Can I simply bolt a nitrous kit onto my stock engine?
Yes. NOS manufactures systems for virtually any stock engine application. The key is to choose the correct kit for a given application; i.e., 4 cyl. engines normally allow an extra 40- 60 HP, 6 cyl. engines usually work great between 75-100 extra HP, small block V8’s (302/350/400cid) can typically accept up to 140 extra HP, and big-block V8’s (427-454) might accept from 125-200 extra HP. These suggested ranges provide maximum reliability from most stock engines using cast pistons and cast crank with few or no engine modifications.
How does nitrous work?
Nitrous oxide is made up of 2 parts nitrogen and 1 part oxygen (36% oxygen by weight). During the combustion process in an engine, at about 572 degrees F, nitrous breaks down and releases oxygen. This extra oxygen creates additional power by allowing more fuel to be burned. Nitrogen acts to buffer or dampen the increased cylinder pressures helping to control the combustion process. Nitrous also has a tremendous “inter-cooling” effect by reducing intake charge temperatures by 60 to 75 degrees F.
What are some of the general rules for even higher HP gains?
Generally, forged aluminum pistons are one of the best modifications you can make. Retard ignition timing by 4-8 degrees (1 to 1-1/2 degrees timing retard per 50 HP gain). In many cases, a higher flowing fuel pump may be necessary. Higher octane (100+) racing type fuel may be required as well as spark plugs 1 to 2 heat ranges colder than normal with gaps closed to .025"-.030". For gains over 250 HP, other important modifications could be necessary for addition to those mentioned above. These special modifications may include a forged crankshaft, a high-quality race type connecting rods, a high output fuel pump dedicated to feeding the additional fuel demands of the nitrous system, and a racing fuel with high specific gravity and an octane rating of 110 or more.
When is the best time to use nitrous?
At wide-open throttle only (unless a progressive controller is used). Due to the tremendous amount of increased torque, you will generally find the best results, traction permitting, at early activation. Nitrous can be safely applied above 2,500 RPM under full throttle conditions.
Is there any performance increase in using medical grade nitrous oxide?
None! NOS recommends and sells only the automotive grade, called Ny-trous Plus. Ny-trous Plus contains a minimal amount of sulfur dioxide (100 ppm) as a deterrent to substance abuse. The additive does not affect performance.
How long does it generally take to install an NOS kit?
The majority of NOS kits can be installed using common hand tools in approximately 4 to 6 hours. NOS instruction manuals are by far the best in the industry and include specific installation drawings, wiring diagrams, and bottle mounting procedures as well as performance tips and a thorough troubleshooting guide.
Does nitrous oxide raise cylinder pressure and temperatures?
Yes. Due to the ability to burn more fuel, this is exactly why nitrous makes so much power.
How much performance improvement can I expect with a nitrous system?
For many applications, an improvement from 1 to 3 full seconds and 10 to 15 MPH in the quarter-mile can be expected. Factors such as engine size, tires, jetting, gearing, etc. will affect the final results.
How long can I hold the nitrous button down?
It is possible to hold the button down until the bottle is empty. However, 15 continuous seconds at a time, or less, is recommended.
What kind of testing or research is performed on NOS products?
NOS maintains a complete research and development center including computerized dynamometer equipment as well as a nitrous/fuel flow testing facility. In addition, NOS is actively involved in many aspects of racing: working closely with many top name racers to develop the most powerful and reliable nitrous systems in the world.
How long will the bottle last?
This largely depends on the type of nitrous kit and jetting used. For example, a 125 HP Power Shot kit with a standard 10 lb. the capacity bottle will usually offer up to 7 to 10 full quarter-mile passes. For power levels of 250 HP, 3 to 5 full quarter-mile passes may be expected. If nitrous is only used in 2nd and 3rd gears, the number of runs will be more.
Will I have to re-jet my carburetor on my car when adding nitrous?
No! The NOS system is independent of your carburetor and injects its own mixture of fuel and nitrous.
Is nitrous oxide flammable?
Nitrous Oxide by itself is non-flammable. However, the oxygen present in nitrous oxide causes the combustion of fuel to take place more rapidly.
Will nitrous oxide cause detonation?
Not directly. Detonation is the result of too little fuel present during combustion (lean) or too low of an octane of fuel. Too much ignition advance also causes detonation. In general, most of our kits engineered for stock type engines will work well with premium type fuels and minimal decreases of ignition timing. In the racing applications where higher compression ratios are used, resulting in higher cylinder pressures, a higher fuel octane must be used as well as more ignition retard.
