Nitrous is the cheapest, most effective way to add large horsepower increases in todays world. It has it's good and bad points, but then so does any power enhancer. Today's formost leader in the field of Nitrous technology would have to be Nitrous Oxide Systems, Inc, also known as NOS.
I am a "newbie" to Nitrous. I always have been and probably always will be a big fan of Superchargers. But, when you are young, working to get by, and still trying to have fun, you want the best value for your dollar. That is where Nitrous comes in. A complete NOS nitrous kit can be bought for under $600 (for a regular EFI kit, not the top of the line ones). But even a top of the line kit is still cheaper than a Centrifugal Supercharger. The only real down side is the need to refill the bottle when it runs out. Now, some people like to argue that Nitrous is not "real" power because it is not always there. Well, I say "FINE". At least that way I have it when I want it and you can retain everyday driveability of the car when you aren't using it. Now, I don't want to start power wars here, I am just stating that for the money, there really isn't any way to beat the performance. Up to 150 "safe" horsepower for about $600. How's that for a dollar/hp ratio????
Nitrous technology has come a LONG way in the last few years. Not only are there the typical plate kits for carburators, there are direct port kits, cheater kits, and both plate and "dry" kits for todays EFI motors. Nitrous and Fuel Injection has to be one of the best combinations out there for a daily driven "race" car. In a lot of the current EFI kits, the Nitrous is injected in the intake and the additional fuel is added by way of the stock fuel injectors. A modern V8 EFI motor can easily handle up to 150hp of Nitrous and still maintain it's long term reliability.
Many people think that Nitrous is very dangerous for a motor. Yes, it sure can be, but only if used improperly. You need to use only as much as is safe for your particular motor, keep the motor tuned up, and most importantly, make sure you have an adequate fuel and ignition system. The biggest problem with Nitrous is running lean which causes detonation and the end for your motor.
Why does Nitrous Oxide work so well in our cars? Well, read this info from the NOS Home Page and find out why:
"How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
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.
Why Nitrous?
Nitrous oxide injection has become a very popular option for today's performance enthusiast for several reasons:
1.Nitrous offers you more performance per dollar spent, than any other performance modification.
2.Nitrous installations are relatively easy to accomplish.
3.Since Nitrous is used only when needed, it offers you the advantages of complete driveability and normal gas mileage while not "on the button."
4.Systems available for virtually any power need from 25 HP to over 500 extra HP.
5.One of the few performance options available for today's computer controlled, fuel injected engines.
6.Systems can easily be removed or transferred to another vehicle.
Why NOS?
Through years of involvement with all forms of high performance racing, NOS has evolved into the world's largest manufacturer of performance nitrous systems. NOS designs and engineers nitrous systems for virtually anything with an internal combustion engine from stock to highly modified cars, motorcycles, watercraft, aircraft and even snowmobiles. NOS has become synonymous with quality high performance automotive products. Research and development, engineering and technical support assure you of being part of the winning NOS team. "
Have a couple questions about N2O you would like answered? Well, check out this Nitrous FAQ that I also got from the NOS Home Page.
Ok, so you have read a little bit about Nitrous and wonder if anyone actually uses the stuff in their cars. Well, below is a list of Nitrous users and, if they have one, their home pages. Check out these sites, their cars, and feel free to drop them a line. So far, all the people listed below are on the F-Body mailing list. If you run Nitrous let me know and I will add your name and car on here. If you have a home page that has info about Nitrous and would like to get a link to your site, please email me and let me know. I will get it on here too.
Nitrous users home pages and email addresses:
Tom Byrne - 1993 Camaro Z28 - Compucar Plate System
Steve's bottle fed Z28
Chris Cooley - 1995 Camaro Z28 - Home Page
Garth Williams - 1995 Camaro Z28
Matt Gower - 1993 Camaro Z28 - CompuCar 150HP
j. Chris Ackers - 1967 Camaro - Home Page
Michael Hawk - 1996 Camaro Z28
David Wilson - 1996 Camaro Z28 - NOS 90 HP Dry setup
Steve Devillier - 1995 Pontiac Trans Am - Home Page
Wayne Courtney - 1981 Camaro Z28
Rick Lindstedt - 1987 Camaro IROC - Home Page
Chris Siggins - 1994 Pontiac Formula
Rob Gilroy - 1993 Camaro Z28 - Home Page
Andy Hitzemann - 1996 Camaro Z28 - Home Page
Jason Blum - 1989 Pontiac GTA
Chris Wronski - 1995 Camaro Z28
For more good Nitrous information, check out this Nitrous info page. Or, check out Chris' new N2O Page
Please email me with comments and suggestions.
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