Honda accord nitrous

So, I just got a 1992 accord. I know it's a little old and with 215,000 km's it's kinda high mileage. I'd like to run a small ammount of nitrous in it (small being ~30hp shot). So, I'd like to know how much a wet kit(to make it safer for the engine) for this ammount would set me back. I need to make this engine last at least 4 years until i'm out of university and making enough money for an engine swap (i'd like to get a jdm H22).

Also, what should I do before installing this in terms of engine maintenance. I'm thinking of removing the head and removing any carbon buildups inside the cylenders before doing this so I can get the most out of it. I'm also going to install some small intake upgrades (only throttle body, piping, and filter) and maybe an upgraded ignition system. small upgrades to get me a little more power (I'm only expecting 4hp from these, maybe a little more but enough that i know my car isn't stock). I'm also going to get a high quality head gasket when i take the head off.

If you think of anything to tell me that i haven't mentioned to help me get this engine to last 4 years and still have nitrous that'd be great. I won't use it often maybe once or twice per month, and none during the winter (no point, i can't even floor it in the snow without losing traction)

If you want it to last for the next 4 years, I'd highly suggest forgetting about the nitrous. Any kind of modification like that (even a small 30 shot) is going to cut down on your engines ultimate reliability; especially with an engine that has that many km's on it. If you're set on doing it, you should do some maintenance before hand. Change the head gasket (stock is enough), t-belt, water pump, adjust your valves (this may free up some power on it's own if it's never been done), remember to do regular oil changes, etc. For other upgrades, skip the throttle body and ignition. You're not going to make enough power to warrent getting a new t-body, the stock one is good for quite a bit more power than what you're looking for. And the ignition isn't going to really help, your stock ignition system is good for far higher performance levels than what you'll need. Just replace the stock plug wires (nothing too crazy, stock ones will work fine) and spark plugs with the Honda recommended ones. Then an exhaust and header would help out as well. If you shoose to get a header just keep in mind that if you're going to get one for the h22a, you'll never get the $ back that you spent for the old one. After all of that, you may need to get an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator to make up for the new air flow.

But honestly, I'd recommend just keeping it as stock as possible to help you with the crazy gas prices. It might not be as fun to drive, but it will help you save $ sooner to get the new engine.

I'm not really worried about money supply afterwards. I'm going into engineering so I'll have ample ammounts of money to spend if i don't get married and have a house. As for the maintenance: Can I change the water pump at home or is it something that I need to bring to a mechanic? It cost my sister $1000 to change hers on her '95 civic and i'm not ready to spend that money on a potentially fine part. Also, what do you mean by adjusting the valves? do you mean valve timing?

what are common damaged areas from using nitrous incorrectly? like blown head gaskets and such, or is it something that you won't know until it breaks. If i know common breakdowns i can reinforce those areas before it happens.

Should i perform a compression test?

And how difficult is it to remove and reinstall the head? Is there a website that would tell me everything involved or should i just get a haynes manual for my car?

If you have air tools, a good floor jack, and jack stands, you could do the water pump job on your own. $1000 sounds like an insane rip off. Here's a basic walkthrough, but it's for a D-series, but it'll give you the idea of what needs to be done: http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=649277 By valve adjustment I mean adjusting the valve lash. Here's a basic idea of what it involves, a car or engine specific service manual will be a lot better though: http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-article?article_id=143824

Common issues with nitrous are burnt valves and/or pistons (from detonation). If you do it smart and keep up the maintenance (make sure you're using higher octane fuel and giving the engine more of it when you're on the nitrous), you won't have any problems. Of course with detonation you could get a blown head gasket as well.

I completely forgot about the compression test, that is definently something you should do. You should also do a leakdown test to check your valve seals.

Removing and reinstalling the head is fairly straight forward. I'd suggest getting some masking tape and a marker, and mark where each vaccum hose and wire go. You should definently get a service manual, it will help for all this stuff that you'll need to do. Of course there are always free ones for download if you don't want to buy one. That's about all I can think of right now off the top of my head.

if you're going to use nitrous, use a dry shot just for fun....if you're going to do more than that...save your money for something worthwhile. I'm not a big fan of nitrous because its cheap and easy to use, but in the long run you have nothing to show for it. Its like leasing/renting power. I paid more for my turbo setup, but in 6 months, i still have it and you just spent a lot of money on nitrous....

Yeah i prefer turbocharging over nitrous. If I had the money, I would do a turbocharger but i simply am not going to use the nitrous often at all and I don't plan on keeping this engine so there's no point in installing a turbocharger. Plus I could swap the nitrous system from one engine to the other.

But as for the dry shot, wouldn't a wet shot be safer? remember, this engine has to last me for four years, probably only 2 or 3 once i actually get the kit.

well, it looks as though i'm going to have to replace the water pump anyways, it just went yesterday. I'm taking it to a mechanic today since the job is a little too involved for me right now, i don't have a torque wrench, and i need it done fairly quickly since i need it for work.