Is it easier on the engine to run a progressive setup? In other words, (assuming safe tune, all engine parts {stock} in good condition.......) would a wet 175 or 200 shot be as safe as a wet 125 or 150 if the larger setup is done as a 2 stage or is brought in progressively? I wouldn't spray it often, maybe every couple of months at the track.
I'm thinking (hoping) that since the initial shock can be avoided, maybe more nitrous could be used without increased chance of engine breakage. Or is the cylinder pressure just too much on a stock engine even without the huge torque spike?
I know I'd kill the clutch, but hopefully the engine and rearend could survive longer this way.
Thanks, Don.

 

The coventional wisdom is that a progressive setup will be easier on parts than a single big "hit" of nitrous. I don't know if this has ever been verified by any objective method though. Another piece of conventional wisdom is that N2O+manual tranny is harder on parts than an automatic. Again, this seems kind of intuitive but I can't really verify it.

However, when it comes to stock piston and rods, you are eventually going to reach a limit no matter what the benefit of a progressive system. Exactly where is the limit? Well, there are alot of people running 150hp on stock bottom ends with good results. Is another 25 or 50hp too much? I guess that's what you are asking and I don't think anyone has a definitive answer. Just anecdote. IOW, there hasn't been enough experience. I wouldn't exceed 150hp on a stock motor unless I was mentally and financially prepared to rebuild it, if that's any help.

Rich Krause

 

Thanks, Rich. I guess what I'll do is run a smaller shot until I rebuild it. (Insert various unprintable words here.) I knew the 6 speed would be harder on the rearend than an auto from reading posts by the guys who are really fast. The guys with autos don't seem to suffer as much. I won't be spending that much time at the track, though, so I'm not going to worry about that too much just now.

 

Progressive is a lot harder on solenoids. NOS actually makes a kit to put another nitrous solenoid in line so that if you hang the solenoid you are pulsing you can still shut the nitrous off.

 

That bad, that a second solenoid may actually be necessary? I didn't know it was that much harder on them. Thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely remember that.