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There are three points. First, nitrous oxide is
comprised of 2 parts nitrogen and one part oxygen (36% oxygen by weight). When
the nitrous oxide is heated to approximately 572oF (on compression stroke), it
breaks down and release extra oxygen, However, it is not this oxygen alone which
creates additional power, but the ability of this oxygen to burn more fuel. By
burning more fuel, higher cylinder pressures are created and this is where most
of the additional power is realized. Secondly, as pressurized nitrous oxide is
injected into the intake manifold, it changes from a liquid to a gas (boils).
This boiling affect reduces the temperature of the nitrous to a minus .127
Degrees F. This "cooling affect" in turn significantly reduces intake charge
temperatures by approximately 60-75 Degrees F. This also helps create additional
power. A general rule of thumb: For every 10 Degrees F. reduction in intake
charge temperature, a 1% increase in power will be realized. Example: A 350 HP
engine with an intake temperature drop of 70 Degrees F, would gain approximately
25 HP on the cooling affect alone. The third point, the nitrogen that was also
released during the compression stroke performs an important role. Nitrogen acts
to "buff or dampen" the increased cylinder pressures leading to a controlled
combustion process.
Nitrous oxide injection has become a very popular option for today's performance enthusiast for several reasons:
Q: Will Nitrous affect engine reliability?
A: The key is choosing the correct H.P.
for a given application. A kit that uses the correct factory calibration does
not usually cause increased wear. As the energy released in the cylinder
increases so do the loads on the variuos components that must handle them. If
the load increases exceed the ability of the component to handle them, added
wear takes place. NOS kits are designed for use on demand and only at wide open
throttle. Nitrous can be extremeny advantageous i that it is only used when you
want it, not all the time. All NOS kits are designed for maximum power with
reliability for a given application.
Q: Can I simply bolt a nitrous kit onto my stock engine?
A: Yes, NOS manufactures systems for
virtually any stock engine application. The key is to choose the correct kit for
a given application; i.e., 4 cyl. engines normally allow an extra 40-60 HP, 6
cyl. engines usually work great between 75-100 extra HP, small block V8's
(302/350/400cid) can typically accept up to 140 extra HP, and big block V8's
(427/454) might accept from 125-200 extra HP. These suggested ranges provide
maximum reliability from most stock engines using cast pistons and cast crank
with few or no engine modifications.
Q: What are some of the general rules for even higher H.P. gains?
A: Generally, forged aluminum pistons are
one of the best modifications you can make. Retard ignition timing by 4-8
degrees (1 to 1½ degrees timing retard per 50 H.P. gain). In many cases a higher
flowing fuel pump may be necessary. Higher octane (100+) racing type fuel may be
required as well as spark plugs 1 to 2 heat ranges colder than normal with gaps
closed to .025"-.030". For gains over 250 H.P., other important modifications
could be necessary in addition to those mentioned above. These special
modifications may include a forged crankshaft, a high quality race type
connecting rod, a high output fuel pump dedicated to feeding the additional fuel
demands of the nitrous system, and a racing fuel with high specific gravity and
an octane rating of 110 or more.
Q: How much performance improvement can I expect with a nitrous system?
A: For many applications an improvement
from 1 to 3 full seconds and 10 to 15 MPH in the quarter mile can be expected.
Factors such as engine size, tires, jetting, gearing, etc. will effect the final
results.
Q: How long will the bottle last?
A: This largely depends on the type of
nitrous kit and jetting used. For example, a 125 HP Power Shot kit with a
standard 10 lb. capacity bottle will usually offer up to 7 to 10 full
quarter-mile passes. For power levels of 250 HP, 3 to 5 full quarter-mile passes
may be expected. If nitrous is only used in 2nd and 3rd gears, the number of
runs will be more.
Q: How long can I hold the nitrous button down?
A: It is possible to hold the button down
until the bottle is empty. However 15 continuous seconds at a time, or less, is
recommend.
Q: When is the best time to use nitrous?
A: At wide open throttle only (unless a
progressive controller is used). Due to the tremendous amount of increased
torque, you will generally find best results, traction permitting, at early
activation. Nitrous can be safely applied above 2,500 RPM under full throttle
conditions.
