[spork]

I've been wondering for awhile now...does octane booster actually raise the octane level of your gas or does it just lower the needs for higher octane by cleaning deposits and so on...I was reading the back of a bunch of the octane booster cans...some of them claim to actually raise the level from 5-7 points..others 3-5 points and some just talk about reducing your need for higher octane by cleaning deposits... anyone know if any one or company has actually tested these things?

 

[zx-ae]

I've read something on this forum before about those boosters. Those bottles dont tell you what kind of points they give you, its not the main ratting like it wouldnt bump 87 3-5 up to 90 or 92. Cant remember what ratings its rasies but its not the main one.

Try searching in the archives, like I said its been discussed before.


Justin T

 

[postmaster]

If the label says contains methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl or MMT it could work. MMT has been used as a lead substitute in Canadian gasoline. But also check to see if it says it won't damage a catalytic converter, if you have a cat.

If it just says contains benzene or aromatics or toluene or alcohol or whatever it might be a little bit effective depending on how much you add. The biggest benefit of a high aromatic content is more potential energy per unit mass of fuel. Like the "Shell Answer Man" used to show on TV, cars on Shell gas go further than cars on lesser gasolines. The aromatics gave Shell the edge then. Aromatics also increase the octane, but not as much as tetraethyl lead or MMT.

 

[WillieBoy240Z]

The question I would have for you is why do you feel the need to raise your octane? No offense, but you might just be pouring money down the drain unless you have a specific need......

 

[Tyson(280z)]

Just use SeaFoam

Look in your local auto store for SeaFoam. Its in a metal can, no fancy graphics or anything. Its the best stuff on earth for cleaning your engine.

 

[spork]

Re: Just use SeaFoam

the reason I ask is that I currently run 91 octane in my '83 280zxt...I run 12psi without an intercooler...and have no pinging...my car always stays on the rich side when accelorating and I don't ping...but I was just wondering if this stuff actually worked...don't need it or use it...just wanted to know incase I got to the point that I did need it...rather than trying to mix race gas with regular gas and so on...just a curious guy I guess.

Spork

 

[Gearhead]

Go here...

http://www.schube.com

and look under race gas.

They have a page of mix ratios with the 100 leaded Unocal race gas. They also show locations where you can buy it.


As for the octane booster, it's my understanding that when they say it raises the octane 5 points they actually mean .5 points. So 91 wouldn't be 96 but rather 91.5. That'a what I was told. This was discussed in detail not to long ago if you want to search the archives. I was told that toluene (which lacquer thinner contains alot of) will raise your octane but you'd need like a 10 to15% mix ratio and it's bad on fuel delivery components besides bad for your health.