Al's Nitrous Install Thread!
 

There is a serious lack of nitrous build threads in this forum.. it's being dominated by the turbo people and their builds. I shall document my nitrous build as I go.

Why Nitrous? You have a nice boost whenever you need it at 1/6 the price tag of a snail/blower. Plus it's simple and clean.

My build will involve the following:

Zex #82021 Wet Kit - $500 (Charles R. Hill / BHR / eBay)
Zex #82006 Bottle Heater (w/ thermostat) - $130 (Charles R. Hill / BHR)
Zex #82005 Nitrous Pressure Gauge - $30 (eBay)
BHR Throttle Body Spacer - $100 (Charles R. Hill / BHR)

I'm going for a clean and simple install. Since I started off with a smaller budget I opted for the bare essentials in accessories. I know I will eventually be getting a remote bottle opener but I can live without it for the time being. As for needing a purge kit, I just have to remember to do a quick blast before I park the car for the evening or before I race (sanctioned, of course). I did however go with the bottle heater with the automatic thermostat. This bottle heater automatically turns itself on and off so the bottle will be at a optimal psi/temp. I don't think I'll even have that crappy inline nitrous pressure gauge on the tank in the end. As I expand on the build I may interface a sending unit to my carpc and display my nitrous pressure through my gauge software, but that will be later on. Lastly, due to my goal of a clean and reversible install I had to get the throttle body spacer offered by BHR.

So I read through pretty much ALL the threads on these forums regarding nitrous use in the RX8. I don't think I have to mention it but I would not have even thought once about using nitrous if it hadn't been for Charles R. Hill and his support through his threads and advice. There is a lot of misinformation in some of these threads so if you're thinking of doing your own nitrous install make sure you are clear on everything.

I am using the ZEX #82021 kit as has been proven to be quite effective on our engine. I will be sticking with the 55-shot (36 n20/17 fuel jets) for the time being. As progress is made in finding a way to change timings only when spraying I will move onto higher shots. I figure a 50 hp boost will be enjoyable for the time being. ;)

What I've done...

I did the cabin electrical stuff today. I'm using a small discreet 12v rocker led switch for arming the system. I have mounted it inside my ashtray right below the cigarette lighter.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrouse1.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrouse2.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrouse6.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrouse3.JPG

I am using the aux power wire from the fusebox for power (switched) and grounded the switch by the passenger footrest area.

I ran the wire into the cabin from the engine bay through a small hole by the windshield wiper fluid reservoir.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrouse5.JPG

I also received this work of art today...

http://albertaguayo.com/images/bhrspacer3.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/bhrspacer2.JPG

Test fitting the nitrous nozzle in the spacer... this spacer is a MUST!!!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/bhrspacerzexnozzle1.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/bhrspacerzexnozzle2.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/bhrspacerzexnozzle3.JPG

------

I didn't get a chance to run the nitrous line under the car today since I didn't have much time to work on it. Mind you I live in an apartment complex and I'm working in the parking lot!

Anyway, so I did get to tap the throttle body harness for the TPS signal.

Getting it off was easy but I there is no room to work here!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd2-1.JPG

Ah.. better!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd2-2.JPG

Tapped!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd2-3.JPG

I mounted the ZEX module as well. This position and spot was recommended by Charles.. though it will definitely be a tight for the inlet hoses...

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousmm1.JPG

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousmm2.JPG

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousmm3.JPG

Test fitting the intake.. and it clears the tray perfectly! Like I said.. it will be interesting when the hoses are run!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd2-5.JPG

I quickly wired up the ZEX module temporarily..

Switch On!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd2-6.JPG

Let's go check the hood! Ah... Yes! Green light.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd2-7.JPG

I spent the rest of the day replacing a local guys coils/wires/plugs and then I went to 4 auto parts stores looking for a replacement fuel line to use for the nitrous tap. They only carry SAE 30r7 rated hoses which are rated for 50 psi of working psi.. we want more! I read up online and it looks like I will be getting a SAE 30r9 rated hose which has a working pressure of 125psi! More than enough. ;)

---

So third day working on it... I did alot. Did all the work I had too under the hood.. all that left is to drill in the trunk for the bottle bracket and nitrous feed line and then fill the bottle!

