Nitrous How long will a Bottle Last?

[jams]

Hi,

I know there are many variables to this question but how long can you expect a 10lb bottle of nitrous to last.

I am thinking about a 75-100hp nozzle and just using it a few sec. at a time.

Nitrous seems like a fun addition, but if you have to keep filling the bottle every other day they it becomes an nuisance. At $3-$5 per pound, I would guess it becomes very costly as well.

Thanks

[chopperBob]

ive went through a bottle in 4-5 1/4 mile passes it just depends on how much you use it .
Bob

[Jerry Clayton]

I used to change bottle after every two runs(7 second-180mph) and add gasoline on the in between runs that I didn't change bottle on--there was still about a half bottle but it becomes inconsistant when bottle gets lower than about half full(half empty?) That was with 10 lb bottle, you can easily put up to a 20# in a car trunk, but make sure you have a safty dump tube!!

Jerry

[Russ Dickey]

I used to have a 125 powershot kit (10lb bottle) on my '66 Mustang. Car has a mild 289 w/ C4 auto and 4.11 gears. I would hit the nitrous shortly after launch (once car had solidly hooked up), and stay on it all the way down the track. The car ran low 13's, and the bottle would last 7-10 passes (although as Jerry mentioned, the lower the bottle got, the slower the car got).

I only used it on the street when I felt that a stoplight challenge loss was inevitable.

[Excaliber]

Does the bottle get inconsistent at 1/2 empty because it gets 'cold' as it empties? If so, is there some way to heat the bottle for better flow?

[Power Surge]

With a 100 shot and a 10lb bottle, you'll get about 3 good full 1/4 mile passes, and a possible 4th one.

With each pass, the pressure will drop some, especially if you don't run a bottle heater. You want to maintain about 1050-1100 psi of bottle pressure for proper mix, and consistancy. If you are just planning to do some blasts here and there on the street, you'll get a few more hits off a 10lb bottle.

I always use 15lb bottles whenever room allows. More capacity and less pressure drop off. I doubt a 15 would fit well in a Cobra though .

[jams]

Good info Guys!!!!!

[JAM1775]

I have a 5lb bottle with 75Hp. It is the EDL carb plate kit. Total install cost was near 1K with all the bells & whistles including Auto MSD Retard, RPM Window Switch etc. I only use it in 3rd/4th gear. It shuts off 100 rpm before my shift light. I have gotten 5-6 75HP hits on the bottle . I do use a bottle heater which probably accounts for an extra hit in my 5 pounder. I did use 100HP in a 10lb bottle making 6 passes at the track (3rd/4th) and still had about half left. I'd say at that point I was near the end before I'd swap it out. Each 5lb bottle lasts me a few weeks to a month. I do not rely upon nitrous on a regular basis. If you built a motor around it for each race or use it a few times each weekend I guess it could get costly. But if you spend a few hundred dollars per season to get the extra fun it's worth it. If you're up against a bigger motor, blown motor or a very high dollar car where you want the Cobra to hold it's own or perhaps even make the win difference I feel the few bucks is well worth it. It's nice to know 3rd gear can pull just as hard as 2nd and it is there if you need it !

[Jerry Clayton]

Try to get on the nitros as early as possible for the max accelleration--use it leaving the line if you can, if you can't work on your chassis until you can

Jerry