Debating on N2O vs. Turbo

[mrpopnfresh]

I've been doing a little research on the two, trying to compare them and figure out what'll be better for me.

I really want a turbo, but I'm not sure if I want to spend all the money right away. I was looking at the Hiboost kit, but I know I'm going to need a new clutch and a boost gauge. Knowing me, I'm going to want a turbo timer, and electronic boost controler too.

I was thinking nitrous would be my next choice. If I go this route, I'm most likely going to go for an NX wet kit system. This is a whole lot cheaper than a turbo and clutch. But knowing me, I'll want to get the automatic bottle opener, bottle heater, msd ignition stuff, beafier brakes, electronic throttle switch, and a purge valve (because I won't be using it that much). I might even want to get a new clutch. All this is still cheaper than a turbo, but the cost almost makes me want to just wait out for the turbo.

What I really need to know is weather or not n2o is good on freeways. I don't drag race at all, but I do live in So Cal and I drive around on the freeways alot late at night. I get hit up a lot and can't really do anything about it because I have a heavy ass box.

I need something that will pick up at freeway speeds and rpm's. I also have adjustable cam gears, j-spec intake cam, headers, no cats, hks axle back, and an injen cai.

Thanks.

[mypfizzle]

nos isnt really safe for our motors-=\ id hate to see u blow your car up.
look at all the motors that have popped.. i think chas was the only one that ran it sucessful for a while.. u might want to pm him and see whats up..

[mp5smuggler]

ahem.... 2 years being bottle feed. the trick is you dont lay heavy on the button yo dont go crazy and use anything over a 55 shot and you dont do it everyday!!!

[mrpopnfresh]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I was reading up on the WOT switch, sounds nice and looks like it's freeway safe. I also like the fact that I could disarm it.

The only downside is that I like to go on canyon runs which means that if I a nitrous kit, I'll have to keep it disarmed and use raw n/a power to move around. I wouldn't have a problem with that, but my box is really heavy.

[FC3s Boy]

you should have no problem running a 55hp if it is installed right and you don't use it for more than 15 seconds at a time, also the n20 cost money everytime for a refill so factor that in the price as well

[mp5smuggler]

i have mine set up on a button so when its armed i only have to hold the button down and not have to worry about WOT

[mrpopnfresh]

Yeah, I'm worried about the WOT switch too. I just feel more comfortable using that right now because I have no exprience with n2o.

As far as the costs for filling the bottle, I heard it was around $5/pound, so I'm looking at around $50/fill up. Although in the long run it'll cost more than a turbo, it's a small amount at a time, whereas the turbo is one lump sum. Unless someone out there is willing to sell me a complete turbo kit w/monthly payments or something.

Thanks for all the input though. I really appreciate it, and keep them comming!

[mp5smuggler]

if that was possible id have my turbo too..... we need hiboost to have their own credit card ... lol
i get my bottles filled for 30 to 40 bucks cash if its check or credit they charge me 50.
the button isnt a bad thing you just have to remember you just cant hold it down for more then 10sec a time

[mrpopnfresh]

I've been reading up and didn't know that you could actually hold down the button to get more n2o. It makes sense, but all this time I thought you just push the botton and it automatically squeezes what you need. This proves how much of a newb I am lol.

Yes, we need to talk to Juan about getting a Hiboost credit card....hehe...

mp5smuggler, what kind of setup do you have now and what accesories do you have with it?

I'm also waiting to hear from Patio and Acidbbg, although he's got turbo now.

[Turbo Matty P]

wow dude, you need to pm me your number so I can give you a quick education about nitrous. I've run several turbo and N20 cars and I can speak intelligently about both. If I were you...I'd run the bottle, but only after upgrading your fuel system a little and getting good tires.

[mp5smuggler]

i am running a NOS bottle with NX everything else. bottle heater purge and lines. i dont have a WOT i use a button, i dont have a remote bottle opener yet either. if i want to run at the track legally i need to get a vent tube.
as scary as it is you can get everything you need from pepboys.... just dont let them install it!!
my local pepboys carries the NX parts pack and bottle opener ... yea i know its wierd.

[mrpopnfresh]

i am running a NOS bottle with NX everything else. bottle heater purge and lines. i dont have a WOT i use a button, i dont have a remote bottle opener yet either. if i want to run at the track legally i need to get a vent tube.
as scary as it is you can get everything you need from pepboys.... just dont let them install it!!
my local pepboys carries the NX parts pack and bottle opener ... yea i know its wierd.

How much did you end up spending?


Matty, I'm sending you my # right now, although it's long distance.