Q: Will I have to rejet my carburetor on my car when adding nitrous?
A: No! The NOS system is independent of
your carburetor and injects its own mixture of fuel and nitrous.
Q: Is nitrous oxide flammable?
A: No. Nitrous oxide by itself is
non-flammable. However, the oxygen present in nitrous oxide causes combustion of
fuel to take place more rapidly.
Q: Will nitrous oxide cause detonation?
A: Not directly. Detonation is the result
of too little fuel present during combustion (lean) or too low of an octane of
fuel. Too much ignition advance also causes detonation. In general, most of our
kits engineered for stock type engines will work well with premium type fuels
and minimal decreases of ignition timing. In racing applications where higher
compression ratios are used, resulting in higher cylinder pressures, a higher
fuel octane must be used as well as more ignition retard.
Q: Where can I get my bottle refilled?
A: There are many performance shops that
can refill your nitrous bottle generally for around $20. All NOS certified
distributors can refill your bottle.
Q: Is there any performance increase in using medical grade nitrous oxide?
A: None! NOS recommends and sells only the
automotive grade, called Ny-trous Plus. Ny-trous Plus contains a minimal amount
of sulfur dioxide (100 ppm) as a deterrent to substance abuse. The additive does
not affect performance.
Q: Is it a good idea to use an aftermarket computer chip in conjunction with an NOS System?
A: Only if the chip had been designed
specifically for use with nitrous oxide. Most aftermarket chips use more
aggressive timing advance curves to create more power. This can lead to
potential detonation. You may wish to check with the manufacturer of the chip
before using it. The top manufacturers, such as Hypertech do make special chips
for use with nitrous.
Q: How long does it generally take to install an NOS kit?
A: The majority of NOS kits can be
installed using common hand tools in approximately 3 to 5 hours. NOS instruction
manuals are by far the best in the industry; and include specific installation
drawings, wiring diagrams, and bottle mounting procedures as well as performance
tips and a thorough trouble shooting guide.
A: As long as he manifold doesn't
interfere with the spray pattern of the bars, either will work fine in most
cases. The distribution is better with a single plane at high RPM. If your goal
is to increase power by more than 200 HP, the single plane manifold is better.
Q: Does nitrous oxide raise cylinder pressures and temperatures?
A: Yes. Due to the ability to burn more
fuel, this is exactly why nitrous makes so much power.
Q: Are there any benefits to chilling the nitrous bottle?
A: No. Chilling the bottle lowers the
pressure dramatically and will also lower the flow rate of the nitrous causing a
fuel rich condition and reducing power. On cold evenings you might run on the
rich side. For optimal running conditions, keep bottle pressure at approximately
800-900 psi. NOS has a nitrous pressure gauge that allows you to monitor this.
If you live or operate a nitrous system in colder climates, it may also be a
good idea to purchase a bottle heater kit, part #14161. Generally, ambient
temperatures of 70-90 degrees F. will allow for best power potential of NOS
kits.
Q: Are there benefits to using nitrous with turbo or supercharger applications?
A: Absolutely! In turbo applications,
turbo lag is completely eliminated with the addition of a nitrous system. In
addition, both turbo and superchargers compress the incoming air, thus heating
it. With the injection of nitrous, a tremendous intercooling effect reduces
intake charge temperatures by 75 degrees or more. Boost is usually increased as
well; adding to even more power.
Q: What effect does nitrous have on an engine with considerable miles on it?
A: This depends largely on the actual
condition of the engine components. Any performance modification to an engine
that is worn out or poorly tuned will have detrimental effects. However, an
engine in good condition, with good ring and head gasket sealing, should be able
to use nitrous without any abnormal wear.
Q: Will the use of nitrous oxide affect the catalytic converter?
A: No. The increase in oxygen present in
the exhaust may actually increase the efficiency of the converter. Since the use
of nitrous is normally limited to 10-20 seconds of continuous use, there usually
are no appreciable effects. Temperatures are typically well within acceptable
standards.
