Drag Racers Are Replacing Superchargers with Scuba-Style Tanks and Compressed Air

      NHRA, The Drive

      Sign up for The Drive Daily

      If there's a way to enhance a car's power, you can be sure it's been experimented with on the drag strip. This is a place filled with superstitions, similar to a baseball field—like eating peanuts in the pits or wearing lucky underwear—because people take speed very seriously. They're so committed that they'll try anything that can lead to a quicker quarter-mile time and a higher trap speed, even if it involves abandoning decades-old setups. Currently, we see a select group of drag racers swapping their turbos and belt-driven superchargers for power adders resembling scuba tanks.

      This innovation is called Compressed Air Supercharging, which those who have been following the drag racing scene recently may be familiar with. Nevertheless, the community has shown significant skepticism towards the technology, despite its vast potential. However, a group of relatively early adopters is currently demonstrating the effectiveness of this equipment on the track, achieving times that meet or exceed their previous records set with Prochargers and similar devices.

      Dale Vaznaian, a key figure in this development, is notable for being the co-founder and COO of Nitrous Oxide Systems in the past. The technology essentially forces oxygen into the engine without needing horsepower or exhaust gases. This gives it an advantage over both turbocharging and traditional supercharging, as it delivers extremely cold, dense air for power generation.

      Compressed Air Supercharging

      Here's how it operates: Compressed air is stored at 3,300 psi in carbon fiber tanks that weigh about 30 pounds each when full and around 55 pounds with the proprietary valve installed. The air flows through a mechanical pressure regulator, a two-stage safety shut-off valve, and an electronic pressure regulator before reaching an ejector assembly. Eventually, it goes to an intake-mounted diffuser equipped with a built-in MAP sensor. The entire system is computer-controlled, allowing adjustments to boost levels akin to other supercharging devices; most drivers are typically running around 10 psi, though some exceed that.

      While this boost level is lower than notable turbo figures, it's actually advantageous. Since the air enters the intake at about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is significantly denser than even intercooled air from a turbo. This is what engines prefer, and the cooler temperatures paired with lower pressure ease the strain on the engine's internals and the hardware securing the heads. Therefore, it proves beneficial in terms of engine health and is less sensitive to octane, enabling substantial power on 91 pump gas if necessary.

      It's particularly interesting to see this system perform in automatic vehicles with a transmission brake. It can be tuned to engage just before the launch, causing the engine to start with pre-built boost akin to a traditional two-step setup. The distinguishing feature is the sound—there’s no turbo spool or supercharger whine, just the raw engine noise.

      Racers Tina Pierce and her husband Dave have implemented compressed air supercharging setups on their drag trucks. In their red Chevy Colorado outfitted with parachutes, they generate 12 psi of boost for 1,600 horsepower. Typically, they run the 1/8th-mile, estimating that the system can make two passes before needing a refill. However, they refill after each pass for precautionary measures. I found their insights very valuable in understanding the system.

      Ryan Mitchell is another who has recently transitioned from traditional power adders to compressed air supercharging equipment. He owns the KC Maxx Firebird, a 1987 Pontiac that previously produced substantial power with a Procharger. Currently, he is in the initial phase of refining his setup but managed a few track passes at Mo-Kan Dragway in March. He mentioned that it launches similarly to his old Procharger setup already.

      It's also essential to mention Mark Griffin’s Camaro, which serves as a leading example of CAS:

      There is ample information available about these setups, whether you check out the Compressed Air Supercharging website or watch some videos from Tina Pierce or Ryan Mitchell. You can discover nearly everything you need to know, including how to refill those bottles (hint: a regular shop compressor won’t suffice). It's unclear when or if this technology will overtake traditional power adders in terms of popularity, but it certainly has the potential to elevate some incredibly impressive machines. I eagerly anticipate seeing where these racers take this technology.

      Do you have a tip or a question for the author? You can reach them directly at: [email protected]