| NOS me up | Nitrous oxide was first discovered by hot rodders in the 1940's, so we have got them to thank for a cheap and very effective way of gaining those elusive bhp gains. Crazy when you think that it is in fact laughing gas.
How nitrous oxide increases horsepower:
Nitrous is made up of 2 parts nitrogen and 1 part oxygen. When the nitrous is heated to a high temperature it breaks down which releases more oxygen, it is not just this oxygen which creates the extra power but the ability of this oxygen to burn more fuel. Burning more fuel creates higher cylinder pressures which is where most of the additional power is produced. Also when the nitrous oxide is jetted into the intake manifold it changes from a liquid into a gas which reduces the temperature of the nitrous to around minus 125 degrees which can cool the overall intake charge by up to 75 degrees, resulting in even more horsepower. The nitrogen that was also released during the process acts to dampen the increased cylinder pressures which leads to a controlled combustion process
Another use for nitrous oxide is to help to reduce turbo lag. When a large turbo is fitted to produce huge amounts of boost the turbine takes a long time to spin up, so fitting a nitrous kit to eliminate turbo lag is a good idea, this gives instant power allowing the turbo to spin up to speed and produce the required boost.
The prices for nitrous systems range from about ?500 upto ?1,000, which is a bargain if you consider the performance gains you recieve.
If you want to know more or buy a system then visit Mynheer Automotive's website and go to the Tuning section where you will find the Nitrous Kits
Nitrous Oxide Myths:
"Nitrous will blow up my engine!"
Nitrous oxide does have the potential to cause damage to an engine, but if it is fitted and operated properly it can provide safe and effective horsepower gains.
"Is nitrous oxide legal?"
Yes it is legal, but be aware that if you go around in your nova beating porches away from the lights and the police see you you will be pulled.
"What if the bottle blows up?"
Nitrous oxide itself is not flammable. It does contain a high amount of oxygen which when combined with fuel causes a more rapid and powerful explosion. |
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