Since our government funds research for just about everything imaginable, why not this.

Pick a HP level. Let's say 1800hp for a start. Which, long term, is safer, and or more cost effective to operate, NA, or nitrous.

An NA of that power can really only go 20-30 maybe, runs before major freshen up. Rods, pistons, springs, bearings, VJ, (maybe lifters unless 1.062)then maybe 100.

A nitrous motor can be a 1000 hp na tough piece to start with. No extreme rod angles/stroke, or super light pistons + pins. Can have a way less violent cam, heavy center weighted crank ect.

For sure people build super extreme engines, then spray hell out of them, and that's another story.

Most backfires happen from valve train issues, as well as leaking solenoids, and driver error.

I'd bet 1800 on spray would go twice as long as 1800 NA. Also for 25 percent the cost.