Apart from the huge power increases available, the most major advantage that a nitrous system provides is that it is there at the flick of a switch. When the system is not armed, the car will drive as it did before the system was fitted. No lumpy idle, harsh fuel consuption or running hot. No need to run high octane fuel or additives. This makes it the perfect method of tuning for cars used daily, or those with engines that don't respond well to alternative forms of tuning, the Si 16v's 1600 Zetec being a prime example.
As most nitrous systems with a mild to medium power increase require no internal engine work, they can easily be transferred between engine, unlike turbochargers or high compression NA set ups.
Common Misconceptions
"It's called NOS"
Wrong - NOS is an acronym for Nitrous Oxide Systems, and is a brand name not the name of the substance. It's correct name is nitrous oxide or N20.
"It will damage your engine"
Wrong - Correctly used and installed a system will not cause engine damage. A minor acceleration of engine wear occurs, due to the extra strain on components, but as it is typically used in short bursts, this wear is largely an insignificant factor.
"It's fake power"
Wrong - all forms of tuning revolve around the desire to get more oxygen into the engine to enable more fuel to be burnt which in turn makes a bigger explosion. Forced induction, big valves, aftermarket camshafts and nitrous systems all improve engine breathing and produce the same results - more power. The method may be different, but the results are the same.
"It's highly flammable"
Wrong - nitrous itself is not flammable at all, it is however an oxidising agent, which accelerates the combustion process. Spray petrol onto a pulsing spark plug and it will ignite. Do the same with nitrous and it won't do anything at all. Holding a lit match to the end of a nitrous line and releasing the gas will make the match to burn brighter and quicker. It will not cause the tank to explode. If combustion is already present, ie. a vehicle already on fire, then it will have the same effect it does in the engine - a more volatile fire. There isn't really anything to worry about from a safetly perspective (providing the system is fitted correctly).
"You can inhale it and it makes you laugh"
Wrong - Although medical grade nitrous has this effect, automotive grade contains a minor amount of sulpher dioxide, an additive to the gas to prevent substance abuse. sulpher dioxide gas is released in the process of biological decay, something you don't really want to be inhaling! This additive does not affect performance.
Nitrous' Biggest Advantage
Apart from the huge power increases available, the most major advantage that a nitrous system provides is that it is there at the flick of a switch. When the system is not armed, the car will drive as it did before the system was fitted. No lumpy idle, harsh fuel consuption or running hot. No need to run high octane fuel or additives. This makes it the perfect method of tuning for cars used daily, or those with engines that don't respond well to alternative forms of tuning, the Si 16v's 1600 Zetec being a prime example.
As most nitrous systems with a mild to medium power increase require no internal engine work, they can easily be transferred between engine, unlike turbochargers or high compression NA set ups.
Common Misconceptions
"It's called NOS"
Wrong - NOS is an acronym for Nitrous Oxide Systems, and is a brand name not the name of the substance. It's correct name is nitrous oxide or N20.
"It will damage your engine"
Wrong - Correctly used and installed a system will not cause engine damage. A minor acceleration of engine wear occurs, due to the extra strain on components, but as it is typically used in short bursts, this wear is largely an insignificant factor.
"It's fake power"
Wrong - all forms of tuning revolve around the desire to get more oxygen into the engine to enable more fuel to be burnt which in turn makes a bigger explosion. Forced induction, big valves, aftermarket camshafts and nitrous systems all improve engine breathing and produce the same results - more power. The method may be different, but the results are the same.
"It's highly flammable"
Wrong - nitrous itself is not flammable at all, it is however an oxidising agent, which accelerates the combustion process. Spray petrol onto a pulsing spark plug and it will ignite. Do the same with nitrous and it won't do anything at all. Holding a lit match to the end of a nitrous line and releasing the gas will make the match to burn brighter and quicker. It will not cause the tank to explode. If combustion is already present, ie. a vehicle already on fire, then it will have the same effect it does in the engine - a more volatile fire. There isn't really anything to worry about from a safetly perspective (providing the system is fitted correctly).
"You can inhale it and it makes you laugh"
Wrong - Although medical grade nitrous has this effect, automotive grade contains a minor amount of sulpher dioxide, an additive to the gas to prevent substance abuse. sulpher dioxide gas is released in the process of biological decay, something you don't really want to be inhaling! This additive does not affect performance.