bottle heater question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
bottle heater question
I'm trying to decide which bottle heater to buy. Is there a major difference between a heater regulated by pressure vs a heater regulated by the temperature of the bottle? Im looking at two heaters from zex that are designed to keep the bottle at a set temperature. One has a cigarette lighter plug in and switch and the other requires you to run your own wires and switch. I'll probably go with the latter since I dont like wires hanging around. What would be the best/easiest source to run it from. I currently have my nitrous switch on the center console between power seat controls and the purge button is up by my speedometer and alarm light. I'll need to find a place for the new switch. Also has anyone ever sandblasted and painted their nitrous bottle or is there a reason for not doing this? I have a black cloth protective bag for it but that may have to go with the heater install. I'm, thinking maybe black with white skull and crossbones. 
How long do the heaters take to heat the bottle to the optimum pressure?
Thanks
How long do the heaters take to heat the bottle to the optimum pressure?Thanks
Last edited by rickneworleansla; Jun 14, 2006 at 04:51 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 3
From: Mount Vernon OH
Sand Blasting?
I would not recommend sand blasting your bottle because it is aluminum and you do not want to risk damagine or weakening it. Try a D/A sander and use a fine pad and you should be happy. No matter what you do make sure you cap or plug your bottle value or you will mess up your solenoids if you get sand or grit into them. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 79
From: Jackson MI
Definately go with the pressure regulated heater. If you get the other kind you will not get consistant results. A full bottle at one temp will produce a much greater pressure than a half bottle at the same temp.
As for repainting the bottle, I'm not sure why you couldn't, just make sure your hydro numbers and weight stickers are still visible.
Personally, I prefer to have mine hidden. When I had nitrous on the car the gym bag trick worked wonders for me. No one ever noticed it. I had a guy helping me unload my car after a trip one time and he tried to lift it up. That was funny since the bag was bolted to the car.
As for repainting the bottle, I'm not sure why you couldn't, just make sure your hydro numbers and weight stickers are still visible.
Personally, I prefer to have mine hidden. When I had nitrous on the car the gym bag trick worked wonders for me. No one ever noticed it. I had a guy helping me unload my car after a trip one time and he tried to lift it up. That was funny since the bag was bolted to the car.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Originally Posted by mn_vette
Definately go with the pressure regulated heater. If you get the other kind you will not get consistant results. A full bottle at one temp will produce a much greater pressure than a half bottle at the same temp.
As for repainting the bottle, I'm not sure why you couldn't, just make sure your hydro numbers and weight stickers are still visible.
Personally, I prefer to have mine hidden. When I had nitrous on the car the gym bag trick worked wonders for me. No one ever noticed it. I had a guy helping me unload my car after a trip one time and he tried to lift it up. That was funny since the bag was bolted to the car.
As for repainting the bottle, I'm not sure why you couldn't, just make sure your hydro numbers and weight stickers are still visible.
Personally, I prefer to have mine hidden. When I had nitrous on the car the gym bag trick worked wonders for me. No one ever noticed it. I had a guy helping me unload my car after a trip one time and he tried to lift it up. That was funny since the bag was bolted to the car.
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
I would not fill your tank if you painted it and for sure if you sand blasted it.
Just paint over the color it is now.You can only use enamal paint any other will present a problem with expantion for the bottle.
Go with the presure regulator type .You will need a blow down tube if you use the temp one.Boom is the word that comes to mind,realy it is a swish sound.
I have never had anyluck with the temp regulator unit.
Eather too hot or not enough.You will have to run a set of wires for the heater.Make sure the wires are atleast a #10 ,that heater puts a load on the battery and alt.Never for any reason leave your car if the bottle heater is on.
Just paint over the color it is now.You can only use enamal paint any other will present a problem with expantion for the bottle.
Go with the presure regulator type .You will need a blow down tube if you use the temp one.Boom is the word that comes to mind,realy it is a swish sound.
I have never had anyluck with the temp regulator unit.
Eather too hot or not enough.You will have to run a set of wires for the heater.Make sure the wires are atleast a #10 ,that heater puts a load on the battery and alt.Never for any reason leave your car if the bottle heater is on.
