Boost in a Bottle

Easy Nitrous Kit Install

- Text and Photos by Steven Rupp

Nitrous oxide works by introducing extra oxygen into the intake charge which in turn allows for a greater amount of fuel to be added and converted into energy. This can greatly increase the power produced by the engine. Since nitrous oxide is stored as a liquid, its evaporation in the intake manifold helps drop the intake charge temperature. This cooling effect causes a denser charge and can increase power output and can also reduce the chance of detonation.

We wanted to see how a basic nitrous system could increase power on an average engine. Our test mule was Scott Miller's 1966 Nova with a mild 350. To it, we added ZEX's perimeter plate nitrous kit. The engine has a dual-plane intake which can be problematic when using a spray-bar-type nitrous plate, but with the perimeter plate, the nitrous and fuel are discharged around the outer edge which helps evenly distribute everything.

The heart of the ZEX system is this perimeter plate. It fits any 4150-style square flange, and is quite a bit different from tradition spray bar type plates. Arranged around the perimeter of the plate are 12 injection points. This provides a more even distribution of nitrous oxide and fuel to the engine resulting in more power. Also, since the chilled nitrous travels through the plate it drops overall charge temperatures during use. ZEX calls this Cryo-Sync Technology and feels it can really help increase power output by cooling the carburetor and intake manifold while you spray, resulting in a denser charge. The plate is tunable for a 100-300 hp shot of nitrous.