Mixed views on use of NOS in modified cars

An engine installed with twin NOS cylinders.

The use of Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) in modified personal vehicles has gathered mixed views among car enthusiasts, particularly among young men.

While the use of NOS has been in the auto industry for decades, films such as The Fast And The Furious franchise have created a huge impact among the youth who come from affluent families and whose hobbies include the popular but outlawed street racing.

Installing NOS in a car’s system is a form of modification, which comes in two types: internal and external.

External modifications involve adding accessories or parts to the car’s body while internal modifications focus mostly on adding power to the car’s engine by installing cylinders containing nitrous oxide.

A tour of car mechanic and electrical shops by local daily Al-Sharq revealed that NOS enthusiasts were hesitant to discuss the topic while others have denied any knowledge of available garages where the system may be installed since the use of NOS for non-racing vehicles is considered illegal.

Aside from declining to provide information on NOS, some sources have refused to be photographed “to avoid problems.”

But some young men who were knowledgeable on NOS said they discourage the practice and stressed that driving an internally-modified car is dangerous, most especially along public thoroughfares.

It endangers both the driver and other motorists since it would be difficult to stop the car abruptly or in cases of emergency due to the power supplied by NOS to the car’s engine, they said.

Osama al-Nihari said he also does not recommend using NOS for personal vehicles since the system was specifically made for race cars. He added that NOS is rare and not easily obtained in Qatar.

Also, Yousif Ahmed stressed that internal modifications are not only costly but is prohibited. He pointed out that young men should respect the law and save their money.