Nitrous Oxide Regulation System - Nitrous Pressure Games

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to by its chemical composition, N2O, is made up of two parts nitrogen and one part oxygen. When used in automotive applications, introducing the substance into the internal-combustion engine allows greater cylinder fill, and with it the potential for tremendous power gains, assuming that proper fuel delivery is maintained over the rpm range in which the nitrous oxide system is employed. For all the tremendous power benefits of nitrous, it would be fair to say that nitrous use, especially under higher-output systems, comes with the risks and common problems encountered by a majority of enthusiasts. Right at the top of the list is inconsistent performance caused by the basics of the nitrous system itself.

In order to operate at peak efficiency, a nitrous system is calibrated for a specific bottle pressure. According to Tom Darnell Jr., company co-owner of Nitrogen Assisted Nitrous Systems (NANO), nitrous manufacturers typically target bottle pressures of between 950-1,050 pounds of pressure in kits. Above the calibrated pressures, more nitrous is introduced into the engine due to higher pressures, resulting in the air/fuel ratio leaning out. Conversely, at pressures under the target, less nitrous is introduced, resulting in rich conditions. As the level of nitrous in the bottle(s) change, so too will the resulting bottle pressure. As both the amount of liquid and the bottle pressure vary with use and atmospheric conditions, variables are introduced that lead to inconsistent performance, sometimes with disastrous results.

In order to combat the variables that have plagued nitrous users for decades, NANO developed a Bolton nitrous regulation system (patent pending) that controls both the nitrous oxide density and bottle pressure. Tom Darnell relates, "By piggybacking a cylinder filled with either high-pressure air or high-pressure nitrogen onto either a standard 10- or 15-pound nitrous bottle inline with the nitrous, the highpressure gas ensures that the bottle pressure remains constant. In addition to consistent bottle pressures, the high pressure (air or nitrogen) forces all the contents of the nitrous bottle out, allowing the user to make additional runs, as every drop of nitrous will be expended. For years the only real management of bottle pressure has been the use of a bottle heater, and to a lesser degree, a bottle cooler."

Strap yourselves in as we roll on over to Real Performance Motorsports (RPM) in Lewisville, Texas, and dynotest a '02 Formula owned by Larry Morris of Denton, Texas, on RPM's dynojet 248 chassis dyno. In addition to hitting this 6.0-liter nitrous-huffing mill with a 175-dry shot, we go for broke and fog it to the tune of a 300-horse shot. In addition to dyno testing, it's off to Texas Raceway in Kennedale, Texas, to test the effectiveness of the NANO system on a single shot. Will the NANO system perform as advertised? And if so, could we unload a bottle heater, propane torch, and a slew of accessories to return our investment?

The Nitrogen assisted Nitrous oxide (nano) universal add-on Kit (PN nano01, $569) is available from nano direct or through a select set of distributors. The kit contains a Dot-certified highpressure bottle, a Mass-Flow regulator system, and an anti-reversion check valve. A 12-inch braided supply line, mounting brackets, and detailed installation instructions round out the kit.

The nano kit fits any approved 10-pound nitrous bottle, and for an additional $35 you can upgrade to a kit designed for 15-pound bottles. Installing the kit begins by removing the siphon tube from the nitrous bottle. After ensuring the contents of the nitrous bottle are empty, remove the old siphon tube with an adjustable wrench and secure the nano tube to the nitrous bottle.