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We had a Datsun 240K with the 6 cylinder 2 litre race engine in it. It had water injection. Only ever used the water injection when we were mixing fuels. We would put even amounts of leaded and high octane in and then work it hard. It ran cooler with the water and as said didn't ping so you could push it that little bit harder.
Thanks for the info guys I have used half a tank and no power loss noted but what has been mentioned I don't think I will use it again.
I've seen plenty of commodore's with corroded fuel lines (steel lines) and injectors blocked with said corrosion. :(
Water injection is not a recent thing, being available in Akeroyd - Stuart's Hot Bulb Oil Engine in 1886. Later to become the Hornsby - Akeroyd Engine.
Under heavy working, it put a steam cushion above the piston.
The old saying, "there's nothing new in all the world".:D
Don't know much about ethanol, but I know a bit about methanol and the side effects sound similar.
Methanol is common in motorsport, Indy cars, speedway bikes, classic bikes all use it. Unlike your road car or bike they are drained after a meeting as it will eat into non anodized aluminium, it will also absorb water and become jelly like if left open to the atmosphere necessitating stripping of carbs, fuel pumps etc. I see it being impractical for road use except in weak blends.
As for water injection it was more a mist than a running tap as engines generally run better when the air is more dense, like early morning, compared to when the air is dry. Like drag racers who often go faster at night even though the cold track affords less traction.
Jeff