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FAQ's

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about the use of Nitrous Oxide Systems,

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 various components that must handle them, if the load increases exceed the ability of the components to handle them, added wear takes place. NOS kits are designed for use on demand and only at wide open throttle. Nitrous can be extremely advantageous in 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 far virtually any stock engine application. The key is to choose the correct kit far 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 HP gains?

A: Generally, forged aluminum pistons are one of the best modifications you can make. Retard ignition timing by 4-8 degrees (1 to 1-1/2 degrees timing retard per 50 HP 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 HP, 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 rods, 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. For more specific information about your application, please contact us.

Q. How does nitrous work?

A: Nitrous oxide is made up of 2 parts nitrogen and one part oxygen (36% oxygen by weight). A. During the combustion process in an engine, at about 572 degrees F, nitrous breaks down and releases oxygen. This extra oxygen creates additional power by allowing more fuel to be burned. Nitrogen acts to buffer, or dampen the increased cylinder pressures helping to control the combustion process. Nitrous also has a tremendous “inter cooling” effect by reducing intake charge temperatures by 60 to 75 degrees F.

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 15MPH in the quarter mile can be expected. Factors such as engine size, tires, jetting, gearing, etc. will affect the final results. How long will the bottle last? 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 A 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 recommended.

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 3000 RPM under full throttle conditions.

Q: Will I need to re-jet my carburetor on my car when adding nitrous?

A: No! The nitrous system is independent of your carburetor and injects its own mixture of fuel and nitrous, making rejetting unnecessary.

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 on 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 application 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: Is there any performance increase in using medical grade nitrous oxide?

A: None! Most manufacturers recommend only automotive grade, called Ny-trous Plus or NitrousBOOST. Automotive grade nitrous contains a minimal amount of sulfur dioxide (100 ppm) as a deterrent to substance abuse. The additive does not affect performance. Additionally, medical grade nitrous is considered a controlled substance and is carefully regulated.

Q : Is it a good idea to use an aftermarket computer chip in conjunction with a nitrous system?

A: Generally, the answer is NO. Most aftermarket chips use more aggressive timing advance curves to create more power. This can lead to possible detonation. You may use a chip only if the chip has been designed specifically for use with nitrous oxide. Check with your chip supplier to see if they offer a nitrous option chip.

Q. How long does it generally take to install a kit?

A: The majority of nitrous kits can be installed using common hand tools in approximately 4 to 6 hours. Obviously if you're using additional components (window switches, bottle heaters, etc.), or trying custom or hidden mounting, there may be additional time required.

Q: Which type of manifold is better suited for a plate injector type of nitrous system, single or dual plane manifold?

A: As long as the manifold doesn't’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 150 HP, the single plane manifold is better.

Q: Does nitrous oxide raise cylinder pressure 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 overly rich fuel condition and reduction in power. As a general rule, keep bottle pressure at approximately 900-950 psi. You should definitely utilize a nitrous pressure gauge that allows you to monitor bottle pressure. If you live or operate a nitrous system in colder temperatures, it is a good idea to purchase a bottle heater kit to help maintain proper pressure.

Q: Are there benefits to using nitrous with turbo or super-charger applications?

A: Absolutely! In turbo applications, turbo lag is completely eliminated with the addition of a nitrous system. Is 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 affect does nitrous have on an engine with considerable miles on it?

A: This depends largely an 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.

Q: Will the percentage of performance increase be the same in a highly modified engine compared to a stock engine when using the same nitrous kit and jetting?

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.

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, octane is recommended for most applications. However, when higher compression or higher horsepower levels are used, a racing fuel of 100 octane, or more, must be used to prevent detonation.

Q: What type of cam is best suited for use with nitrous oxide?

A: Generally, cams that have less exhaust overlap and more exhaust duration. However, it is best to choose a cam tailored to normal use (when nitrous is not activated) since 99% of most vehicle operations is not at full throttle. There are special cam grinds available for nitrous competition which have more aggressive exhaust profile ramping, etc. Since cam selection depends largely on vehicle weight, gearing, etc., it is best to stick to cam manufacturers’ recommendations far your particular goal.

Q: What type of nitrous system is better; a plate injection system or a direct port injection system?

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, NOS 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 came with siphon tubes and, in order to maintain proper nitrous pickup, it is important to mount the bottle correctly. We recommend mounting the bottle at a 15 degree angle with the 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. Their main function is to keep contaminants from attacking the solenoid or plugging up a jet.

Q : What are the advantages of using nitrous compared to other performance options?

A: The cost of many other performance options (supercharging, turbos) can be expensive.. Nitrous oxide injection is the best "bang for the buck" for most applications. Nitrous has the added advantage of not being "always on", like a turbo or blower. With a nitrous system, performance and reliability can be had for a much more reasonable price while still retaining the advantage 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: What kind of pressures are components subject to in a typical nitrous kit?

A: Pressures often exceed 1000 psi. This is why nitrous systems contain high pressure tested aircraft quality components like stainless steel braided Teflon lines throughout the system.

Q: How do I know how much nitrous is the bottle?

A: The most reliable method is to weigh the bottle to determine how many pounds remain. When a bottle is near empty (about 20% or less 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 important not to overfill your nitrous bottle, ( i.e., a 10 lb. capacity bottle should not be filled tomore than 10 lbs. 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 output ignition system with a built in spark retard, such as an MSD type ignition..

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