How To Install a Nitrous Kit
By Rick S
I wanted to share my experience with the installation and
testing of the new nitrous system made by Zex. http://www.zex.com
A list of my mods can be found here:
Background information about nitrous oxide injection can be found here at
the Nitrous Primer.
The kit is a "Dry" type nitrous spray. A
"Dry" kit does not install additional fuel injectors, the stock
injectors are fired under more fuel pressure to add more fuel when the nitrous is flowing. The kit
comes complete with everything needed to do a thorough install.
Provided in the kit are nitrous and fuel jets for a 55,
65, or 75hp shot. I started with the 55. I had previously installed an AutoMeter
AFM and an Intellitronix Fuel Pressure gauges to monitor and make sure plenty of
fuel was available. I also have the RP Upgrade Fuel Pump. The kit itself is a
very a straight forward install. I ran into no major problems.
I mounted the bottle in the back hatch area. The bottle
had to be tilted at an angle for proper operation. The mounts for the bottle
were supplied and provide for the proper angle. I ran the nitrous supply line
through and small hole drilled just to the left side of the spare tire. I ran
the supply line in the same conduit that covers the brake lines. The control box
was mounted next to the N-Tech Battery Miniaturization Kit. The provided supply
line length was more than enough.
I mounted the nozzle at the GReddy intake elbow, just
right before the throttle body. The elbow was thick enough to drill and tap for
the nozzle. I pointed the nozzle in the direction of the airflow. I had thought
about installing it before the IC to help chill the air, but was told that it
would be more responsive right at the throttle body. The connection for
additional fuel was simply a matter of taking the OEM hose going to the fuel
pressure regulator and routing it to the Zex controller. Another hose going out
of the Zex went to the OEM regulator where the hose was removed. I used silicone
fuel hose and routed it away from any heat sources as much as possible. I was
very concerned about fuel pressure being increased when nitrous was being
sprayed.
The electrical portion of the install was easy. Power and
ground is right at the battery. I had to run the arming switch inside the car. I
mounted it on a plastic panel just under the steering wheel. Once armed, the
system is ready operate. The nitrous is not released until 4.6vdc is seen off
the TPS. I had to run a wire to tap into the TPS. I did have to adjust my TPS
during this process. My TPS adjustment was off. Once everything was installed
and the bottle filled, I had to do a few pre-flight checks first. I took the
line off at the nozzle and turned the ignition on with the engine off. I pointed
the NOS line up and out of the engine compartment. I secured it so it would not
fly around once I hit the gas. I depressed full throttle and NOS sprayed. Make
sure your assistant is not holding this line with his bare hand. I did have a
minor leak inside the control box. I opened it up and found a fitting was not
properly tightened. Once the leak was repaired, I could finally make a run with
the nitrous. I had no way of testing for increased fuel pressure with the bottle
turned off. The system references off the bottle pressure.
With my assistant's hand still numb from the super cold
nozzle fitting, we set off in search of an open stretch of road. We decided to
turn the PRofec B off and run default spring pressure on the wastegate. I
recorded 10 psi on an initial run without nitrous. During all my testing and
starting out with a bottle only about 2/3 full, I only had a few pounds of
nitrous left. Zex claims 3 min. on a 55 shot. I found that if you are into the
gas for more than 3 seconds, you are flat out cruising. I armed the nitrous on
the next run. Running at 10 psi, I monitored the AFM and my assistant monitored
the fuel pressure. I did a rolling start and hit full throttle in 2nd
gear. The nitrous was clearly felt. It came on real smooth and strong with no
hint of detonation. My AFM indicated two bars down from full rich (0.9 Volt).
Fuel Pressure showed 59 psi with nitrous as opposed to 49 psi without. I later
made a run at 12 psi and saw same AFM readings and 61 psi. It appears the the
Zex tries to keep the enrichment of fuel 10 psi over and above the OEM increase
while in boost.
I have further testing to do with a full bottle. I feel
like the system is well engineered and working as advertised. The car feels real
strong with even a 55 shot.
Rick S
Update from Rick S
I wanted to pass on to anyone interested an update on how the Zex Nitrous
System is working out on my 3rd Gen. It has been about 6 months since the
installation was completed. It is currently jetted for a 55hp shot. I have not
tried any of the other settings yet. I have gone through about 6 bottles of N0S
so far. I am finding that a refill runs about $25. Zex claims approximately 3
minutes of use on a full bottle. I find that I rarely get into N0S for more than
3 seconds at a time.
Typically I will not spray in 1st or 2nd gear. I can't keep from spinning
the 275/40/17 A032Rs at anything but 3rd on. The system is activated by 4.6vdc
at the TPS. This roughly equates to about 90% throttle. I am closely monitoring
fuel pressure and AFM for any signs of going lean. I usually run at 12psi w/N0S,
but have had it up to 15 psi. At no point have I ever seen anything but full
green and plenty of fuel even up to 15 psi. The system has run flawlessly and I
am quite happy with its performance.
I would not recommend using this system without some fuel, ignition, and
computer upgrades. I think the key to having plenty of fuel was the addition of
the RP fuel pump. I am not sure if others are seeing the same fuel pressures as
I am, but at idle I see 38 psi and then at 0 psi of boost it jumps to 41 psi
fuel pressure and then 1 psi of additional fuel pressure for every lb of boost
thereafter. The Zex adds approximately 15-20 psi additional fuel pressure. I
have seen the fuel pressure rise up to 74 psi at 15 lbs. of boost. On the dyno
the car made 371 rwp at 12 psi. I have not dynoed at 15 psi, but it feels real
strong at that level. I have not heard from anyone else that has installed the
Zex. I would be interested in others experience with the system. I spoke with
Zex and they will have the Relief Valve Kit available this month.
Rick S
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