school me on the electronics of nitrous
I wanna know what would be the most cost effective way to control nitrous etc window switch and what not.. ive seen some use a mallory box too control everything from timming retard to window switch. i just wanna get my bang for my buuck also is there anything else that i should purchase to make this kit work well on an lt1
First, I think my Mallory 685 multistrike ignition controller was the best purchase of all as it not only has the LED display but combines the all important rev limiter, spark advance and window controls.
If you have a dry kit with two solenoids you either have two foggers or one of the solenoids controls a purge - unless there's something else I don't understand. On less sophisticated kits, two solenoids indicate a wet kit.
As for the switches, these are relatively cheap. An electronic wide open throttle switch is more expensive than a mechanical but the main point is electronic throttle switches require more comprehension and wiring within the system.
Keep in mind that solenoids and relays generally work by controlling the ground rather than the positive side of the circuit.
The cheaper mechanical pressure gages is fine as long as you see it. The electronic gages are relatively expensive but very cool.
A purge kit is considered for show unless you are a serious racer but it has a critical function in that you can relieve the pressure from your control solenoid and prevent the nitrous gas from leaking into the intake when the engine is off. There have been times when a leaking solenoid has allowed nitrous to leach into the intake of an engine while it was off. When this happens and the engine is started there is backfire explosion. If the pooling nitrous is significant, the explosion can ruin the throttle body or in the worst situation, blow the intake manifold off the engine.
Finally, make sure your fuel system is up to the task. You can change to a Walbro (or equivalent) high volume pump or do as I did since my fuel pump was recently replaced with stock, add an in-line booster.
There are quite a few safety items you can continue adding to a home brew nitrous kit such as fuel pressure safety switch or a digital DynoTune lean cut off switch. Personally, I wouldn't think of running nitrous, even a 125 shot without a wideband to accurately determine AFR. A wideband is a serious investment but nothing shows you more exactly how lean or rich your engine is running like it. In fact, if I only had the money for a nitrous kit or a wideband kit I would buy the wideband kit. Safety first for your investment and nothing will protect your engine like knowing and controlling the Air Fuel Ratio.
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