NO2 or Blower: Power adder decision

[Cannoball888]

I'm trying decide on my future power adder. A larger engine is not an option as I want to keep my PS and AC accessories. The Paxton Novi 1200 or a NO2 setup will allow me to keep my accessories but which would be better for street and occasional drag strip? I basically know the pros and cons of each. Here's what I know so far. Please post your recommendation and why. Thanks.

BLOWER

Pros:
1. Power is available all the time.
2. It looks cool under the hood
3. It's mechanical, so it isn't labeled by diehard mechanics as a "cheater" method


Cons:
1. It costs more intially than NO2 system
2. Too much compression and pump gas can't be used.

NO2

Pros:
1. Initially cheaper
2. Easier to install than a blower
3. Engine can use pump gas

Cons:
1. Refills more expensive in the long run compared to blower
2. No instant power without flicking lots of swiches for solenoids (Valve opener, purge valve, spray solenoids)
3. "Cheater" label

 

[iskwezm]

I dont know what you mean by pump gas can/cant be used. Both raise your static compression, but i never ran "race" gas with either. Nitrous to me was easier to tune,cost less as far as modifications you need to do to use it(colder plugs, back off timing) as with a blower, the same needs to be done, plus a bigger fuel pump must be considered as well as modifying the carb or buying one(which iwas very expensive for me)

As far as power, the nitrous felt like you got kicked in the back............and you start to miss that feeling.

The blower is nice, but more subtle.

I have both on different vehicles for different reasons, but prefer the blower for daily use

 

[BIG-MAC]

Run both...a small shot of NOS can be programmed to come on at certain boost levels to cool the intake charge like an intercooler but even better. High boost pressure equals higher intake temp which requires higher octane to combat the heat induced death rattle...

 

[C0V3R]

Most important thing here is the intended use of the car - street/strip/track?

If youre planning on using it for track days the supercharger is the better option by far as it wont "run out".

 

[C0V3R]

Strip - might as well go nitrous, short bursts and cheaper in the short term. Depends how often you goto the strip.

Street - depends how you drive and if n2o is legal in your state.

 

[LUCAFU1]

yep n2o

 

[XXBULLETSXX]

I like NO2. There's no power loss running it like there is with a blower. Doesn't add much weight. And there's a really big show off factor when you purge it!

Of course, superchargers sound killer and that's a big show off thing. They always on at no cost. I think they look sort of out of place on early model cars but look great on late models. One real down side, unless you get a root style SC, is that you have to wait for it to spool up before the boost kicks in. But with NO2 it hits as soon as you hit turn it on. SC's also take power to run so they may cost you 50hp to run and then it'll add 150hp which leaves you with 100hp more. But with a 150hp shot of NO2 you just get 150hp more.

If you do decide to go with the nitrous do your research and do it right. Lastly, factor in a professional tune with the cost of the nitrous kit because it's a must not a safety factor.

Good luck!!

 

[LUCAFU1]

ok maybe my post wasnt understood.

no2= nitric oxide

n2o= nitrous oxide

thank you for using the correct term in the future.
im just helping everyone that uses no2 from looking like they are newbs.

=o

 

[Cannoball888]

Thanks for the correction. I've been in error all this time. But I looked up NO2 and it's nitrogen dioxide.

 

[C.Harris]

I have bolted up blowers and nitrous for customers and friends and like 'em both for different reasons. I personally run an NOS system on mine (adj 100-150 shot) and outside of those pesky trips to get the bottle filled, I love it. Sure the $40 dollar fill-ups add up, but nitrous is a great bang for the buck, doesn't weigh much, is easy to hide and you have the option of using it when you want. I also love the "hit" you get with nitrous, it can be very addicting.

As for the "cheating" part of it all, those remarks only make me laugh. I think you'll find among most gearheads that nitrous is simply considered a power adder of personal choice.

 

[allcarfan]

BLOWER

Pros:
1. Power is available all the time.
2. It looks cool under the hood
3. It's mechanical, so it isn't labeled by diehard mechanics as a "cheater" method ***'cheater' is a term used by people who lose


Cons:
1. It costs more intially than NO2 system
2. Too much compression and pump gas can't be used.****Pump Gas can be used
3. Other con: You better have a damn good fuel system, and, at the least, forged pistons.

NO2

Pros:
1. Initially cheaper
2. Easier to install than a blower
3. Engine can use pump gas

Cons:
1. Refills more expensive in the long run compared to blower ****You will have to have A LOT of refills to offset the cost of the blower.
2. No instant power without flicking lots of swiches for solenoids (Valve opener, purge valve, spray solenoids) ***I dont understand...at the least, there should only be one switch to flip...thats it. You can have it setup to press more buttons and switches, but they are not necessary.
3. "Cheater" label ***Someone calls you a cheater for using the bottle....just smile and ask them if your taillights are still working properly

 

[mtbdoc]

For street driving, I find that I may want to crank it up instantly, and that rules out nitrous. For track racing I agree w/ gas, as you can take a couple of spare bottles, change between runs, etc.

I went through this decision for my daily driver 2005 GTO and went w/ a turbo. My 66 vert is going to be running a 408 w/ ATI D2...this car is a toy and I want to get it set up, dialed in, and not worry about filling bottles.

Also, methanol injection is a great power adder when used w/ boost. Cool the charge, increase the octane, dial in more timing = more ponies turning the wheels. You can run more boost for a given CR than you could otherwise.

 

[C.Harris]

"Cheater" label ***Someone calls you a cheater for using the bottle....just smile and ask them if your taillights are still working properly

Exactly...cause who better than them to tell?

 

[10secgoal]

Only draw back to a carb and a blower (not a roots) you are going to more than likely need a better pump. Depending on how much you want to push. A return system is not required, but good to have. Plus a boost referenced reg. Can get expensive quick