What can you guys tell me about running nitromethane in a gasoline engine in small percentages for an "undetectable" boost of power in a circle tracker? :reddevil

 

Nitro won't mix with gasoline unless you induce another suitable compound to combine the two. Methanol will mix with both gasoline and nitromethane for a short period of time. The biggest problem with running nitro/methanol/gasoline mix is that the will seperate in a small amount of time so you will have to drain the cell between heats. (hard to explain why you are doing it). Also when you run nitro when you roll into a corner then get onto the throttle the pipes will be loaded up and you will have a LARGE fireball come out of the pipes on each corner.(scared the **** out of me the first time)
C & S carbs out of St Charles MO has a carb calibrated to run a 50/50 mix of gas/methanol with a compound that they sell that will keep them mixed for a reasonable length of time and make it difficult to find in checking.

Now this is all heresay, as I would have no way of knowing first hand. :D LMAO

 

A local racer who had (died in freak accident) a top fuel car was telling me a little about nitromethane. He said that it won't burn unless under load, which is why whenever he shows the car at big events he always has the rear jacked up so the tires can turn. I saw under the valve covers once and the oil was neon green. I don't think that's something you can hide from your fellow racers/competitors.

 

 

I know Wally was running Nitro in this crazy vehicle of his: http://www.coredcs.com/~wmeng/projec...ject_cars.html Not sure if it ever became reality or not. I think it was a Lexus V-8 if I remember correctly. Wish I could give you more info. I've pretty much stayed away from the exotic fuels for this go round...

 

Pound per bound nitromethane is a poor fuel. A gallon of nitromethane can not match the power of a gallon of gas measured in BTU's. Forget it as an additive. It's only grace is that it can burn without needing the proper mixture of air. A top fueler can pump gallons of the stuff into cylinders without having to match it with air in a certain ratio.
It also eats pumps. The varnish used in certain pumps is dissolved. Besides it is extremely costly. I have some here and only use it for model planes mixed with alcohol.

 

Works well when 20% Nitro is used in a Methanol Motor with mechanical injection.Can hear the difference in the POP!

Feels like a 9 volt battery when touched to tongue

For fun,go to http://www.klotz.com
they have a few fuel additives and can get the straight scoop on mixing fuels.

 

Nitromethane also has a distinct oder when burned...anyone who is a regular at the larger racing events will know that smell...such as your track officials. Nitro also mixes with alchohol, not gasoline. The "fuel" cars run anywhere from a 90% nitro 10% alcohol up to a 98% nitro. The fuel curves and timing are also totally different for nitro so you won't be able to quickly convert from one fuel charge to another. I have experimented with a 25% nitro mix on my daughters alcohol powered Jr. Dragster (sorry NHRA) and noticied no difference even after changing jetting and timing. I do know from some other tuners who have experimented with the little briggs engine that you will blow the cylinder off the block when you get around to a 40-45% mix. Unless you want to run with the "big dogs" with big bucks I'd suggest taking a different route to making HP. Deen

 

I love the smell of Nitro in the mornings . :yesnod:
You know who is running nitro and who is not...
:D

 

It's the smell/taste/fireball that will give it away, and it won't be much help in a sprinter. One of the guys that works with me runs a nostalgia front engine AA/TF on nitro; it's expensive and rough on engines.

Hans

 

:eek: Oh I would never use Nitro in my sprinter. It is against the rules :crazy: And I always obey the rules! :blueangel:


Likes to melt pistons..

 

To add "fuel to the fire" :lol: I did know of people who would mix tolulene with their sprint cars to give it some boost. Kind of a poor man's octane booster.

 

Im not talking about dumping ungodly amounts of nitromethane into the fuel and watching to see what happens. I am thinking around 5 to 10 percent. I know that we would have to increase the jets one size or two, and retard the timing maybe 10 degrees, but my question is has anybody done this, how much did THEY use, and what did they see?

 

First off if you are running cast pistons don't do it PERIOD. They will break.

If you have forged pistons and want to run it here is what you have to do.

You have to mix 44% gas / 44% methanol / 8% nitromethane / 1 oz Klotz upper lube per mixed gallon (to keep them from seperating). Mix by pouring it from one container to another very quickly. Stiring will not do it.

Remove any foam from the fuel cell. (the methanol and nitro will eat it apart)

Increase jet size by 35% (needed for the methanol and nitromethane) If you were running a 76 jet you will need to go to about a 95.

Leave timing as it is. Methanol and nitromethane will both tolerate increased timing but sneak up on it slowly.

This mixture will only stay mixed for about 30 minutes before the nitro settles to the bottom. You have to drain the fuel cell after each heat race. If you don't the nitro will settle to the bottom of the cell and the fuel pickup will be pulling straight nitromethane and will absolutely ruin your motor.

If your track requires you to run a muffler you will ruin one each night.

You will have to explain the flames out of the exhaust on each corner.

I would "accidently" spill a little oil on the headers to explain the smell.

You have to change oil every night and don't run a synthetic, the nitro will break it down.

You will see about a 15 - 18% increase in low end torque but not alot of increase in top end power.


All said, I think there are easier, less obvious ways to work around the rules.

 

Like? :reddevil

 

Hey Wrencher, does your freind run in the Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing series? I work on a Junior/Fuel Dragster team in that organization and probably know his car.