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Hot Rods Nitrous on a Flathead?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Jimmy2car, Dec 12, 2017.

  1. Jimmy2car
    Joined: Nov 26, 2003
    Posts: 1,707

    Jimmy2car
    Member
    from No. Cal

    Guys, I posted this a while ago on the Barn and several suggested trying here

    I wonder if anyone has ever successfully used NO2 on a Flathead?
    It seems to me that it could be effectively hidden under the manifold, using the feed lines coming thru the back of the block.
    This is just an inquiry, as I have no real knowledge of this stuff at all.
    Maybe if I were younger, I'd give it a try with an old (not so good block) & see what happens, just as an experiment.
    Also, seems that it would create quite a "sleeper" of a Flathead, if it could be made to work. An easy way to add 100 hp or more?
    As I recall, someone mentioned long ago, that the flathead design wasn't so good to use the Nitrious on?
    No super charger showing...
    Any knowledge out there in Hamb-land?
    Thanks
    Jim
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  2. The 39 guy
    Joined: Nov 5, 2010
    Posts: 3,524

    The 39 guy
    Member

    I know very little about the flathead but I am thinking the stock bottom end might be a little weak. It would probably have to be a pretty small shot of nitrous. I'll be watching to see what those that know have to say. Send a PM to Bored and Stroked here on the HAMB. He should be able to offer an educated opinion or send you some that has one on this subject.
     
  3. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    You can indeed add 100hp to a flathead, for about 2-seconds.

    If you want to do it for longer than that, you will need $7k+.
     

  4. G-son
    Joined: Dec 19, 2012
    Posts: 1,277

    G-son
    Member
    from Sweden

    If I recall what I read in the book "forced induction performance tuning" nitrous oxide can increase the power about 70% - on an engine fully prepared for it. 20% is more resonable for an engine not modified to handle the load, and perhaps you'd want to reduce that a bit more on those flathead engines - I don't know alot about them, but it seems cracked blocks or cooling problems are the most common discussion topics about them, neither is good for handling big power increases.
     
  5. khead47
    Joined: Mar 29, 2010
    Posts: 1,789

    khead47
    Member

    Some roundy round guys had hidden nitrous systems. Or so I've heard.
     
    Gammz likes this.
  6. Mike VV
    Joined: Sep 28, 2010
    Posts: 3,029

    Mike VV
    Member
    from SoCal

    Why not ???

    As noted, with the same parts preparation as any other engine...the nitrous has no idea where it is.
    Just as noted, the weak crank shaft support may not like a lot for a long time, so that should be limited in amount and time. I'd also not use it at the hit of the throttle for the same reason. Wait for a second or so out then flip the nitrous switch.
    The best people to ask would be...wait for it...the people that sell nitrous kits..!

    Mike

    Mike
     
    Bandit Billy likes this.
  7. G-son
    Joined: Dec 19, 2012
    Posts: 1,277

    G-son
    Member
    from Sweden

    I think I'd rather try to talk to people who install, tune and use the systems, rather than the people who just sell them. You don't need to know alot to sell something, to actually install and use it is a bit more difficult.

    Nitrous has jokingly been called "the cheapest way to blow up expensive engines". Perhaps an exaggeration, but nitrous leaves no margin for error - run it lean for a second (clogged filter, pump running slow due to loose connection...) and you will be cleaning what's left of the pistons out of the oil pan.
     
    gimpyshotrods likes this.
  8. I've ran it on alot of non-HAMB friendly cars that Ive had, nitrous isnt as scary and dangerous like alotta folks claim and when set up correctly it is awesome and a great way to really make some horsepower. That being said I dont think Id shoot it through a flat head even if it was built.....Scattered flatty doesnt sound too appetizing.
     
    gimpyshotrods likes this.
  9. choppedtudor
    Joined: Nov 28, 2009
    Posts: 722

    choppedtudor
    Member

    I have a blower on my flattie and I'm not sure I'd want it to even get a whiff of Nitrous....
     
  10. badvolvo
    Joined: Jul 25, 2011
    Posts: 471

    badvolvo
    Member

    If it can live with a blower, you can make it live with nitrous. But on a flathead, might as well install an LS and call it good. I messed with it in the 80's, not a fan of hp in a bottle, they run out. Rather have my hp at the blip of the throttle plates. kinda like aerodynamics.............
     
  11. Sheep Dip
    Joined: Dec 29, 2010
    Posts: 1,572

    Sheep Dip
    Member
    from Central Ca

    I have a 100 shot on my 49 Chevy Pickup 350/350.
    I knew nothing about it so I bought a book to read and learn before pulling the trigger, lots of info and tech to digest to be successful. There are no short cuts, short cuts spell disaster.
    I would not put nitrous on a flathead as they just are not strong enough on the bottom end.
    [​IMG]
    IMG_0181.JPG
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  12. Marty Strode
    Joined: Apr 28, 2011
    Posts: 8,801

    Marty Strode
    Member

    This Roadster runs a Flathead with 2 four barrels and nitrous. As I remember they set the record @ over 180, at Speedweek 2016. IMG_0059.JPG
     
  13. Pretty sure you'd need a girdle for the center main cap, otherwise it will likely get shot out of the oil pan and embedded in the ground.
     
    gimpyshotrods likes this.
  14. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Or that, and a 5-main crank upgrade.
     
  15. k9racer
    Joined: Jan 20, 2003
    Posts: 3,091

    k9racer
    Member

    My round track cars only use it the last 2 laps. Very well hidden small bottle. I have walked into a dyno room and opened a nitrous bottle and the gas found its way to the engine. I read a old article on NOS and the first car to openly use it was a 40 ford FH powered
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2017

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