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Nitrous and Fuel Delivery
Savvy teams and drivers are always looking for better, more efficient ways to get their cars to go quicker and, when they stumble on solutions are eager to share these technological strides with others. Doug Mills is a case in point. The man who originally brought the Hite Mike valve spring height micrometer to the racing family in 1976 has a new solution to an age-old problem - how do we bring all the elements of nitrous and fuel delivery together under one roof yet combine them all in one durable lightweight unit? The new Combo-Flo combination nitrous and fuel delivery system has just come to market after its initial introduction at the December PRI show in Orlando. It has combined high-flow valves under a clear cover to inject nitrous and fuel via compressed air or CO2. For use in applications from street to extreme racing conditions, the Combo-Flo systems are lightweight and pneumatically operated high-flow valves able to deliver both fuel and nitrous in a single compact unit. a
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From the standpoint of safety, placing both valves into one body so they open simultaneously negates the difficulties of dealing with failure of one valve or the other. While the system looks similar to the solenoid valve commonly in use, by having both circuits in one valve body the Combo-Flo system replaces the heavy 12-16 solenoids and subsequent relays racers have been forced to use in the past. At 344 grams (combined nitrous and fuel), it’s about half the weight of the older solution and the Combo-Flo gold or silver unit itself is just 2.5 x 3.58 x 1.46 inches. a
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Mills has even thought out the necessity for rebuild kits and has them available. Combo-Flo valves can be plumbed into nozzle or plate systems. The Combo-Flo Single valves will retrofit as exact replacements for solenoid valves. Instead of wasting 20-25 amps of power, the Combo-Flo systems use all of 0.6 amps yet get the fuel and nitrous right to the engine when needed, drawing virtually no electrical current. Racers – and street rodders – can use one Combo-Flo to replace a fuel and a nitrous solenoid, and all of the wiring associated with those solenoid valves. There are two ways to actuate the Combo-Flo and both are quite simple. One can use a single system in which a pushbutton actuator valve replaces the [commonly used] button switch, adding in the required hose and fittings. This is the simplest and most reliable way to operate nitrous, according to Mills. The second manner, primarily for racers using multiple systems, operates off an electrical timer (AV-style) to relay to the actuator valve, replacing the relay with a small solenoid. It uses very little electricity to turn on the air supply. Racers can mount the actuator valve for every system on either the manifold or on the firewall. a
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Mills notes racer response since the Combo-Flo was first introduced at PRI has been excellent. The product’s many applications - race, street, boat, motorcycle and indeed, any wet or dry nitrous system, makes it an easy hit and a new solution to a standard problem of fuel and nitrous delivery. The High Springs, Florida manufacturer, located near Gainesville, is geared up and ready to answer questions and assist nitrous users in finding the appropriate Combo-Flo system to meet their needs.
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Mills’ test bed was his own 2004 Mustang that he races in Outlaw Pro Mod competition. Even with its race-weight of 2650 pounds, Mills’ Mustang runs over 215 mph and regularly hits the traps in the 6.40-second range. “The Combo-Flo system runs reliably in our test bed so it’s time to offer the system to our customers,” Mills said.
The Combo-Flo system can be installed anywhere within a race car and in any position. It isn’t necessary to keep the box upright, so the Combo-Flo valve can be installed in any position." 
© Competitionplus 2005
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