In the 1950s, nitrous oxide injection was used by a well-known stock car racer, Smokey Yunick, as a technique to winning races. NADCAR however outlawed the use of the nitrous oxide injection but it is believed that to date some may still be using it. In fact, between the 70s and 80s, the nitrous oxide was again “re-discovered” by drag racers.
Over the years, the nitrous oxide injection has become a practical and convenient way to an improved horsepower. Just like a lot other modifications such as bigger carburetors, higher compression ratios, more aggressive camshafts, more free flowing intake and exhaust systems, modifications of the nitrous oxide injection are becoming a common use for their tested reliability and durability.
The nitrous oxide is described as a colorless inflammable gas. It is said to have a bland sweet taste and odor. It is basically non-toxic, non-irritating, but if inhaled in small quantity, it may cause the person some hysteria or laughter. That is why the nitrous oxide is branded as a “laughing gas”. But extra care has to be observed in the handling of nitrous oxide because if can cause death by asphyxiation if inhaled in pure form.
Nitrous oxide is capable of breaking down into nitrogen and oxygen at about 565 degrees Fahrenheit. It is sucked into the combustion chamber when it is introduced into the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. When the charge air temperature reaches 565 degrees, it results in an oxygen-rich mixture. When extra fuel is added while nitrous oxide is injected, the compression ratio of the engine is increased. Automotive nitrous systems operate like a jet’s “afterburner” that produce extra burst of power of short duration.
Nitrous oxide has a higher percentage of oxygen content than the air in the atmosphere. In terms of weight, nitrous has 36% oxygen as against atmosphere’s air of 23%. Nitrous oxide has also 50% more density than air at the same pressure. In actual terms, a cubic foot of nitrous oxide holds 2.3 times more oxygen than a cubic foot of air. Thus, there could be more power in the engine if there is more nitrous oxide injected into the engine.
Overall, nitrous oxide injection acts like a supercharger of the automotive engine and produces an increased compression ratio. As a result, it significantly increases the dynamic cylinder pressure in the engine during combustion.
It is observed however that an increase in the cylinder pressure of the engine also increases the engine’s tendency to detonate. And when the engine goes through severe detonation such as in excessive boost from a supercharger, or low octane fuel, or excessive compression ratio, or excessively lean air-fuel ratio, some problems may occur on the engine’s head gasket seal and the rings or pistons may fail. That’s why the nitrous oxide operation has to be done properly to prevent damage and failure of the engine.
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