Nitrous oxide is a gas stored under pressure in a cylinder and injected into the intake manifold alongside extra fuel. When heated during combustion, it breaks down and releases oxygen, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and instantly generate more power. It is used in drag racing for quick bursts of acceleration, but running too large of a shot can cause catastrophic engine failure by melting pistons.
He hit the nitrous in second gear and completely blew the welds on the intake manifold.
Calling it 'NOS' immediately marks you as someone whose car knowledge comes entirely from street racing movies.
Also heard as
- nitrous oxide
- N2O
- laughing gas
Related terms
Forced induction
The process of compressing intake air to increase the power output of an internal combustion engine.
Detonation
An uncontrolled secondary explosion in the combustion chamber that causes severe engine damage.
Knock
An abnormal and damaging combustion event where the air-fuel mixture self-ignites prematurely.