A: Not really. In most cases the
percentage of increase is greater from a stock engine because it is not as
efficient as the modified engine in a normal non-nitrous mode. However, since
the effects of nitrous oxide magnify the output of any engine, the total power
output will be much higher in the modified engine.
Q: Can high compression engines utilize nitrous oxide?
A: Absolutely. High or low compression
ratios can work quite suitably with nitrous oxide provided the proper balance of
nitrous and fuel enrichment is maintained. NOS kits are used in applications
from relatively low compression stock type motors to Pro-Modifieds, which often
exceed 15 to 1. Generally, the higher the compression ratio, the more ignition
retard, as well as higher octane fuel, is required. For more specific
information talk to one of our technicians.
Q: Can service station fuel be used for street/strip nitrous oxide applications?
A: Yes. Use of a premium type leaded or
unleaded fuel of 92, or greater, octance is recommended for most applications.
Many NOS systems are designed for use with service station pump gas. However,
when higher compression or higher horsepower levels are used, a racing fuel of
100 octane, or more, must be used.
Q: What type of cam is best suited for use with nitrous oxide?
A: Generally, cams that have more exhaust
overlap and duration. However, it is best to choose a cam tailored to normal use
(when nitrous is not activated) since 99% of most vehicle operation is not at
full throttle. There are special cam grinds available for nitrous competition
which have more aggressive exhaust profiles etc. Since cam selection depends
largely on vehicle weight, gearing, etc., it is best to stick to cam
manufacturer's recommendations for your particular goal.
A: The advantages of a plate system are
ease of installation and removal, ability to transfer easily to another vehicle,
ability to change jetting combinations quickly, and, in most cases, provide you
with all the extra HP you will ever need (75 to 350 more HP). In some cases,
such as in-line type engines with long runners, a direct port type system is
advisable for maximizing distribution. Also, where more than 350 HP is needed,
our direct port Fogger systems will provide the ultimate in distribution and
power (up to 500+ HP). Direct port injection is also desirable when the system
is hidden under the manifold.
Q: Should I modify my fuel system to use nitrous oxide?
A: Most stock fuel pumps will work
adequately for smaller nitrous applications. It is important to check to see if
your pump can flow enough fuel to your existing fuel system (whether carburetor
or fuel injected), as well as being able to supply the additional fuel required
by the nitrous kit under full throttle conditions. It may be a good idea to
dedicate a separate fuel pump to the nitrous kit.
Q: Which is the best position to mount a nitrous bottle?
A: NOS bottles come with siphon tubes and,
in order to maintain proper nitrous pickup, it is important to mount the bottle
correctly. It is recommend mounting the bottle at a 15 degree angle with the
valve end higher than the bottom of the bottle. The valve end of the bottle
should point to the front of the vehicle and the valve knob and label should
face straight up.
Q: How important is it to use nitrous and fuel filters in a kit?
A: Some of the most important components
of any nitrous system are nitrous and fuel filters that keep contaminants from
attacking the solenoid or plugging up a jet. A stuck solenoid means trouble!
Q: What are the advantages of using nitrous compared to other performance options?
A: The cost of many other performance
options can put you in the poorhouse. Dollar for dollar, you can't buy more
performance with less money than nitrous. With a nitrous system, performance and
reliability can be had for a much more reasonable price while retaining the
advantages of a stock engine during normal driving. And, nitrous offers
tremendous gains in torque without having to rev the engine to excessive rpm's.
These factors help your engine last longer than many other methods of boosting
horsepower.
Q: How do I know how much nitrous is left in the bottle?
A: The most reliable way is to weigh the
bottle to determine how many pounds remain. When a bottle is near empty (about
20% or less nitrous remaining) a surging effect is normally felt.
Q: What is the function of the blow-off safety valve on the bottle?
A: It is very importent not to overfill a
bottle; i.e., a 10 lb. capacity bottle should not be filled with more than 10
lb. of nitrous oxide by weight. Over-filling and/or too much heat can cause
excessive bottle pressures forcing the safety seal to blow and releasing all the
contents out of the bottle.
Q:Will I have to change my ignition system?
A: Most late model ignition systems are well suited for nitrous applications. In some higher HP cases, it may be advisable to look into a high quality high output ignition system.
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