In the realm of nitrous injection, Venom's VCN-2000 is the tip of the spear when it comes to high-tech sophistication, innovation and tuning capability. Part revolution, part evolution, the VCN-2000 is a single-nozzle operation that's totally computer programmable. The VCN-2000 comes with a Palm Pilot M100 preloaded with the proprietary Venom software as well as floppy discs for use on laptop PCs. The floppy discs also include vehicle-specific instructions.
The VCN-2000 kit includes a computer module, LCD screen, programming cable, wiring harness, injector harness, 20 feet of hose, 2.5-foot hose with nozzle, valve assembly, 10-pound bottle and all the necessary connectors, clips and wire ties.
The VCN-2000 module uses input from the TPS, oxygen sensor and an engine speed/rpm signal. The kit includes a harness that will allow the installer to tap into these sensors. Venom's instruction manual outlines how to do this and pays extra attention to sensors fitted with shielded cables.
A harness for the injectors is also part of the installation. These connections will allow the module to execute fuel enrichment via the stock injectors. A voltmeter is used to ensure the connections are legit; any fluctuation of current here could mean a lean condition. The LCD display screen is then positioned in the cockpit and wired into the proper harness set. It should be noted that the VCN-2000 control module needs to be mounted inside the cabin and not in the engine bay where heat, debris and EMI can affect performance.
Central Command for the VCN-2000...
Central Command for the VCN-2000 is the Venom Nitrous Management Module. It controls all aspects of nitrous flow and fuel enrichment. Venom requires the module be positioned in the cabin away from vibration and EMI that can be found in the engine bay. " The LCD screen is also mounted in the cockpit. It relays system status information to the driver. " Nitrous is metered in the valve assembly and sent to the nozzle located in the intake tract.
From this point, the bottle is mounted in the truck and the 20 feet of hose is run to the engine bay and connected to the valve assembly. The smaller hose with the nozzle is connected to the assembly and the nozzle is plumbed in the intake track prior to the throttle body. The wiring harness is also connected to the assembly.
So the VCN module gets signals concerning TPS, O2 and engine speed and uses these inputs to tune the application of nitrous. The module is also capable of manipulating injector duty cycle to address fuel enrichment via the injector harness.
The biggest revolution of the Venom VCN-2000 is in the tuning of the system. The VCN-2000 software contained on the included Palm Pilot provides three tuning strategies-Linear Mode, Drag Mode and Timed Mode. All three are programmed on the Palm Pilot and downloaded to the module. A button on the module allows the driver to select which mode he wants in control.
Set-Up Screen
After calling up the Venom software on the Palm Pilot and using the stylus to tap through the introduction screen, things get serious. The Set-up screen asks for some vital information that will be key in programming the VCN-2000. This data consists of the number of cylinders, ignition configuration and TPS voltage.
The VCN-2000 comes with a...
The VCN-2000 comes with a Palm Pilot M100 preloaded with Venom software; supplied floppies allow usage of laptop PCs for tuning.
Linear Mode
There are no jets in the VCN-2000 to dictate the flow of nitrous. There's also no micro-switch to click over at wide-open throttle to engage the system. How much nitrous is delivered depends on a percentage given by the TPS. The introduction relies on two parameters: activation rpm and throttle angle. These are programmed on the Palm Pilot by tapping the up or down arrows. Only when both parameters are met, say 4500 rpm and 75-percent throttle opening, will the nitrous system fire.
The maximum nitrous percentage field represents the jetting of the system and controls how much nitrous is pumped into the system. In Linear Mode, the nitrous flows in a linear fashion, so as the throttle percentage increases, the flow of nitrous does, too. At 100-percent throttle, all of the programmed nitrous is being injected.
Tuning is handled via a Palm...
Tuning is handled via a Palm Pilot, which is included in the kit with the Venom software pre-installed. The set-up screen is the first step. The user selects the number of cylinders, type of ignition system and then a Throttle Position Sensor calibration value is entered.
In Drag Mode, only engine...
In Drag Mode, only engine speed is programmed. When you hit the prescribed engine speed and WOT is detected, the VCN-2000 delivers the maximum nitrous programmed in this mode. Cut-off happens only after TPS is less than 100 percent or engine speed falls below the activation point.
The kit includes two floppy...
The kit includes two floppy discs for those who want to tune the VCN-2000 on a laptop computer.
Drag Mode
Drag Mode takes it for granted that you will be operating at wide open throttle so the only two tuning parameters are activation rpm and nitrous percentage. Once you hit the programmed engine speed and the hammer is down to the tune of 100 percent, the laughing gas flows. Nitrous ceases only after TPS is less than 100 percent or engine speed falls below the activation point.
Timed Mode
This strategy is similar to Linear Mode but you get all the nitrous programmed in the system when the two tuning parameters, activation rpm and throttle percentage, are met. The user can also program how long the nitrous flows. Not a bad idea; in the heat of battle, you can get carried away, and pistons and valves can cook because of it. Venom doesn't recommend pumping the juice for more than 15 seconds and there should be ample cool-down time between blasts. In fact, 15 seconds is the maximum setting at which the software can be programmed.
Download
The final screen downloads the setting to the VCN-2000 module. If you make changes to the program and don't want to download it, the settings can be saved in the Palm Pilot for later use.
Conclusion
The Venom VCN-2000 is in the high-price range, but its three-headed tuning strategy makes it an ideal choice for traction-challenged front-drive cars and vehicles that will see the strip occasionally. Venom uses the best quality components and puts the power of tuning right in the palm of your hands.
| Manufacturer | |
| Venom |
| System | |
| VCN-2000 |
| Style | |
| Single-nozzle |
| Engine | |
| 4, 5, 6, 8 Cylinder |
| Street Price | |
| $1,399 |
| Power | |
| Tuned by percentage |
Here is where the programming...
Here is where the programming is downloaded to the Nitrous Management Module. You can elect not to download and save the tuning inputs for later use.
Linear Mode uses two tuning...
Linear Mode uses two tuning parameters (rpm, TPS percentage) to dictate when nitrous is introduced. The maximum amount of nitrous is programmed at this point as well. When the parameters are met, the nitrous flows in a linear fashion, starting with very little and climbing as the TPS percentage goes up, with 100 percent of the flow realized at 100-percent WOT.
Here we see the Timed Mode...
Here we see the Timed Mode screen. The programmed parameters are the same as Linear Mode but here you get it all at once. You can program how long the system will spray. For safety reasons, 15 seconds is the maximum setting the software will allow.