With my UIM off... so much foam in there! I took the UIM off to make it easier to remove in the stock fuel line.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3.JPG

UIM off...

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(2).JPG

Sealing the tee fitting with some gasket stuff..

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(3).JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(4).JPG

2 clamps are better than 1!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(5).JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(6).JPG

My engine bay in bits!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(7).JPG

Me head first where my UIM used to be.. was getting those clamps on the fuel line nice and tight..

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(8).JPG

UIM back on.. with the BHR spacer...

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(9).JPG

Hot.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(10).JPG

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(11).JPG

The fuel and nitrous inlet hoses on the bottom of the intake tray.. see how tight of a turn they had to make..!

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(12).JPG

Everything put back together.. check how tight the accordion tube is.. oyy what a pain that was to get back in.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(14).JPG

Overview of what was done today...

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(15).JPG

All I have left to do is drill and fill!.. Oh yeah and clean it up a bit.. my engine bay is dirty! Damn salt.

--- Today I drilled and filled and sprayed!! Initial reactions are on my post on page 3.. not quite what I was hoping for.. but it is there!!!

Drilling into the trunk.. pretty easy.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd4-1.JPG

Mounted and hooked up (at this point the bottle was filled)

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd4-3.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd4-2.JPG

Everything tidy and zipped.

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd4-4.JPG
http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd4-5.JPG

Final trunk view:

http://albertaguayo.com/images/finaln2o.jpg

Looking good!

oh, i am so subscribed to this thread!@@!!!
i may be looking into squeezing the 8 as well in the near future.
keep up the good work~

awesome, gotta love the laughing gas

keep us updated

been there done that but d00d im jealous...i didnt get the damn stickers!!.....soooo jealous!

looks like a good list, i look foward to seeing alternates to more power!

Keep going man!!! Great start to your project.

Do me a favor... when you're done, please take it to the drag strip just once to figure out what it traps. PLEASE!!!! I really want to know...

Oh, can't wait.... Finalizing n20 install too. Ray getting me a few more parts......
Stealth install part 2.....
I pay rent and BHR monthly, the rest of the bills can wait :)
Oh yeah, and that MM guy is building me a turbo...

Will post pics of n2o soon...

Your setup is lookin good, ya BHR TB spacer cleans it up very nice. Ay I never got stickers either maybe ill get sum when I order the stealth nozzels ;)

Looking good Al. I want a BHR sticker!!!!

stops at 125?

do you have an AT?

why would an rx8 stop at 125? mine soars past 125.. 135.. at 145 it starts to creep. all on private roads/tracks.. of course.

please post video of you trapping 108! i would LOVE to see that. :D

I so need that spacer for my reinstall. That is awesome.

Yes, the spacer rocks! I will definitely be recommending it to anyone even considering a nitrous install.

I updated the bottom half of the first post and second post with new pics!

I mounted the ZEX module today and tapped the TPS signal. I also tested the arming switch with the module all hooked up, perfect!

Left to do:

- Fuel line tap.. i'm completely replacing the stock fuel line.,, need a SAE 30r9 rated fuel hose.. none of the auto parts stores near me have one!
- Run the nitrous line from the trunk.
- Mount the nitrous bottle in the trunk.
- Install BHR spacer.. I'll do this when I have the UIM off to remove and replace the fuel line.

After that it's just permanently wiring everything up and filling the bottle!! :)

Not meaning to sound like a fanboi but the build quality of the BHR nozzle and spacer are spot on!!

Just curious Ray....what size nozzle do you do up to? ;)

al if you need a shop holler...i got some sources near the tuesday night spot

i'm going to attempt to do it all myself.. the only thing that scared me away originally was the fuel line tap but I've grown comfortable now knowing exactly what to do..

edit: actually on second thought i may take it to a shop and give them 20 bux to mount the bottle for me.. drilling through the trunk will suck.. and i'm not sure how I'm mounting the bottle yet.. either your way (chrism) or the standard mount in the corner of the trunk to the left..

i still don't know where i am going to fill up the bottle though!... i did find these though but i don't know how outdated they are..

