NOS Installation Tips - Nitrous Kits, Tech Data, Engine Upgrades & Installation Tips

The answer here is a direct-port system where fuel and nitrous are injected at the ports through individual nozzles positioned at each cylinder, ensuring even distribution. If you plan to run a moderate, say a 50-75 hp shot, a conventional single nozzle (wet or dry) system will work fine. At 100 shot one should consider the flow properties of the intake tract. The direct-port system is more involved from an installation standpoint as the intake must be drilled and tapped in each runner to accommodate the nozzles. Also, the port system runs a distribution block where the nitrous is routed to each individual nozzle. This plumbing also takes time and skill to install.

For racing and extreme street cars staged nitrous is the next step up. In this configuration, the system provides a set amount of nitrous at initial activation then ups the ante when the driver hits a button. These systems are basically two systems in one as each stage has its own solenoid and nozzles. The basic idea is to provide the extra power when the car has the traction to make use of it. Throwing a 250-hp shot at a front drive off the line will only granulate rubber and stress the driveline. There are endless possibilities when it comes to configuring a staged system. The major factors include engine status (built, stock), traction characteristics of the car and intended usage (street or race).

For more precise control and linear application of nitrous-enhanced power Progressive computer control is the way to go. A computer oversees the application of nitrous. Depending on the complexity of the system, the system's computer can be programmed to flow nitrous based on throttle position or over time. Throttle position progressive systems use TPS voltage to calculate when to start the flow. So at, say 2.5 volts, the nitrous begins to flow as voltage increases so does the flow until WOT where the full capability of the nitrous system is unleashed. Time-based progressive nitrous control allows the user to select the percentage of initial flow and program the amount of time it will take for the system to reach 100 percent flow. The range is 0-10 seconds. So 30 percent can be selected as the initial flow and the system can be programmed to attain 100 percent at 4 seconds.

A more advanced time-based set-up allows the user to really micro-manage the flow of nitrous. This system allows the user to program the percentage of nitrous introduced and when said percentage is introduced and increased. For example, in this scenario 25-percent of the system's capability can be brought on-line at 0 seconds, 50 percent at 3.5 seconds, 80-percent at 5.6 seconds and 100 percent at 6.9 seconds.

There are also spool-up kits for turbocharged engines. This type of system is designed to provide a moderate amount of nitrous until a pre-determined boost level is attained. The nitrous adds power but more importantly adds to the amount of exhaust gases which gets the turbo up to speed quicker. When at the specified boost the nitrous kit hands the baton of power over to the turbo system.