Now that we've alloyed some of your fears and answered your questions on nitrous oxide, it's time to give you a rundown on the latest in laughing gas technology. Here's what's cool and new.
Venom Performance
The Venom VCN-2000 represents new levels of tunability and safety for a nitrous kit. This PC-tunable dry system permits the user to select from three operational modes. The Drag mode allows the kit to function as a typical nitrous system, delivering its nitrous oxide mixture only at wide-open throttle. The Linear and Timed modes allow the user to select the throttle plate angle for nitrous delivery, in addition to the duration of the nitrous blast at given throttle angles. The Venom system uses the vehicle's existing O2 sensor to calculate the nitrous/fuel ratio, then it adds an injector pulse after the factory ECU. The Venom VCN-2000 can be programmed to deliver a progressive nitrous blast from 10-175 hp.
Information: Venom Performance, Dept. SS01, 9625 Central Ave., Stanton, CA 90680, 714-828-1406, www.venom-performance.com
The popular "Next Generation" EFI kits from Nitrous Express represent clean designs that correct the shortcomings of previous systems. These kits address problems such as: uneven distribution from plates or nozzles, unstable bottle pressure, poor fuel atomization, and inaccurate horsepower claims. Now, adding to the mix, is Nitrous Express' new Shark SX2 nozzle. The Shark SX2 is the world's first dual-stage single nozzle. No longer will racers have to drill two sets of nozzle holes into manifolds and further disrupt airflow. The new nozzles allow for racers with multistage systems to extract the absolute highest horsepower from individual cylinders. Nitrous Express also makes available the new CNC-machined electric bottle opener that can eliminate trips to the trunk to manually crank a bottle valve.
Information: Nitrous Express, Dept. SS01, 4923 Lake Park Dr., Wichita Falls, TX 76302, 888/463-2781, www.nitrousexpress.com
Nitrous Oxide Systems have been building nitrous kits for over 20 years, and now offers a plate system for the Acura Integra GS-R. This wet-plate system delivers a potent nitrous/fuel charge through a CNC-machined plate that sandwiches between the halves of the stock intake manifold. This "Cheater" system can add up to 200 horses to a suitably prepared motor.
Meanwhile, NOS offers its line of components designed to enhance and maximize the operation of existing systems. Timed and progressive nitrous control units are welcomed additions to any nitrous tuner looking to pinpoint the application and the amount of "juice" applied. Also, new fuel and nitrous filters help keep the supply of incoming nitrous flowing for a lean condition, and free of debris that clog the jets.
Information: Nitrous Oxide Systems, Dept. SS01, 1357 E. Grand Ave., Pomona, CA 91766, 714-546-0592
Zex Nitrous Systems
Zex touts its nitrous system as the first "smart" nitrous kit that affords plug 'n' play compatibility with a variety of vehicles. The kit includes a nitrous management unit, 10-pound bottle, covered arming switch, and precision-machined nitrous nozzle. The nitrous management unit houses the computer and solenoid that monitor bottle pressure to govern the nitrous/fuel ratio of the mixture to help deliver from 50-75 additional horses with consistency. The bottle pressure reading nature of the system allows it to dispatch the optimal nitrous/fuel ratio upon activation regardless of the bottle's fill level. The simplicity of the kit minimizes installation time and operation.
Information: Zex Nitrous Systems, Dept. SS01, 3406 Democrat Rd., Unit 18, Memphis, TN 38118, 888/817-1008
Nitrous Works
Nitrous Works has applied its latest nozzle technology to a new range of performance kits for smaller displacement motors. The Nitrous Works Power Wing nozzles are designed to provide superior atomization while minimizing air flow disruption of the intake tract. The Nitrous Works import car nozzle system comes complete with Power Wing nozzles, calibrated jets, fittings, solenoids, along with a 10-pound bottle, stainless steel braided hose, filter, hardware and instructions. With the Power Wing, comes the promise of superior atomization and better mixture quality, which lead to better combustion, and greater power.
Information: Nitrous Works, Dept SS01, 1450 McDonald Rd., Dahlonega, GA. 30533, 706/864-7009, www.nitrousworks.com