Octane boost, does it work??

[Reynard38]

Here in the ATL looking for gas is getting a bit like being a character in Mad Max. When you do find it, it's very likely to be regular only.
Do any of the Octane boosters really work?
I've got a '98 M3 Sedan with the full Sunbelt kit and I don't want to run it on regular.

[Marshall]

Good question, the M5 is park for the same reason.

[88e28]

I want to know also... My 325i has a Chip. Anyone????????

[dinanm3atl]

It is worthless. You are talking the most tiny little bit of addition. A standard can/bottle will raise it 2-3 points. IE from 93 to 93.3. Not worth it.

Your best bet would be on a full tank of premium putting in a bottle or two of HEET. It is mostly made from methanol so do the math ;)

Or adding toluene is what a lot of turbo guys do. That will substantially raise the octane. F1 was using the stuff back in the turbo era :) Google is your friend to find the right mix.

So to answer the question. Off the shelf crap no. Can you make some that does work? Yes.

[88e28]

Cool, Thanks for the Info.

[hunterd557]

I hear a product you can buy at Home Depot . . .Xylene is also very good at boosting octane . . .it, in and of itself (if I remember correctly) is 120 octane equivalent and is safe to burn in an engine untreated.

*shrugs*

Talk to enough old hats, you learn some silly SILLY tricks, LOL!

-Dave

[nakedandvulnerable]

1 gallon toluene + 10 gallons 89 = 91 octaness


((10*89)+(1*114))/11

[nakedandvulnerable]

I hear a product you can buy at Home Depot . . .Xylene is also very good at boosting octane . . .it, in and of itself (if I remember correctly) is 120 octane equivalent and is safe to burn in an engine untreated.

*shrugs*

Talk to enough old hats, you learn some silly SILLY tricks, LOL!

-Dave

xylene will eat away at the rubber in most fuel lines if used straight up... :O iirc

[hunterd557]

Yeah that's why I was saying if I remember correctly, I didn't want anyone to try it, it's just something I remember reading . . .thanks for clearing that up bro!

-Dave

[Philip]

I've been using a mixture of Bacardi 151 and Krazy Glue. It's an effective octane booster and a deliciously refreshing beverage.

[88e28]

I've been using a mixture of Bacardi 151 and Krazy Glue. It's an effective octane booster and a deliciously refreshing beverage.

Waht about Vodka???

[dinanm3atl]

1 gallon toluene + 10 gallons 89 = 91 octaness


((10*89)+(1*114))/11

I don't know if that is right but it sounds correct.

Definitely can work :)

[Infidel]

I've used toluene before and it definitely was a boost even in smaller doses. I was adding it to 93 at the time. One day I'll do race gas or a bit of toluene and then advance the timing a bit. should do good things.