Nitrous Oxide Engine Boost: A List Of General FAQs

Blame it on Need for Speed movies. Blame it on the general popularity of street racing. Blame it on what you will, using nitrous oxide as an engine booster has become one of the most commonly talked about things among sports car enthusiasts and wannabe racers. The only thing is, when it comes down to it, not everyone knows a lot about nitrous oxide as an engine booster. In fact, there are some pretty wrong generalizations and major misunderstandings about the whole idea. Here is a look at some of the most common questions about nitrous oxide as an engine booster, and the answers you should know. 

How exactly does nitrous oxide give the engine a boost?

The engine of your vehicle runs because of a cycle of interactions and combustions that consistently take place inside of it. When fuel and sparks combine inside of the piston chambers, it creates a pop of energy that is pushed through to create horsepower. When nitrous oxide is added to this ever-going cycle, it allows the collaboration of fuel and spark to create an even more impressive burst of energy, because the nitrous oxide allows more oxygen into the mix. Therefore, you get a bigger boost of horsepower just like you would get a bigger flame if you fanned a small fire. 

Is it true that nitrous can damage your engine if it's used too much?

The use of nitrous for rapid boosts of horsepower is fairly common to some, but it is not something that all engines are designed to withstand. If you have a system that is set up wrong, it can mean an unhealthy mix of oxygen, fuel, and fire, which causes too much pressure on the engine block, and can definitely cause severe problems. It is crucial that you ensure your engine can handle nitrous before you go after a DIY install job. 

What do you do when you need to have the nitrous refilled?

It doesn't take a whole lot of nitrous oxide to give the engine a boost, but over time the nitrous in your reserve tanks will deplete and have to be refilled. Because nitrous is a gas that is contained under pressure, it is not a compound that should be handled without the proper precautions. It is always best to have your tanks refueled by a nitrous refill service with technicians who know what they are doing. Companies like Yearwood Performance Center can offer more information.