Is it a good idea to use an aftermarket computer chip in conjunction with an NOS System?
Only if the chip has been designed specifically for use with nitrous oxide. Most aftermarket chips use more aggressive timing advance curves to create more power. This can lead to possible detonation. You may wish to check with the manufacturer of the chip before using it. The top manufacturers, such as Hypertech do make special chips for use with nitrous.
Which type of manifold is better suited for a plate injector type of nitrous system, single or dual plane manifold?
As long as the manifold doesn’t interfere with the spray pattern of the bars, either will work fine in most cases. The distribution is better with a single plane at high RPM. If your goal is to increase power by more than 150 HP, the single-plane manifold is better.
How complete is an NOS kit?
NOS prides itself on offering the most complete systems on the market today. They include virtually every component that may be needed for a complete installation; parts such as extra long carburetor studs, gaskets, pipe tap, fuel hose, brackets, filters, fittings, hardware, wiring, 10 lb. bottle with Hi-Flo valve, comprehensive instruction manual, and all other major components are standard in every NOS kit.
What is the difference between a standard and an NOS Hi-Flo bottle valve?
The orifice of the Hi-Flo valve is much larger than the standard valve allowing for a larger flow of nitrous. With a small orifice valve a pressure drop could occur when the nitrous flow is high; causing surging or inadequate nitrous flow. The NOS Hi-Flo valve eliminates this problem. NOS Hi-Flo valves are standard in all NOS kits.
What affect does nitrous have on an engine with considerable miles on it?
This depends largely on the actual condition of the engine components. Any performance modification to an engine that is worn out or poorly tuned will have detrimental effects. However, an engine in good condition, with good ring and head gasket sealing, should be able to use nitrous without any abnormal wear.
Which is the best position to mount a nitrous bottle?
NOS bottles come with siphon tubes and, in order to maintain proper nitrous pickup, it is important to mount the bottle correctly. We recommend mounting the bottle at a 15 degree angle with the valve end higher than the bottom of the bottle. The valve end of the bottle should point to the front of the vehicle and the valve knob and label should face straight up.
Will I have to change my ignition system?
Most late model ignition systems are well suited for nitrous applications. In some higher HP cases, it may be advisable to look into a high-quality high output ignition system with a built-in spark retard.
Will Nitrous affect engine reliability?
The key is choosing the correct H.P. for a given application. A kit that uses the correct factory calibration does not usually cause increased wear. As the energy released in the cylinder increases so do the loads on the various components that must handle them. If the load increases exceed the ability of the components to handle them, added wear takes place. NOS kits are designed for use on-demand and only at wide-open throttle. Nitrous can be extremely advantageous in that it is only used when you want it, not all the time. All NOS kits are designed for maximum power with reliability for a given application.
What is a Laminar Flow Technology Muffler?
Laminar Flow Technology mufflers are the latest generation in the Flowmaster family of performance products featuring innovative, patented technology. Flowmaster Laminar Flow Technology mufflers actually accelerate the exhaust flow as it passes through the tapered core and expands into the large volume outer core area in multiple layers. This all adds up to a design that delivers distinct torque and horsepower improvements over straight through designs, along with a deep mellow exhaust tone. See our Laminar Flow section for more information.
Do I need to install an “H” pipe in my dual exhaust system?
Flowmaster strongly recommends using a crossover tube, otherwise known as an “H” pipe or balance pipe on all true dual exhaust systems. The crossover pipe equalizes the exhaust pressure and allows the sound waves to communicate between both banks of the engine. Not only does this usually improve torque in the low to mid-rpm range, but it also creates a deeper mellower tone both inside and outside of the vehicle and helps eliminate “back-rap” on deceleration.
What does a Flowmaster sound like?
The Flowmaster sound is unique to itself and is very different from that of glass packs or other packed style mufflers. The Flowmaster sound can best be described as a deep smooth sound and has proven to be the preferred and most recognized sound of most automotive enthusiasts. Flowmaster offers many different levels of sound from mild, to moderate, to aggressive. In general, the 60 series, 70 Series and Super 50 Series mufflers are milder with reduced interior sound. The 50 Series Delta Flows are moderate, and the 40 Series has a more aggressive tone. The Laminar Flow mufflers (Super HP2, Pro Series, DBX) provide a smooth, deep tone with minimal interior resonance. The FlowFX mufflers have a more traditional packed style muffler with a deep mellow tone.
What is the difference between a 40 series and a 50 series muffler?
