Q: How much will a nitrous system improve my performance?
A: 1-2 second improvements in quarter mile times are typical. Traction
limitations greatly affect the improvement seen.
Q: How long does it take to install a ZEX™ nitrous
system?
A: Our single nozzle EFI systems typically take just 2 hours to install.
Our plate and direct port systems generally take 3-6 hours.
Q: What is the difference between a "wet"
nitrous kit and a "dry" nitrous kit?
A: A wet nitrous kit mixes nitrous and enrichment fuel by means of an
injector nozzle that is mounted before the throttle body. This mixture
is then drawn into the engine through the throttle body and intake manifold.
A "dry" nitrous kit injects only nitrous with it’s injector
while at the same time, increasing the engine’s fuel rail pressure
to feed enrichment fuel through the engine’s own injectors.
Q: What is better, a "wet" or "dry"
kit?
A: It all depends on the application. A "wet" kit is ideal for
both normally aspirated applications as well as forced induction applications.
It can require a little bit more installation time than a "dry"
kit, but is easier to tune if greater than stock HP settings are to be
experimented with. A "dry" kit is excellent for normally aspirated
combinations that have a return style fuel system. They are very easy
to install and are a great "first time" nitrous system. It is
not recommended that "dry" systems be used on forced induction
engines.
Q: Will nitrous affect engine reliability?
A: As long as the nitrous system is installed per the instructions and
the set-up procedures are followed, there is usually not any increase
in engine wear.
Q: What does it mean to have a 55, 75, or 125
"shot" of nitrous?
A: "Shot" is a slang term for the horsepower setting your nitrous
kit is set to.
Q: How long does a bottle last?
A: It depends on bottle capacity and the size of the nitrous shot being
used. On the 75hp setting, a 10 lb. bottle will last around 10 quarter
mile runs. On the 125hp setting the bottle will last around 6 runs.
Q: What type of fuel is recommended when I use
my nitrous system?
A: For 4-6 cylinder engines, premium pump gas is required for safe use
of your nitrous system when jetted up to 75hp. Above 75hp, racing fuel
is recommended for maximum engine safety. For 8 cylinder engines, premium
pump gas is adequate for nitrous system settings up to 125hp. Above 125hp,
racing fuel is recommended.
Q: How long can I spray the nitrous system for?
A: You could spray your nitrous system until the bottle is empty, but
the practical limit is usually around 15-20 seconds of continuous use.
Q: Do I need to change my fuel pump when adding
a nitrous system?
A: If you have basic bolt-ons (performance filter, headers, exhaust, etc.),
your stock fuel system should be adequate to support the stock settings
your nitrous kit comes with. If major modifications have been done to
your engine (heads, cam, turbo, supercharger, etc.) you must upgrade your
fuel system. For fuel injected applications, with return style fuel systems,
ZEX™ offers an excellent in-line "booster" fuel pump (part #82020).
Q: What is the optimum bottle pressure to run
my nitrous system at?
A: The optimum nitrous bottle pressure is 900-1000 psi. ZEX™ offers a bottle
pressure gauge (part #82005) that makes it easy to monitor this.
Q: Do I need a bottle heater?
A: A nitrous bottle heater makes it easy to automatically maintain the
optimum bottle pressure of 900-1000 psi. This ensures maximum hp and consistency
for your nitrous system. ZEX™ has a very easy to install bottle heater
(part #82006) that is thermostatically controlled and totally automatic.
Q: Do I have to change my spark plugs after installing
the nitrous system?
A: YES, Due to the increase in horsepower the nitrous system creates,
the quantity of heat generated in the combustion chamber goes up. It is
required that you install spark plugs that have at least two steps colder
heat range. This helps to ensure detonation free performance when using
the nitrous system. ZEX™ has nitrous specific spark plugs available for
many makes and models of vehicles.
Q: Is it OK to use a nitrous system on a high
mileage engine?
A: It is OK only if the engine is in good mechanical condition. The primary
concern is to ensure that the engine does not consume excessive oil. Oil
in the combustion chamber can cause detonation.
Q: Can I have a performance "chip" in
my ECU while using my nitrous system?
A: Generally the answer is NO. Most performance "chips" on the
market advance ignition timing to gain additional horsepower. This additional
timing, when using nitrous, can cause engine damaging detonation. The
only exception to this are "chips" that have been specifically
programmed for nitrous use.
Q: Is nitrous oxide flammable?
A: No, nitrous oxide is not flammable. It is simply an oxidizer that supports
the combustion of additional fuel.
Q: What is the safest way to activate a nitrous
system?
A: The safest way to activate a nitrous system is by using a wide-open
throttle switch. All ZEX™ nitrous systems utilize this type of activation.
Activating a nitrous system at anything less than wide-open throttle can
greatly increase your chances for an intake system backfire. If you desire
to use a push button (part #NS 6534) for activation, ZEX™ offers this as
an accessory item. You can simply install the push button inline with
the wide-open throttle switch.
Q: What is the minimum RPM I need before activating
my nitrous system?
A: We recommend at least 2500rpm as a minimum for nitrous system activation.
This ensures that you will not have excessive cylinder pressures that
could cause engine damage.
Q: Do I need a purge kit?
A: A nitrous purge kit clears the delivery lines of unwanted air and vapor
and guarantees immediate power from your nitrous system. It’s also
used to intimidate your competition and shows the world your nitrous equipped.
The ZEX™ purge kit (part #82010) uses the industry’s largest solenoid,
creating an awesome purge cloud.
Q: Is there a way to turn my nitrous bottle on
and off without having to open the trunk?
A: Yes, ZEX™ offers a Remote Bottle Valve Opener™ (part #82009) that allows
you to open and close your nitrous bottle from the convenience of your
drivers seat.
Q: How do I know how full my bottle is?
A: The only accurate way to measure how full a nitrous bottle is, is to
weigh the bottle. Nitrous systems achieve maximum power when the nitrous
bottle is at least 20%, or greater, full. Below 20%, surging and lack
of power occurs.