NOS Comparison - Nitrous Plate Shootout

Every nitrous system creates a tune-up based on a standardized bottle pressure, which is usually between 900 and 1,000 psi. Our chart indicates that if the entire contents of the bottle are at 90 degrees F, then the operating pressure will be 945 psi. The important point here is that the entire contents of the bottle must be at this temperature, not just the bottle itself-this takes time to complete. Bottle pressure is generated regardless of the amount of nitrous in the tank. A properly filled bottle has a small volume of gas "head" at the top of the tank that will create the least amount of pressure decrease as the nitrous is used. A half-full bottle fully heated to 90 degrees F will still create 945 psi but will experience a much greater bottle pressure drop for the same amount of nitrous used because of the larger initial volume of gas in the cylinder. Optimal performance demands a full bottle at its optimal operating temperature, which is why nitrous racers bring so many bottles to the track. As a word of caution, never use an open flame like a propane torch to heat a nitrous bottle in search of more pressure. Better choices are an electric bottle heater, hot water, or an electric heat gun.