Easy Speed
Going faster is easy in theory. All you have to do is increase the amount of air/fuel mixture an engine burns in a given time frame. In reality, however increased engine performance can require a long list of parts, including cams, header, throttle body, ignition, head work, and so on.
Installing a NOS system is like combining all these upgrades in one easy bolt-on unit. With nitrous oxide present, more oxygen and subsequently more fuel can be burned in a given time. This increase primarily comes from a higher rate of fuel atomization(turning from a liquid to a gas). Additional power comes from the temperature drop and increased air/fuel density that occurs when nitrous oxide is present in the combustion chamber.
Getting Gassed
What types of nitrous kits are out there?
Dry manifold system - This system uses a single fogger. You can get 30-60hp safely and efficently. If you don't want to go all out, and just have some fun, then this is the one for you. The dry manifold system is less expensive and easier to install. If you use a dry manifold system on your import and keep the horsepower increase below 70, the stock fuel injectors should be able to keep up with the higher oxygen levels created by this system. Other engine components can probably be left alone as well.
Wet Direct-Port system - The most popular of the wet system is the direct-port unit in which each cylinder gets its own fogger. This unit is for the more serious racer. It can give 75-175hp.
For an indepth guide to installing a nitrous system refer to Super Street magazine, July '97 Vol.1, No.10
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