MARIOS AUTO PARTS 309 PACIFIC AVE
JERSEY CITY , NJ 07304
DISTANCE: approx. 8.6 miles
PHONE: (201) 435-3477
EASTCOAST AUTOSPORT INC 434 HARRISON AVE
HARRISON, NJ 07029
DISTANCE: approx. 12.2 miles
PHONE: (973) 485-6900
EMAIL: info@eastcoastautosport.com
SPENCER'S SPEED SHOP 31-35 JORALOMON STREET
BELLEVILLE, NJ 07109
DISTANCE: approx. 12.6 miles
PHONE: (973) 450-5880
EMAIL: spencerspeed@comcast.net
WEB: http://www.spencerspeed.com
B & R PERFORMANCE 121 EAST JERICHO TPK
MINEOLA, NY 11501
DISTANCE: approx. 15 miles
PHONE: (516) 248-7380
TURBO PEOPLE OF NEW YORK 282 FARRAGUT AVE
HASTINGS ON HUDSON, NY 10706
DISTANCE: approx. 15.4 miles
PHONE: (914) 478-1727
S-K SPEED AUTO STORE 273 SUNRISE HWY
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570
DISTANCE: approx. 16.6 miles
PHONE: (516) 766-2225
EMAIL: andrewl@skspeed.com
WEB: http://www.skspeed.com
SPEEDWORLD 598 SUNRISE HWY
BALDWIN , NY 11510
DISTANCE: approx. 18.2 miles
PHONE: (516) 771-2525
EMAIL: mspeed598@yahoo.com

SPENCER'S SPEED SHOP 31-35 JORALOMON STREET
BELLEVILLE, NJ 07109
DISTANCE: approx. 12.6 miles
PHONE: (973) 450-5880
EMAIL: spencerspeed@comcast.net
WEB: http://www.spencerspeed.com

thats where i went

S-K SPEED AUTO STORE 273 SUNRISE HWY
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570
DISTANCE: approx. 16.6 miles
PHONE: (516) 766-2225
EMAIL: andrewl@skspeed.com
WEB: http://www.skspeed.com

been there too but they are $$$

what did you pay at Spencers per lb?

great pics... I was wondering where you would mount everything.

that intake box is the one you sold me longgg ago!! remember we met up at like 1am at some random gas station on LI? :P

i too was concerned about mounting but Charles cleared everything up.. the only thing I have to plan now is the bottle mounting.

:lol: i am interested to see this on next tuesday, you should take me a ride...
steven

If I have it all done by then sure!!!

You obviously wont feel the grunt that you got going on though...

Chris sold his car a while ago :(

I thought the hole to route the nitrous line was already there but grommeted.. I was wrong? I was also confused about how I was gonna mount the bottle anyway...

put it in teh passanger side, as your 2nd baby :lol: :lol: kidding, there must be peeple here have some kits for trunk mount, or go online..
steven

subscribed... I'll be taking the plunge with the help of Charles in the next month or so. Great stuff already... please keep the photos coming as you make progress.

Got my bottle heater today.

I'm going to just grounding it in the trunk and running the power line to the a switched +12v line I have in the trunk for my carpc, that okay Charles? This way I don't have to deal with running a switch into my cabin or anything.

Also anywhere in specific I should mount the bottle heater around the bottle? Is it okay if the heating element is going over the paper label on the bottle? Is wrapping it around the label area fine in terms of bottle position?

I'm hoping to get this finished on Sunday. Sucks I have to work the next few days and the weather is FREEZING! It's -4 with the wind chill right now, brrr.

PS: I also FINALLY got my hands on a used Mazsport Midpipe so hopefully I'll be getting it in sometime next week and that will make an even bigger difference in overall power. ;)

Al, any idea of how many amps the heater pulls? Sounds like a good place for me to tie mine in as well but my little carnetix psu can't handle more than maybe 5 or 6 additional amps... I'm guessing no more than 100 watts @ 12V.

In the paper that came with it, it said to make sure that any circuit I'm tapping into can hold an additional 15 amps.

could you not make a bottle mount in the back of the plastic thing that goes between the rear seats?

Then you could pop it out easily for access?

Al i can show you were it was for the bottle.....and Spencers was $4 a pound when i filled it last

I think the bottle he's using is a bit bigger than the center cargo carrier and I suspect he already has PC crammed in there anyway.

