Nitrous Kit

A nitrous kit is a system that injects nitrous oxide gas into a car's engine to create a temporary but dramatic increase in horsepower at the push of a button.

Think of a nitrous kit as a power boost button for race cars. When a driver activates the system, it sprays nitrous oxide (often called "NOS") into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce significantly more power. This boost typically lasts only as long as the driver holds the activation button and there's nitrous remaining in the storage bottle.

The science behind nitrous oxide is straightforward. Normal air contains about 21% oxygen, which the engine uses to burn fuel. Nitrous oxide contains even more oxygen locked inside its molecular structure. When the extreme heat inside the engine breaks apart the nitrous oxide molecules, it releases extra oxygen that allows the engine to burn much more fuel than usual. More fuel burning means more power pushing the pistons down, which translates to increased horsepower and faster acceleration.

A basic nitrous kit includes several key components. The storage bottle holds liquid nitrous oxide under high pressure, similar to a scuba tank. Metal lines carry the nitrous from the bottle to the engine. Solenoids act as electronic valves that open and close to control when nitrous flows. Finally, nozzles spray the nitrous into the engine's intake system where air normally enters.

There are two main types of nitrous systems. A "wet" system sprays both nitrous oxide and extra fuel together, ensuring the engine gets the correct mixture. A "dry" system sprays only nitrous and relies on the car's existing fuel injectors to automatically add more fuel to match. Wet systems are generally considered safer for beginners because they guarantee proper fuel delivery.

Nitrous oxide systems are especially popular in drag racing, where races last only a few seconds and maximum acceleration matters most. Drivers typically activate their nitrous kit partway down the track once the car is moving and the tires have good grip. The sudden power increase can shave significant time off a quarter-mile run.

However, nitrous kits require careful consideration. The massive power increase puts enormous stress on engine parts like pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts. Engines need to be built with stronger internal components to handle nitrous safely. Poor tuning or using too much nitrous can quickly destroy an engine. Additionally, nitrous bottles need regular refilling, which adds ongoing cost.

Many regions prohibit nitrous oxide systems on street-legal vehicles, though they remain legal for track racing in most motorsport sanctioning bodies. Always check local laws before installing a nitrous kit on any vehicle that will be driven on public roads.