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Nitrous vs turbo vs blower
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: West Palm Beach Florida
Nitrous vs turbo vs blower
which is the best option?
Why spend 8k, when a $800.00 nitrous system can give you any amount of horsepower you desire. (up to a point, bottom end can handle it)
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Why spend 8k, when a $800.00 nitrous system can give you any amount of horsepower you desire. (up to a point, bottom end can handle it)
.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 10,783
Likes: 15
From: Hurricane Alley
This is going to get interesting. 
Its all personal preferance. IMO, I like a supercharger more. The power is always there when you need it. I dont have to get the RPM's up high to get my boost or make sure the bottle is filled up or purge the system. You will get more power with a twin turbo though. 
Its all personal preferance. IMO, I like a supercharger more. The power is always there when you need it. I dont have to get the RPM's up high to get my boost or make sure the bottle is filled up or purge the system. You will get more power with a twin turbo though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 16
From: Nashville TN
You should post ths in the Forced Induction section. Should be interesting.
I think what it comes down to is different strokes for different folks.
I had a nitrous car and now have a supercharger. I like the supercharger better, but still want to try a turbo. THere are tons of pros/cons for each system. Do a search and you will be reading for days.
I think what it comes down to is different strokes for different folks.
I had a nitrous car and now have a supercharger. I like the supercharger better, but still want to try a turbo. THere are tons of pros/cons for each system. Do a search and you will be reading for days.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,648
Likes: 0
From: St.Petersburg FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
I will admit turbo systems are a big investment but its more practical for me than filling a bottle every week (or more). Problem with spray is the more you use it the less power it will make on the same bottle as it empties out. You can see et times drop at the track the more runs you make. Just my .02.-Joe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 9,844
Likes: 33
From: S. FLA :: Professional Devil's Advocate
How about bigger cubes + nitrous. 
I've always liked turbo systems and if I didn't have bigger cubes I'd probably go that route. But 500+ rwhp NA is more then enough on the street. Eventually I'll probably go with a 250-350 direct port nitrous for track use.
I've always liked turbo systems and if I didn't have bigger cubes I'd probably go that route. But 500+ rwhp NA is more then enough on the street. Eventually I'll probably go with a 250-350 direct port nitrous for track use.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: arlington tx
its all in what you want. somethings sound cooler i guess. turbo and blowers. some people think of nitrous as cheating blah blah. personally big cube motor and the bottle for me. 500+rwhp on motor and 200 shot on the bottle = 700+ rwhp 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
I think each system has it own pros and cons, and which route to go depends on the overall theme you want to build. I have a 4 cyl turbo car as my DD (audi), and it's a great "personality" for that kind of car. And I think Superchargers are great "next level" devices for V8s. As for nitrous, I think it's great cheap speed but it's kind of "cheating" -- almost like an athlete taking steroids.
If I were going to go for more power in my vette, I'd build it with heads/cam or a supercharger.
just my .02.
If I were going to go for more power in my vette, I'd build it with heads/cam or a supercharger.
just my .02.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Southside Alabama
this is very hard, i'm sure you've gotten a ton of different opinions...personally speaking since i've gone through the same question...a supercharger is going to push the limits of a the stock bottom end. Turbo, same. Nitrous can be a little tricky: since, spray if not done properly can ruin the engine. I went with built motor (348), which of course has a forged bottom end and since the compression will be high (11:1), the supercharger is out. A 150 shot of nitrous is the lucky power adder. Hope the pictures help in the decision.
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[IMG]http
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
All the add on power boosters do is make the engine behave like it is bigger than it really is.If you rarely actually use full power, nitrous should be your first choice. The C5 and C6 is a natural for up to a 125 dry shot with no other changes.Well under $1000 will get your stock LS1 to ZO6 HP at the flip of a switch.Plus it's still stock for everyday driving.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 0
I had nitrous on my z28 with all the safety options...so to do it right it will cost more than 800 bux.
After I put my headers on and the bigger cam I regret spending the 1500 on the nitrous setup. The money would have been better spent on Heads even if I had to add another grand to it.
My C5 has 431 to the wheels and I'm good with that for now. Will add a supercharger at some point.
After I put my headers on and the bigger cam I regret spending the 1500 on the nitrous setup. The money would have been better spent on Heads even if I had to add another grand to it.
My C5 has 431 to the wheels and I'm good with that for now. Will add a supercharger at some point.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
First, if you are going much over 500rwhp you need a forged bottom end regardless of how you're getting there so nitrous isn't saving you money on forging.
Second, nitrous is only available when you know ahead of time you are going to need it. Even a bottle opener isn't fast enough for that spur of the moment need.
Third, nitrous in only functional a WOT. Use it below that and you'll risk grenading your engine.
Fourth, dollar for dollar, in a drag strip application, nitrous can't be beat. $1500 (with all the safety features) for 150-200hp is fanatastic.
IMHO - nitrous for the strip, FI for all other applications (you can debate S/C vs Turbo all day long).
Second, nitrous is only available when you know ahead of time you are going to need it. Even a bottle opener isn't fast enough for that spur of the moment need.
Third, nitrous in only functional a WOT. Use it below that and you'll risk grenading your engine.
Fourth, dollar for dollar, in a drag strip application, nitrous can't be beat. $1500 (with all the safety features) for 150-200hp is fanatastic.
IMHO - nitrous for the strip, FI for all other applications (you can debate S/C vs Turbo all day long).
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,484
Likes: 1
From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
I am pro nitrous, but one thing to consider is availablity of a refill place. Last I recall, nitrous was $4 a pound and a 10 lb bottle really doesn't last that long. So, you may get a kit installed for $1,000, but if you use it, expect $40-$80 (if you have a 20 lb bottle) on a semi-regular basis.
I also agree with one of the nitrous cons - that it is not always available.
Still, dollar for dollar, nitrous is really hard to beat.
I also agree with one of the nitrous cons - that it is not always available.
Still, dollar for dollar, nitrous is really hard to beat.