quote:
Originally posted by Hustler:
That was my thought as well Boss. I also have concern that the heat pulled from the radiator into the front compartment may be higher than desired as well depending on ambient air temp. The ideal bottle pressure appears to be around 900psi, and you can achieve that pressure with 86F ambient temp. If its too cool pressure falls, if its too hot pressure spikes high and you start having solenoid problems. If a blowdown tube or pressure relief valve isn't installed or working correctly to release high pressure from the tank, you get a bottle that explodes as I'm sure folks have seen aftermath pictures of. If the car is going to sit baking in the hot sun somewhere, the tanks should be removed I'm told. If the bottle heater is not functioning correctly or wired improperly it can overheat the bottle as well.
Bottle blankets and heaters are used to help get the tank up to the 86F temp for consistent pressure and use. So in liquid form as its stored in the tank, its stored at ambient, but as the liquid exits rapidly it expands into a gas and comes out cold @ -120F. When introduced into the combustion chamber where temp is above 565-575F where the nitrogen separates and absorbs heat, the separated oxygen increases oxygen content in the chamber and allows more fuel to burn. This is my understanding of how things work. Feel free to correct or elaborate on anything.
I had to laugh as living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I RARELY think about "COLD" weather!!.
Now based on the FACT a N02 bottle can EXPLODE!!!...I would NEVER install it in front of myself!!!...rather have the bottle BEHIND the engine...with the engine acting as a shatter shield!!!
On aside note...In the fourth picture the engine is using a Parker Funnel Web Intake & TALL valve covers, possibly indicating a very HIGH LIFT camshaft & rocker arm stud girdles...VERY NICE!!!.