NITROUS OXIDE SYSTEMS

A nitrous oxide engine is an internal combustion engine in which oxygen for burning the fuel comes from the decomposition of nitrous oxide, N₂O, rather than air.

The system increases the engine’s power output by allowing fuel to be burned at a higher-than-normal rate, because of the higher partial pressure of oxygen injected with the fuel mixture. 

Nitrous oxide is not flammable at room temperature or while not under extensive pressure. Nitrous injection systems may be “dry”, where the nitrous oxide is injected separately from fuel, or “wet” in which additional fuel is carried into the engine along with the nitrous.

Nitrous oxide systems may not be permitted for street or highway use, depending on local regulations.

Nitrous oxide use is permitted in certain classes of auto racing.

Reliable operation of an engine with nitrous injection requires careful attention to the strength of engine components and to the accuracy of the mixing systems, otherwise destructive detonations or exceeding engineered component maximums may occur.