Octane booster

Is it a good idea to use octane booster(over the counter) to a vw engine? I always use 91 octane on my new 1915cc, but I wonder if octane booster will make any difference.Any brand that you reccomend?I am planning to drive my car 160 miles (give or take) this coming up weekend so before I fill up i want your opinion.

I wouldn't think you'd need an octane booster if you are putting 91 in the car. I bet you'd even get away with 89 octane. Why not try it and if you get some ping, put the octane booster in and then go back to the 91 octane. I think that booster stuff is all about the same, over priced!

Bruce thanks for your reply.

Lambros,

I agree; don't think you would need a fuel Octain Booster if you are already using 91.

If you are experiencing "Detonation/Pinning" I suggest you check your full advance ignition timing.

You 1915 is probably 8/1 compression ratio and you should be good to go with the 91 or even 89 octain fuel.

Leaning fuel mixture & too much timing would be my concern if you would have a concern.

Jack

Just for information.

Octane booster are misleading.

Most say "Increases octane by 4 points etc etc etc"

In reality, each point is 1/10 of an octane number, in other words, if you're using 91 and add 4 point octane booster, your effective octane is only 91.4

Thanks guys.It was just a thought.

Agree with above posts but your car is more in the 8.5 to 1 compression ratio if the heads are totally stock. I use 93 octane in mine and it works well. Punch some numbers and use the most economical alternative without the engine detonating or pinging. I've read that octane boosters are a waste of money; it's probably better to just fill it up with the appropriate octane for the engine.

Higher octane than "needed" is a waste of money.

Agree with Bruce on older cars --- newer cars, however, with electronically controlled everything will alter the timing enough that higher octane produces more power and more MPG. Hence if you are towing, have a full load or are driving in mountains the higher octane can be an advantage.

Wolfgang, Thats why I said "needed". On new cars (some)advance their
timing electronically based on temps, load etc... and is retarded
using knock control.

I did a google on octane boosters and found that one can easily make their own booster for about $5.00 a gallon. i may give it a try in my off road bike. yamaha wr 450. it makes about 30 hp and spins to 13,000 rpm. 13:1 cr.