
Yes, you can install a nitrous oxide system (NOS) on a turbocharged car, but it requires careful planning and modifications to avoid severe engine damage. The combination can significantly increase power, but the engine management system, fuel delivery, and internal components must be upgraded to handle the extra stress. Without proper tuning, the added pressure from nitrous oxide and turbo boost can lead to detonation or engine failure.
How NOS Works with Turbocharging Nitrous oxide (N₂O) provides additional oxygen during combustion, allowing more fuel to be burned for a power boost. In a turbo car, the turbocharger already forces more air into the engine, so adding NOS amplifies this effect. However, this increases the risk of detonation (uncontrolled combustion) if the air-fuel mixture isn't precisely controlled. Key modifications include upgrading the fuel pump and injectors, installing a high-flow intercooler, and using an engine control unit (ECU) tuned for nitrous use.
Risks and Precautions The primary risk is exceeding the engine's mechanical limits. Turbo cars often operate at high boost pressure (the amount of air forced into the engine), and NOS can push this beyond safe levels. It's crucial to start with a small "shot" of nitrous (e.g., 50-75 horsepower gain) and gradually increase only after verifying engine health through dyno testing. Always consult a professional tuner and use a wet nitrous system (which adds fuel with the nitrous) for safer operation on turbo vehicles.
Benefits of Adding NOS When done correctly, NOS can provide instant power gains, improving acceleration metrics like 0-100 km/h time. It's often used for short bursts in racing scenarios. Compared to larger turbo upgrades, nitrous is relatively cost-effective for significant horsepower increases.
Here's a table with supporting data based on common tuning scenarios for turbo cars with NOS:
| Car Model | Engine Type | Turbo Boost (psi) | NOS Shot Size (hp) | Max Safe HP Gain | Recommended Fuel Octane | 0-60 mph Time Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang EcoBoost | 2.3L I4 | 20 | 75 | 100 | 93 | -0.8 sec |
| Subaru WRX STI | 2.5L Flat-4 | 18 | 100 | 150 | 91 | -1.2 sec |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | 2.0L I4 | 22 | 50 | 80 | 93 | -0.5 sec |
| Volkswagen GTI | 2.0L I4 | 16 | 75 | 120 | 91 | -0.7 sec |
| Nissan GT-R | 3.8L V6 | 15 | 150 | 200 | 93 | -1.0 sec |
| BMW M3 | 3.0L I6 | 18 | 100 | 130 | 91 | -0.9 sec |
Data is illustrative and based on industry averages; always verify with specific vehicle tuning guides.
In summary, while feasible, adding NOS to a turbo car isn't a DIY project for beginners. Invest in quality parts and professional installation to enjoy the benefits safely.

Yeah, totally! I've seen buddies drop a small NOS kit on their turbo rides for that extra kick at the track. It's like a quick power band-aid—cheaper than swapping turbos. But dude, you gotta watch the tune. If the ECU isn't dialed in, kiss your engine goodbye. Start small, maybe a 50-shot, and always have a pro check it. Not worth blowing a piston over a street race.

As someone who's tuned engines for years, I'd say proceed with caution. Nitrous on a turbo car can work, but the margin for error is slim. You'll need to reinforce the fuel system and monitor boost levels closely. I've seen too many engines fail from poor mixtures. If you're not experienced, hire a specialist. It's better to spend on reliability than repairs.

I added a wet NOS system to my turbocharged Civic last year. The key was upgrading the fuel pump and getting a custom ECU map. It gave me an instant 75 hp boost, but I only use it sparingly for drag strips. Without those mods, the engine ran lean. It's doable if you research and don't cut corners—just expect to invest time and money.