Hells bells, so I'm either running power from the battery with a switch or upgrading my PSU.

yeah, it's a 10lb bottle.. pretty big. the bottle has to be bracketed a certain way with the valve down and so that the pickup line inside the tank doesn't suck up air during acceleration.

chris - you had your bottle mounted on the frame right? upside down by where the Bose amp is? that seems like it's going to be a pita to get the bottle strapped up when it's full and 25lbs. I'm thinking of bolting it down where Charles has his for ease of access.

shelldude - I think I'm going to have to run a new switched line from the fusebox to accomdoate 15 more amps.

wasnt so bad after a few times.....you get used to it

Lookin Good!

Planning stages right now. I need to get busy on this.

So is the hole already in the trunk, or no?

I'm talking about this one (not my picture):

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...9&d=1182819837

nope, you have to drill another hole... if you pull the liner back you'll figure it out really quick.

I have my tank mounted to the speaker shelf as well and it was a pain the first couple times but I figured out that it was a lot easier (for me at least) if I strap in the bottom first... once I figured that out, it wasnt really hard to get the tank in. I personally like the way it is now because it's there but out of the way and unless you actually look because the trunk opening doesnt really show it from a standing angle.

Definitely matches the description i saw earlier in the APB about a missing grommet

I sooo wanna get this done with.. :(

depending on how good you are at these things (or how often you do them) it might seem like a pain in the ass but it's worth it lol... I couldnt drive my car for like 4 or 5 days cause I couldnt set aside enough time any one day to get enough done so it took a while lol.

doesnt it though?:)

Oh.. if I had the time and everything I needed over last weekend I would have done it all then. However, I did not. I couldn't source a good replacement fuel hose at any auto parts store so I bought it online and am soooo hoping it comes in tomorrow. Then I also had to work these days.

It's been good though since I've caught up on other tips and what to look for. I know exactly what I'm going to be doing when I get a chance too. Hopefully Sunday.

On top of that today I find my cars fender is dented pretty big in two places.. some asshole decided to pull a hit and run. Ugh, I hate the world. Good thing it looks like it can be easily knocked out but the paint is a bit scratched.

Snug?

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousft2.JPG

was cutting the fuel line messy?

Messy in what regard? I completely replaced my fuel line hose.. so my stock fuel line wasn't cut.

So today I did it all except for drilling and mounting the bottle in the trunk. Programmed the ZEX module.. however I noticed that solenoids were clicking at a tiny bit less than WOT.. is that normal? The stock rx8 ECU reports the throttle position to my obd2 scan as 0-67% (not 0-100%) and the module solenoids were clicking at 60%.. normal?

Getting the upper intake manifold off was not bad. I got scared a few times when fuel spewed everywhere while getting the stock fuel line off.. it still had a bunch of fuel in it. Then later on I found I had a fuel leak at the elbow fitting where the hose was connected to, not the side which screwed into the Tee fitting. I sealed the Tee fitting with a gasket sealer adhesive - that isn't leaking anytime soon. I used the leakage test in the rx8 service manual. It is very tight under the stock air intake box with the fuel/nitrous inlet hoses. It all fit however. One thing I will HATE doing is getting the stock airbox in and out. The BHR spacer added an inch or so, so getting that stock airbox in was a CHORE, ugh. I also broke one of the plastic elbows that hook up the vacuum hoses to the accordion tube. I routed the nitrous line under the car through the canal that is already there, as Charles has done for all his other installs. I will have to thread the hose UP into the trunk hole that I drill.. I worked backwards I know :|. I drove around hard for a bit to "pressure/leak" test the fuel line tap and stuff.. and so far no leaks.. hope it stays that way! :)

Getting pix up in the second and third post of this thread now, go see!!

very nice work Al

Mad pix, yo!

Check the first few posts for all the new pics but here is how she looks now...

http://albertaguayo.com/images/nitrousd3%20(15).JPG

From my experiences it reads 67% at wide open throttle. Mine hits that number then drops a little bit to 66.8-9 %. You might try resetting it and see if it comes on more toward 67.0 %.
It's reading voltage at the TPS at that WOT point. So it just means it's reading max voltage a little sooner than WOT. Try resetting the ZEX module.