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Author
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Topic: How much nitrous can a 4bbl 289 handle?
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FASTFORD
Gearhead Posts: 105
From: USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 09-26-2002 02:40 PM
   
I have a '67 coupe with a 289 (originally a c code, but I added a holley 600 4bbl, edelbrock performer intake, and hooker comp headers with dual exhaust). I was going to buy heads or a cam, but then I realized how much that would cost, so now I want nitrous. I want to take care of this motor...it only has 2,000 miles on it right now, so how much nitrous can I safely handle?
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Hell_Fish
Gearhead Posts: 860
From: Austin, TX.
Registered: May 2002
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posted 09-26-2002 02:58 PM
Have you priced nitrous? A cam is way cheaper.
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kid vishus
Gearhead Posts: 6006
From: middle of NC
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 09-26-2002 03:04 PM
Have you priced rebuilding the motor after you lean it out from the nitrous and cook a piston? Especially if you have cast pistons, they dont last very long with nitrous.
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rockafellz
Gearhead Posts: 1420
From: San Lorenzo, CA, USA
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 09-26-2002 03:09 PM
I'd follow Hell_Fish's advice. The nitrous setup is expensive, plus the constant refilling of the bottle.Erik ------------------
1966 Ford Mustang 2+2
Mine - Restomod in Progress 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe
Dad's - Original Unrestored
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FASTFORD
Gearhead Posts: 105
From: USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 09-26-2002 05:15 PM
I priced getting a cam, new rocker arms, and all of it installed at a few placed and they all told me about $500. Nitrous is about $350 and I could install it myself. I also don't want to completely "race out" my engine, I just want the power for the occasional race and such.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 2255
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 09-26-2002 05:37 PM
something to consider:
if you get a big cam etc... you have to change the stall on the torque converter blah blah, in the end you have a car that has a rough idle and may require a lot of new parts to handle the rpm.I think nitrous for "occasional use" is great value for money if you get a wet system (adds extra fuel with the Nitrous). I would think a wet system for 50 to 80hp would be safe for occasional and short duration use. you get to keep your smooth idle. Forged pistons would be added insurance though. Its easy for me to dispense advice here for free, but personally I wont be using Nirous any time soon, i dont want more cheap power that bad. If i ever did use it I would use a wet system to avoid leaning the engine out.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 2255
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 09-26-2002 05:40 PM
I just re-read the thread.
When you say a new cam you dont mean a BIG cam you mean a 270H cam. So you wont necessarily need a new torque converter or all that stuff. I would go with the cam. You get more power all the time, no filling bottles etc... But after that? if you still want more power? Thats when you need to compare nitrous with a bigger cam... thats where the costs of a new BIG cam start to spiral and when nitrous looks attractive.
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MidLifCrisis
Gearhead Posts: 461
From: Frederick County, MD
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 09-26-2002 08:02 PM
FastFord, I am no expert on Nos, but I have heard the same things the other guys are saying. If you let up on the pedal too soon, like if some yo-yo pulls out in front of you on the street, if the nitrous hasn't shut off you will melt a piston or pistons. When the power kicks in it is an incredible shock to the drive-line. Especially the bottom-end, think crank, rods, etc. The kits I have seen are rated by horsepower. In a car magazine that tested these, the 150hp kit only showed a dyno increase or approx 100. The 200 hp kit showed an increase of approx 150. So you only net about 2/3 to 3/4 at the rear wheels on a mild street motor. Personally I would go for a properly built steet motor. If you want power to compete go for a stroker. If money was no object I would put a Paxton on it, but that is just my personal taste. Good luck to you on whatever you decide. Charlie [This message has been edited by MidLifCrisis (edited 09-26-2002).]
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mustangboy
Gearhead Posts: 773
From: Ont, Canada
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 09-26-2002 11:37 PM
I agree with Indyphil I think you could probably get away with a 50-75 shot.I know lots of guys running that much or more on basically stock 5 litre mustangs and they seem to live no problem(I know these have forged pistons)I think the biggest problem is once you feel that power you'll want more and increase the power level until it goes boom.Also ignition and fuel system must be working flawlessly.In the end though I don't really think its any cheaper than doing the mods to your motor (cost of filling the bottle adds up)so either way you gotta pay to play.  ------------------
1968 mustang j-code sprint.13.69@101 1963Falcon waiting for a rebirth.
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Hell_Fish
Gearhead Posts: 860
From: Austin, TX.
Registered: May 2002
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posted 09-27-2002 08:55 AM
First off, why do you need new rockers? With a new cam you NEED new lifters and can re-use other parts if in good shape. If you can install NO2, why can't you install a cam and brake it in? You should be able to find a cam kit for under 2 bills.
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Scott (69Mach)
Gearhead Posts: 719
From: Walnut Creek, CA USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 09-27-2002 10:49 AM
Until you build a bottom end to handle it, I'd stick with the cam. Next rebuild, do it right (forged pistons, ARP, etc.) and add a 150 shot. That'll give you a serious kick in the shorts.
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Mustang66
Journeyman Posts: 49
From: Tuttle Okla
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 09-27-2002 11:06 AM
I have been running NO2 for about 2 years on the street. Its a 100hp shot it uses the plate. I have had NO problems out of it. I love the stuff. Just watch your timing.The pluggs always look good and it does not burn any oil.I do not have forged pistons.So I wouldn't go over a 100hp shot.I have had very good luck with it.  ------------------
66 coupe 351W C-6 100hp NO2
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