Expanding the horizons of your Pontiac's performance has always been a pastime of the serious hobbyist. Easier methods include a nitrous installation and, for late-models, a more aggressive computer tune or both. But what good is all that power without a way to verify it? Enter data loggers and other performance monitors. Our final installment of the 2006 Hot Parts Tech Guide features a few of the latest nitrous accessories (and a new system), computer tuners, and performance monitors to give you a jumpstart on making more power and verifying it.
ZEX
(888) 817-1008
www.zex.com
What is it?
ZEX Race EFI Nitrous System, PN 82037
Why you need it.
If you want an advantage over the older squeeze systems for your EFI race engine, ZEX's new system is reportedly good for 100-250 hp and has a few technological advancements. According to the company, this EFI nitrous system sends fuel to the center of the nitrous plume for better delivery and atomization, while the dose is automatically adjusted in accordance with bottle pressure. And the company claims the electronic TPS switch provides perfect wide-open throttle activation.
Applications
EFI Pontiacs
MSRP
$702.61
NOS (A division of Holley)
800-HOLLEY-1
www.nosnitrous.com
What is it?
Bottle Pressure Controller/POD Pressure on Demand, PN 1474NOS
Why you need it.
The NOS Bottle Pressure Controller, or POD for Pressure on Demand, is a neat little device. With a touch of a few buttons, the user sets an ideal bottle pressure, and from there, this small box cycles the bottle heater on and off to keep the pressure within 1 percent of target. Leaving the temp control to a computer results in more consistency, and even opening and closing the bottle can be done from the drivers seat.
Applications
Universal
MSRP
TBD
NOS (A division of Holley)
800-HOLLEY-1
www.nosnitrous.com
What is it?
Mini 2-Stage Progressive Nitrous Controller, PN 15974NOS
Why you need it.
Dialing in the nitrous application to suit your Pontiac's drag-strip manners can pay serious dividends. This Mini 2 Stage Progressive Nitrous controller has two independent stages, and each one has its own throttle-position activation switch. It has progressive ramps and an RPM on/off control with setting points so you won't need a window switch. A pair of programmable outputs can control timing retard or other items. It comes with a LED handheld controller for programming.
Applications
Universal
MSRP
$230
Nitrous Express
(940) 767-7694
www.nitrousexpress.com
What is it?
NX Lightning Series Solenoids
Why you need it.
You prefer to flaunt instead of hide your nitrous system. Now you can set yourself apart from the rest with an unmistakable new look. Nitrous Express has combined its solenoid with a carbon-fiber can and a 6061 T6 aluminum anodized body for lighter weight, then laser-etched the body for easy identification of inlet and outlet ports.
Applications
Anything that you can put nitrous on
MSRP
$154 to $180 each
MSD Ignition
(915) 857-5200
www.msdignition.com
What is it?
Dual Delay Timer, PN 7563
Why you need it.
MSD's Dual Delay Timer can control two devices of your designation, such as nitrous or timing retard, by way of its buttons and digital readout for split-second accuracy in 0.01-second increments.
Applications
UniversalMSRP
TBD
Zeitronix
(310) 833-3450
www.zeitronix.com
What is it?
Zt-2 Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Meter
Why you need it.
You like the idea of using your Palm Pilot as a Pontiac accessory! Now you can leave the laptop at home because the Zt-2 wideband air/fuel-ratio meter and data-logging system can send info to a PDA via Palm OS using new PocketLOGGER ZT software. Now anyone can display in real time or log their engine output for later tuning on a computer using a unit that fits in your back pocket. An updated Zt-2 now has an audible alarm to let you know you're engine is pushing its limits.
Applications
Contact the dealer
MSRP
$279 Zt-2 Wideband Air/Fuel-Ratio Meter
$39.95 PocketLOGGER ZT software
$399 for the package
Nitrous Express
(940) 767-7694
www.nitrousexpress.com
What is it?
NX Maximizer2 Progressive Nitrous Controller, PN 15959
Why you need it.
An arm's-length list of programmable features make this unit a precise tuning tool. Aside from the obvious dual-stage output, nitrous and fuel delivery can be programmed by time or rpm and modified based on throttle position. It can detect gear changes and has some safety features. Just program in your needs with a Windows-based laptop, and it takes care of the rest, giving you the nitrous you need when you want it.
Applications
Universal
MSRP
$831