[mp5smuggler]

i only dropped 400 but i bought the kit off a friend and we did the install ourselves.... he worked at a shop and knows his shit

[Turbo Matty P]

some things are not needed at all, some are nice to have and some are mandatory. for starters:

Colder spark plugs: I suggest one heat range for up to 65hp shot. 2 for 75hp+
NEW fuel filter: a must to maintain proper fuel pressure and to keep trash out of your fuel solenoid on a wet kit.
proper bottle angle: I've seen so many people turn and point their bottles all sorts of directions. When the vehicle shifts during acceleration you can actually pull the N20 away from the pickup line inside the bottle.
purge valve: Only needed if you are SERIOUS about racing and every tenth of a second counts. I used a faux purge on my SHO. It was stealth and effective...cost nothing.
bottle warmer: yet another "nice to have" accessory. It keeps bottle pressure constant through temperature regulation. Nice to have if you rely on your bottle to save you in a race. Mandatory if you a serious racer. Not really needed. When you get low on juice go and fill it up. p.s. it's only $3/lb here in bama.
blow down: not required unless you are entering your car into a serious santioned event with legitimate rules.
pressure guage: another worthless piece unless you just HAVE to have another guage to fill your pod. You'll know when the bottle gets low...it won't hit as hard. This should be a MUST-HAVE if you're using a bottle warmer....you don't want it blowing off the back of your car.
intake+exhaust: Your vehicle will now make up to an additonal 75hp. Make sure you can feed it and burp it.
fuel pump/FPR: A good idea even on an otherwise stock car just as back-up. MANDATORY on anything above 60hp shot. Do this at the same time you replace the fuel filter.....no need in smelling like gas twice.

[mrpopnfresh]

That's not a bad price. Was it hard at all to install? Or better yet, will I have trouble installing it by myself?

[acidbbg]

I've been doing a little research on the two, trying to compare them and figure out what'll be better for me.

I really want a turbo, but I'm not sure if I want to spend all the money right away. I was looking at the Hiboost kit, but I know I'm going to need a new clutch and a boost gauge. Knowing me, I'm going to want a turbo timer, and electronic boost controler too.

I was thinking nitrous would be my next choice. If I go this route, I'm most likely going to go for an NX wet kit system. This is a whole lot cheaper than a turbo and clutch. But knowing me, I'll want to get the automatic bottle opener, bottle heater, msd ignition stuff, beafier brakes, electronic throttle switch, and a purge valve (because I won't be using it that much). I might even want to get a new clutch. All this is still cheaper than a turbo, but the cost almost makes me want to just wait out for the turbo.

What I really need to know is weather or not n2o is good on freeways. I don't drag race at all, but I do live in So Cal and I drive around on the freeways alot late at night. I get hit up a lot and can't really do anything about it because I have a heavy ass box.

I need something that will pick up at freeway speeds and rpm's. I also have adjustable cam gears, j-spec intake cam, headers, no cats, hks axle back, and an injen cai.

Thanks.I had a NX N20 Kit on my ride..for over 6 months..had the full setup...purge..bottle opener..warmer...etc..

i stil have pics of the install..

Installing the kit is not..easy..especailly for someone..who has never seen or used a nitrous kit..i would suggest proff install!

But...my Car ran great w/ a 50shot..never had an issue..

I have since changed over to the dark side...Now that i look back...i would have been happier w/ the N20 b/c of the fact it was cheap! Actually....i am happeir w/ my turbo..no need to go fill up the bottle every week!

If you need any further help..just ask me!

Chas(boobs)

[mypfizzle]

chas is a wealth of info -=) he kicks ass..

[Turbo Matty P]

chas is a wealth of info -=) he kicks ass..
I, however, am chopped liver!

[acidbbg]

I, however, am chopped liver!(lol)

[mp5smuggler]

mmmm liver

[wscottl]

You should also add a fuel pressure safety switch. If your fuel pressure drops below a set level, the system will not operate.

I only have experience with a NOS direct port set-up, and wouldn't use a single fogger on anything I wanted to keep together. I've been using boost and nitrous on my Miata for the last 5 years. On the same engine.

-Scott

[acidbbg]

Fuel pressure safety switch..is a really good thing to have..i beleive i have a spare if anyone is interested!

Also direct port is the shit..i only wish i could have used it..i heard minium is a 100shot..

Chas

[Turbo Matty P]

funny you guys mention the fuel pressure switch since it's included in the ZEX dry kit. It's built into the NMU. a very nice feature and one of the main reasons why I push that kit so strongly. It's the safest on the market....maybe not the strongest, but the safest.

