1.3 Engine Operation Considerations
When used correctly, nitrous oxide safely elevates cylinder pressures and temperatures while increasing
combustion rate. These characteristics make the engine more sensitive to detonation. To ensure
proper performance and engine life, the following tips are suggested:
Adequate Fuel Pressure and Delivery
When designing your fuel system, plan on your pumps and lines flowing at least 0.1 gallons per hour per
horsepower at rated pressure. The testing at Edelbrock was conducted with a fuel pressure of 6.5 psi.
Any variation from this fuel pressure will cause your final air/fuel ratio to change. Consult our technical
department for any questions on fuel pressure and its effects on final air/fuel ratios when using nitrous
oxide.
Performer RPM Fuel System Requirements
When using the Performer RPM series kits, the potential horsepower gains are quite high. The critical
area for continued success with your nitrous system lies in the fuel system. In most cases, an auxiliary
fuel supply system will be a required addition to your nitrous system. A high flow electric fuel pump and
high capacity adjustable fuel pressure regulator are both recommended to ensure the fuel flow rate is
enough to ensure proper system operation. The minimum size we recommend for the fuel inlet feed line
is a –6 (3/8” inch), with a size of –8 (1/2” inch) recommended for the higher horsepower settings.
Performer RPM System Monitoring Requirements
Fuel pressure and nitrous pressure gauges are very important. Your fuel pressure must be set properly
and a gauge is the only sure way to monitor system performance. The same is true of the nitrous bottle
pressure. A nitrous pressure gauge is the only way to ensure that your system calibrations are within
the parameters required of your horsepower setting.
Fuel Quality
Because nitrous oxide is an oxidizer, fuel selection is critical. Both octane and fuel consistency affect
fuel burn rate. The oxidizer quality of nitrous oxide will accelerate the burn rate, so we recommend a
high quality of gasoline. We also recommend you use the same grade of gasoline every time you use
your nitrous oxide system. This will maintain the same fuel burn rate every time. Please refer to the jet
map footnotes for information on what fuel types and fuel qualities that were used during the testing here
at Edelbrock.
Engine System Upgrades
With all performance modifications complementary system upgrades will always serve to elevate the
consistency and longevity of an engine, especially when using nitrous oxide as a power adder. Ignition
upgrades, intake manifold upgrades, and fuel controls and fuel pumps can all add to the performance of
a nitrous oxide injected engine.
Cast Pistons
With all nitrous oxide applications, forged pistons are highly recommended. Because of heightened
potential for detonation, cast pistons are more prone to failure and cannot handle horsepower increases
over 125 hp. Never initiate your nitrous system before you are at full-load, wide-open throttle conditions.
Cast pistons will not be able to survive this kind of stress.
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