Many years ago, I read an issue of CarToons magazine, featuring a series of cool hot rodding sketches entitled, "Claude Buster's Need for Speed." Well, many of us possess that very same need. And while we all tend to be experimental in nature, we've found several ways to achieve that desirable feeling associated with the experience of speed. Naturally, one way to get there is by cubic inches and monster torque. Another popular method of achieving greater terminal velocity is by way of bottled horsepower, better known as nitrous oxide. Choices abound, as there are several ways to apply this inert gas that aids combustion-plate systems, multi-nozzle fogger set-ups, and wet systems common on late-model EFI combinations.
Enter our friends at Edelbrock, known far and wide as the "Fun Team." And since we all have a passion for cars, as well as fun with cars, the Fun Team has agreed to enlighten us with yet another recipe for FUN. What's that you say? You like having a mild-mannered driver that's modified to your personal tastes? Well, how would you like that mild-mannered modified to turn into a tire-shredding animal at the flick of a switch? There is no other comparable product on the market today that'll set you back in the seat the way a nitrous oxide injection kit will. Read on. You may just need to rebuild the backrest of your driver's seat for optimum comfort!
As with any power-adder, there are a few tips you'll need to keep in mind.
Nitrous is instantaneous-activate the button and power is immediate. The bad rap nitrous has had over the years, is that it tends to cause broken parts. Well, that's only true if you don't follow the instructions. Nitrous can be both fun and trouble free, if you don't get greedy. Many feel it's your best bang for your performance buck-hands down! However, the number-one culprit that can cause nitrous to eat your motor is a sub-standard fuel system. You see, nitrous actually "supercharges" the incoming air, and makes it combust much better. And since it burns completely, it needs more fuel to go along with it.
The fuel also burns faster, and that's why you MUST retard your ignition timing, and remember this rule-the more nitrous, the less timing. Having too much timing would be the second type of mistake (beside a sub-standard fuel system) that could cause disaster. And what's also strongly recommended is to run a progressively colder spark plug as you add more nitrous. For the 100hp kit we're using here, that could be optional, depending, naturally, on the existing heat range being run.
Due to the wide variation of timing, compression ratio, fuel used, and general fuel system design, coupled with your camshaft, overall condition (and modification level) of your motor, all of these simple rules may apply differently to your exact combination. Bottom line-you need enough fuel to support the amount of nitrous you intend to apply, and you must be sure you avoid detonation. Okay, now you're asking, "How do I ensure that my combination is safe?" Here's the drill. Start out on the safe side (with regards to the amount of nitrous you apply to the motor). Also start out by taking out at least as much timing as the instructions indicate-we started at 6 degrees. Then, read your spark plugs carefully after each run. In our opinion, you can play safely with nitrous at this 100hp level (even on a used motor that's in good condition) for a long time.