[acidbbg]

funny you guys mention the fuel pressure switch since it's included in the ZEX dry kit. It's built into the NMU. a very nice feature and one of the main reasons why I push that kit so strongly. It's the safest on the market....maybe not the strongest, but the safest.
I have seen them on peoples cars..and it does look very promising..Zex came out w/ a new kit..that has the nitrous line feedin driectly into the intake! Also the zex kit will adjust fuel based on the pressure in the bottle!

The only thing i didn't like..was the fact of how it wired into the ecu!

Chas

[Turbo Matty P]

if you wired a ZEX kit into your ecu than you didn't know what in the hell you were doing. There are three wires on a zex kit. One is a power wire for the toggle switch, the second is a ground and the last one is for the TPS sensor. It registers the voltage curve of the TPS and learns when WOT is achieved. That's when it sprays. There is no use in having n20 spray at anything less than WOT as you're chocking off your intake.

[Turbo Matty P]

are you talking about the air amplifier?? That air filter with the nozzle in it?? Thats for people who don't want to tap their intake piping. It's actually a bad design as the N20/air mixture still has to travel through the intake and in doing so losses a lot of oxidizing powers. The nozzle should be installed as close to the TB as possible for best results.

[wscottl]

Also direct port is the shit..i only wish i could have used it..i heard minium is a 100shot.. I am able to run a 75 (dynoed +72 rwhp) on a daily basis. Tried 125 on the dyno only, gained around 100rwhp. Tires kept spinning on the drum.

If you're wondering, 8psi and 125 jets on my 1.6L put down 285rwhp.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/wscottl/start.jpg

Bad picture, but here's the install.

-Scott

[acidbbg]

if you wired a ZEX kit into your ecu than you didn't know what in the hell you were doing. There are three wires on a zex kit. One is a power wire for the toggle switch, the second is a ground and the last one is for the TPS sensor. It registers the voltage curve of the TPS and learns when WOT is achieved. That's when it sprays. There is no use in having n20 spray at anything less than WOT as you're chocking off your intake.
as i mentioned..i never installed a zex kit..only nx kit!

(chair)

[acidbbg]

I am able to run a 75 (dynoed +72 rwhp) on a daily basis. Tried 125 on the dyno only, gained around 100rwhp. Tires kept spinning on the drum.

If you're wondering, 8psi and 125 jets on my 1.6L put down 285rwhp.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/wscottl/start.jpg

Bad picture, but here's the install.

-Scott
schweet(stoned)

[Turbo Matty P]

very nice Direct port set up...notice how close it was installed to the head....good work

Chas, you said you didn't like how it was wired into the ECU. you're either speaking from something you've done or you don't know what you're talking about. Thats all I'm saying.

[acidbbg]

I am speakin in reference to what i was informed about with that unit..i knew it taped into the tps..but was told it was wired to the ecu..for info about fuel..and mixture..aka oxygen sensor..

My bad..

Chas

[mrpopnfresh]

I would go for the Direct Port system, but I hear our engines can't handle this. Did any of you guys change out your stock clutch when you were spraying?

And where did Turbo Matty go? Did he get banned?

[acidbbg]

Nope..never changed out my clutch..and now i am using a turbo!

Chas

[mrpopnfresh]

That's interesting. I'm staying away from a Turbo at the moment because of the fact that I didn't want to change out my clutch just yet. As far as fuel goes, did you beef up your injectors for the turbo, or was the kit just thrown on w/o needing anything else.

[acidbbg]

no extra injectors...runnin stock injectors! Good for like upto 8psi on a t3!

Chas

[mrpopnfresh]

So basically you didn't really need to upgrade anything, you just threw on the Turbo kit and everything was okay? NICE!!

[acidbbg]

Yeap...No upgrades at all..other than spark plugs!

:p

[mrpopnfresh]

Thanks for the info!

[LinuxRacr]

I had the Zex kit on my car. I miss my 1st motor. That's what happens when you run the advanced timing of the MP3 ECU, and no upgrades for the fuel system!

[acidbbg]

with the Nitrous express kit..You are able to run the mixture as rich or as lean as you would like by changing the fuel pills!

Chas

[mrpopnfresh]

What about my situation with my cam gears. Should I just take them out or should I retard my intake cam? Right now I have the J-spec intake cam advanced 2 degrees and the stock exhaust cam retarded 2 degrees.

[acidbbg]

What about my situation with my cam gears. Should I just take them out or should I retard my intake cam? Right now I have the J-spec intake cam advanced 2 degrees and the stock exhaust cam retarded 2 degrees.
Sorry not sure what to tell ya..never installed nor tuned..using cams..but i would be careful..if you are advancing any timing!:(