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From: awd@byucsc.UUCP (A. W. Dunstan)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Nitrous Oxide???
Message-ID: <168@byucsc.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 26-Feb-85 10:20:28 EST
Article-I.D.: byucsc.168
Posted: Tue Feb 26 10:20:28 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 3-Mar-85 03:28:08 EST
References: <32000011@waltz.UUCP>
Organization: BYU Computer and Statistical Science -- Provo UT
Lines: 26

> Is this the same "nitro" that the big boys are burning on the blown machines?
> I thought that the nitro for the blown engines was in liquid form just mixed
> with gas (80% nitro - 20% gas or so).  I just haven't heard of injecting
> compressed nitrous oxide into a carbureted system?  Have any of you heard of
> such a set up.  I'd sure appreciate any info that you might be able to
> provide.  Thanks.
> ==============================================================================

Nope.  There's nitrous oxide (which is what your friend using) and then
   there's nitromethane.  Nitrous oxide (alias laughing gas but don't go
   breathing it as it isn't medical grade) can be injected in either gaseous
   or liquid form.  Exactly what it does is still somewhat a matter of 
   conjectubut it does cool the airstream (allowing a higher fuel
   density), and add a lot of oxygen (on combustion of the fuel air mixture).
   It may also have a 'cushioning' effect on the flamefront.
   There are lots of companies that offer various nitrous oxide setups for
   all kinds of cars - some of them very hard to see, if you like hiding
   the setup from would-be competitors.

   Nitromethane is something entirely different.  This is essentially a 
   *very* high octane substance, and will raise the operating temperature
   of your engine substantially within a very short time.  (Which is why
   rails and such only run for a few minutes, among other reasons.)
   Nitromethane is usually mixed with racing fuel in some proportion, but I
   wouldn't recommend using it in the family car - I can shorted the expected
   engine life rather a lot.