What tests can I do to ensure my engine is in a good condition prior to fitting a nitrous system?
You can determine with as much confidence as possible, if your engine components are in good working condition prior to fitting a nitrous system by carrying out a ‘Leak down test’. Unfortunately, there is no way of being 100% certain that you do not have a weak or slightly damaged engine component, just waiting to be pushed over the edge by the extra power increase, supplied by the nitrous system or indeed any other tuning upgrade. By carrying out a leak down test, you can confirm that the engine’s internals (particularly the pistons, valves, head gaskets, etc.) are likely to be in an undamaged condition and in good working order. This test will also indicate if there is a loss of compression, due to worn rings or bore wear. A higher reading than 10% leakage from any cylinder is unacceptable and an indication that you have some serious internal wear or damage. The cause for any such problem must be found and dealt with before fitting a nitrous system, otherwise it’s very likely that yo
