CAN NITROUS GAS BOOST YOUR CAR’S PERFORMANCE

Nitrous oxide systems are internal combustion systems that deliver nitrous into the engine to be converted to oxygen, increasing the engine’s performance.

Cars are like us, with engines that need fuel and oxygen to move. Our bodies (our “engines”) need water, oxygen, and so forth to function. Without a healthy functioning engine, a car cannot move, just like we can not function properly without oxygen, food, water, etc.

The more oxygen a car engine gets, the better it performs. But oxygen can sometimes be limited. Nitrous oxide systems are a way to boost oxygen into the engine without pumping raw oxygen directly (which is dangerous) into it.

This article explores nitrous oxide systems and how it affects your car’s motor performance.

WHAT IS THE NITROUS OXIDE SYSTEM (NOS)?

A nitrous oxide system is a unique internal combustion system that delivers nitrous into the engine to be converted to oxygen, increasing the engine’s performance dramatically, provided there is fuel to work with the increased oxygen in the system. Nitrous oxide systems are sometimes called nitrous, nitro, or NOS.

The system was first used during the second world war, where specific aircraft engines were modified using nitrous to boost their performance when needed. Since then, the system has found its way into high-end supercars and racing cars.

It is hard to find nitrous-powered vehicles often because they pose a threat to safety, and nitrous-powered cars are regulated in most countries by strict laws. The NOS has gained a large fan base of gearheads, with movies like Fast and Furious playing a tremendous role in giving exposure to NOS.

HOW NITROUS GAS WORKS ON YOUR CAR

The main component in the nitrous system is the nitrous oxide compound. When this compound is subjected to extreme heat at about 570 degrees F, the mixture undergoes some fundamental change and splits into two separate compounds; oxygen and nitrogen.

While pumping raw oxygen into an engine can be super dangerous, using the NOS process gets more oxygen into the engine without the related danger to safety. So by injecting nitrous oxide safely into the engine and subjecting it to heat, you can get your engine to supercharge and do some crazy stunts; but only within a short period.

The nitrous system contains nitrous oxide, which will be turned into gas when it cools down in the engine.

Next, the nitrous is pumped into the combustion chamber, where the extreme heat causes the nitrous to split, creating the oxygen needed to boost the engine. The extra oxygen causes the fuel to burn faster, giving a speed boost to the engine as it can work more efficiently.

Nitrous gives your car a short-term boost. A shot is a boost NOS gives to a car’s performance. Like horsepower, 50 shots mean 50 extra horsepower to your vehicle, and 200 shots mean 200 additional horsepower.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF NITROUS GAS

When you see a nitrous boost on Fast and Furious, the energy rush you feel is nothing compared to when you are sitting in the car. Most gearheads just want to experience this rush. However, nitrous has more practical applications, especially in racing, where a slight increase in performance can help you get an edge in the race.

Nitrous systems are not a part of your car and can easily be removed. Most of them install pretty easily and fast. So, you could do it yourself, but we recommend involving a professional to determine what is best for your car.

As the saying goes: “With great power comes great responsibility.” So there is the danger of abuse. Much like an adrenaline rush, you could get hooked on the “high” and forget to be cautious and responsible.

But the more significant danger is that nitrous could cause explosions or destroy your engine if the calibration and tuning aren’t well done and the pressure and temperature are not controlled.

TYPES OF NOS INJECTIONS

There are two types of NOS; wet and dry. The two types reflect how nitrous is injected into the combustion chamber.

WET NOS

Wet NOS is when nitrous is added while fuel is injected into the engine.

ADVANTAGE

Wet NOS is easy to install and adjust. It works well when you need more power from the motor.

DISADVANTAGE

Wet NOS is very dangerous and can backfire in the blink of an eye during the final lap.

DRY NOS

On the other hand, a dry system injects nitrous oxide separately from the fuel.

ADVANTAGE

Dry NOS is also easy to set up and delivers fuel efficiency.

DISADVANTAGE

It is difficult to tune.

IS IT LEGAL TO INSTALL NOS IN YOUR CAR IN GHANA

The Road Traffic Act, 204 of Ghana, which regulates the use of vehicles in Ghana, does not explicitly mention nitrous oxide systems. So, it seems like it may be a gray area.

However, the law does prohibit racing and altering vehicles without prior notice and permission from the appropriate bodies. In addition, most countries with an explicit law on nitrous oxide systems ban or highly regulate its use.

Using nitrous is a great way to boost your engine and enjoy the rush the boost brings. But it comes with some precautions you must take to maintain your safety and the safety of other road users.