGT. “By monitoring both throttle angle and boost pressure, we can anticipate what the engine is doing and deliver the proper amount of flow with virtually no lag time,” says Banks.

Late model vehicles like the turbocharged Focus ST and supercharged ZL1 Camaro can benefit from a water/methanol system, even at stock boost levels.

Two different water pumps are available to properly match the engine’s needs. Both feature a built-in output pressure switch for low fluid or leak detection, an adjustable re-circulating pressure regulator,  push-lock fittings and a rubber-isolated mounting bracket.

About the author

Mark Gearhart

In 1995 Mark started photographing drag races at his once local track, Bradenton Motorsports Park. He became hooked and shot virtually every series at the track until 2007 until he moved to California and began working as a writer for Power Automedia. He was the founding editor for its first online magazines, and transitioned into the role of editorial director role in 2014. Retiring from the company in 2016, Mark continues to expand his career as a car builder, automotive enthusiast, and freelance journalist to provide featured content and technical expertise.
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