The Proper Use of Nitrous Oxide in Vehicles

Nitrous oxide can be used with no adverse effects for the normal life of a vehicle if it is understood and used properly. Nitrous Oxide is the least expensive way to gain horsepower and has a distinct edge because it is instantaneous regulated horsepower, whereas a conventionally fueled engine's horsepower is a product of RPM.

Nitrous oxide is an accelerant--not unlike an oxygen acetylene torch. Acetylene gas does not burn hot until the introduction of the oxygen and nitrous oxide is not flammable. However, add it to a mixture of fuel and it magnifies the flame considerably. Herein lies the largest mistake most first time users make. If Nitrous alone is added to the normal air-fuel mixture in an engine, the cylinder head temperature will go into orbit, and one millisecond later the remains of the engine will land in Miami!

The normal exhaust gas temperature ranges from 400 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as the nitrous is introduced, it causes a super lean condition. The cylinder head temperature surpasses 1800 degrees and the pistons melt down to a liquid and will be expelled right out the exhaust. This can be eliminated with a little knowledge, however.

Nitrous oxide should always be mixed with a separate dedicated fuel source. This is the most important subject when using nitrous. Always have either a high volume pump with a fuel regulator, with one regulated line and a fuel pressure gauge for this line. The safest way for a non-fuel injected vehicle to use nitrous is to use an engine driven fuel pump for normal operation and have a high volume electric fuel pump for the nitrous. The fuel line dedicated to the nitrous injection should never have less than 8 pounds of pressure under operation. Whether a single electric fuel pump is used or a combination of two, the nitrous side must have a regulator and pressure gauge.

All nitrous units, whether a plate located under the carburetor or a fogger in the intake manifold, will have one solenoid for fuel and one for nitrous. The best way to set the pressure is to turn the nitrous bottle off, have a helper hold the rpm at 3000 and tap the nitrous trigger for a second. Since the nitrous bottle is closed, fuel is the only thing will flow. When the trigger is actuated watch the drop in the fuel pressure to the fuel solenoid. The pressure should be set to drop to no less than 8 pounds.

Never use the nitrous unless the gas pedal is to the floor. If it is uncomfortable using the button, a micro switch can be installed on the throttle linkage.

The last tip is to retard the spark timing by 3 degrees when using nitrous. An automatic retard box should be installed so that when the trigger is activated, the box will retard the spark automatically.