The 50 series mufflers are incorporated into an internal resonant chamber that helps reduce interior drone in the cab area of your vehicle and provides a slightly milder exterior tone than the 40 series. The 40 series has a more aggressive tone and sound level. It does not have a built-in resonant chamber and will generally resonate or “drone” inside the vehicle, around 1800-2000 pm, and again around 2400-2600 pm. So if that’s your cruising rpm at highway speeds and don’t want any drone, you may want to consider a 50, 60 or 70 performance muffler.
What kind of performance gains can I expect when installing a Flowmaster system on my vehicle?
Performance gains will vary dependent upon your application. The more power the engine makes, the bigger the gains will be. Generally, in full-size vehicle applications, a 5-7% gain in power is fairly typical, while 1-2 mpg can be achieved. That is if you can keep your foot out of the gas to hear that Flowmaster sound.
How can I be sure that I’m buying a Flowmaster muffler?
The Flowmaster name is embossed in every muffler case that Flowmaster builds. If it doesn’t say Flowmaster on the case, it’s not a real Flowmaster muffler. Buyer beware; Flowmaster knock-offs may look similar, but may not perform or sound the same, and often have a high defect return rate.
What size exhaust tubing should I use for my street application?
Choosing the proper diameter of the tubing for your exhaust system is as important as selecting the right muffler. Your tubing diameter choice will affect the sound level and performance characteristics of the muffler, but keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Using tubing that is too large can actually hinder exhaust scavenging by slowing the velocity of exhaust pulses in the tubing resulting in a loss of torque. And torque is what moves the car. As a general rule, most stock to mildly modified V8 powered street applications will use 2.25” – 2.5” diameter tubing. There are many variables that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the correct tubing size for your application, such as: engine technology (flat head engines vs 60’s engines vs present day engines) cubic inch, catalytic convertors, head flow, vehicle weight, how the vehicle is driven and numerous others. Light to moderately modified street applications will generally use 2.5” and rarely some can use dual 3.00” tubing, again depending on the above named factors, sound desired etc. *They generally don’t encourage the use of dual 3” exhaust systems for just street use. Here are some guidelines for exhaust tubing size vs power that can be used for street applications: Street V8 applications – dual exhaust 2” tubing200 hp – 250 hp 2.25” tubing 250 hp – 375 hp 2.5” tubing 350 hp – 500 hp *3” tubing 500 hp – 600 hp
Will my late model vehicle run better if I replace the single inlet muffler with a true dual exhaust system?
Flowmaster does not recommend replacing factory single inlet exhaust systems with a “true dual” system on computer-controlled vehicles. The computers in most late-model vehicles may not be able to compensate with the fuel needed when increasing the exhaust flow and may void your factory warranty and emission compliance. Flowmaster’s dual outlet kits will give you the look of a “true dual” system while optimizing the vehicle's performance.
How do Flowmaster Chambered and Laminar Flow mufflers compare to straight through mufflers?
Straight through mufflers are constructed using a perforated flow tube wrapped with either steel wool or fiberglass to simply absorb sound. This type of technology generally does the least in reducing sound, especially in the cab of the vehicle and cannot control drone. The packing materials can burn out fairly quickly resulting in a shortened life span and increasing sound levels both inside and outside the vehicle. The Flowmaster® designs use the sound energy to cancel itself out and not packing materials to burn out. Therefore will maintain its sound control over the life of the product. Also, Flowmaster has models that are designed to specifically reduce or remove the interior drone from most applications, if desired by the customer.
Will I lose power going from a 40 series to a 50 series, or to a 70 series?
No. Flowmaster engineers have designed each series of mufflers with maximum efficiency in mind. The differences between the various muffler series are in the varying sound levels produced both inside and outside your vehicle. This is why it is so important to take the time to carefully choose the right product that will suit your individual needs and sound preference.
Is an “X” pipe better than an “H” pipe?
Flowmaster has performed extensive testing and determined that the “H” and “X” pipes generally deliver no significant difference in performance, but does affect tone. The “X” pipe will change the sound to a higher-pitched tone. Flowmaster Scavenger “X” pipes, however, do increase power and torque through the use of their patented D-port technology and retains the deep Flowmaster muffler tone that is desired by most performance enthusiasts.
What is “Delta Flow” technology?
This patented technology is an improvement over the original Flowmaster® design that provides improved scavenging and an additional reduction of resonance inside the vehicle. This advancement was born out of Flowmaster’s extensive involvement in racing and its commitment to Research & Development. The Delta Flow design incorporates additional delta deflectors placed at precise angles, different spacing within .004-inch tolerance and in some series different sizes. The result is improved performance while maintaining a pleasant tone both inside and outside the vehicle, along with a reduction of interior resonance.
Do I need to run tailpipes after the mufflers?
Yes, they recommend running a minimum of 12” tailpipe after the muffler and strongly recommend running the tailpipes out from under the car in street applications. This does two things; it directs the potentially harmful exhaust fumes away entering the driver's compartment, as well as helps minimize the sound transmitted into the cab area of the vehicle.
Is stainless steel, a better material for manufacturing exhaust products than aluminized steel?
Not necessarily, it really depends on where you live geographically and the vehicle application. Through years of field testing under street and racing conditions, we’ve found in many applications, aluminized steel is just as durable as stainless steel at a slightly reduced cost. If you live where road salt can come in contact with your vehicle on a regular basis, a stainless steel muffler is the right choice. For most racing and high performance applications where daily driver chores are not common, aluminized mufflers are a great choice to consider.
What is the difference in the Borg & Beck, Diaphragm and Long-Style pressure plates?
The Diaphragm style is a multi-finger plate that takes less pedal pressure to release. The Borg & Beck and Long-Style are 3 finger plates that provide a higher clamping force.
What Hays flywheel do you recommend for my engine and what size Hays clutch can I use with it?
Hays offers stock size and weight as well as custom applications built to order.
What starter do I use with Hays flywheels?
Most starters use stock or stock style unless otherwise specified.
Why can't I get my clutch to release and shift properly after it is completely installed?
This typically means the clutch needs adjustment. Adjustment procedures vary by vehicle and can be found in most service manuals. Helpful?
Should I use an aluminum or steel flywheel?
Aluminum flywheels with their lighter weight, are typically used in oval track and road race applications and are also popular in high-horsepower, lightweight drag cars. These vehicles rely on engine horsepower to drive the wheels. Steel flywheels are used in applications that require additional engine torque for performance. A heavier flywheel can help acceleration from a standing start and keep the engine's RPM and power up through shifting. These are characteristics needed in the street, most drag race and other high-torque applications such as tractor pulling.
How should I adjust my clutch?
First of all, be sure all mounting fasteners are torqued correctly, this is very important. The actual adjustment will vary depending on the type of pressure plate being used. With the clutch pedal completely depressed, a diaphragm should have a .030-.040 air gap between the disc and flywheel, for a Borg & Beck the air gap should be .040-.050 and for a Long-Style pressure plate, it should be .050-.060. On vehicles with mechanical linkage, with the pedal released, an air gap of .250” should exist between the throwout bearing face and pressure plate fingers. On cable and hydraulic applications, the throwout bearing face should rest lightly on the pressure plate fingers.
What is the difference between Neutral (internal) Balance and Detroit (external) Balance Flywheels?
Neutral (internal) Balance engines and flywheels are each balanced as an individual unit. In other words, the engine and flywheel are in balance with or without the flywheel mounted to the crankshaft. A Factory Balanced (external), or Detroit Balanced engine uses the flywheel to balance the engine assembly. With the flywheel off of the engine, both the engine and flywheel are out of balance.
Should my new Hays Clutch be balanced before installation?
No, all Hays pressure plates and flywheels are dynamically balanced to extremely close tolerances. However, if you are having an engine assembly re-balanced, it would be a good idea to include the clutch components to insure tolerances be as tight as possible.
What is static pressure?
Static pressure also referred to as base pressure, is the amount of spring pressure (in pounds per square inch) that is exerted by the pressure ring to the clutch disc when the clutch is engaged.
What is centrifugal or roller assist?
Certain Hays pressure plates feature centrifugal assist for increasing pressure plate load to prevent slipping and high RPM plate/disc separation. The Borg & Beck design utilizes rollers inside the cover that are forced to the outside under centrifugal force to increase plate load as RPM increase. Certain Long-Style pressure plates use levers that have extra weights on the levers to provide centrifugal assist.
My shifter jams or hangs up in gear. What is the problem?
First, check to see if the linkage rods are encountering any interference. With the engine off and the parking brake engaged, have a friend operate the shifter and observe the linkage rods to see that the rods operate freely. Second, check to see if the transmission arms have become elongated (wallowed out). This may cause incomplete travel. Be sure that the linkage rods are parallel to the shifter lever’s travel. If they are “crooked” it may cause binding. Finally, the mechanism may be in need of a rebuild. Although made for years of outstanding performance, the shifter may require a rebuild after several years of use or severe duty.