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Octane boosters...

LeonChuppLeonChupp
I'm planning a trip where 93 octane gas might not always be available.

I've seen threads about "octane boosters", but I have no experience with this type coumpound{s}.

The worst case purchase would probably be 87 octane, but the engine is a Pat Downs 1915cc high test critter.

My questions are..... Is carrying your own supply practical? What is the nature of the chemical coumpound? How much would it take to treat 30 or 40 gal. of gas?

I guess Nitromethane could be considered an "octane booster". I've scattered too many engines playing with it...

All help appreciated......

Leon C.

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.....  

 

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LeonChuppLeonChupp
I'm planning a trip where 93 octane gas might not always be available.

I've seen threads about "octane boosters", but I have no experience with this type coumpound{s}.

The worst case purchase would probably be 87 octane, but the engine is a Pat Downs 1915cc high test critter.

My questions are..... Is carrying your own supply practical? What is the nature of the chemical coumpound? How much would it take to treat 30 or 40 gal. of gas?

I guess Nitromethane could be considered an "octane booster". I've scattered too many engines playing with it...

All help appreciated......

Leon C.
FM Former Member
I haven't read good things about the commercial octane boosters. Gene Berg said in his technical papers that those tend to be solvents that slow the burn travel and do nothing to boost octane. He says that adding from 10 to 15 percent pure 200 proof anhydrous type alcohol (which translates to about 120 octane), is cheaper and increases the octane, makes the engine run cooler and produce more power.
FM Former Member
What is 93 octane??? Haven't seen that stuff in CA for 30 years. However, many hot rod & dune buggy shops still sell 100+ octane "for off road use only". In Oregon you can buy 100 Octane from many garages, just bring your money. Have also heard that aviation fuel is way up there in octane, but not sure the permits you may need to buy it. Pilots?

How about buying 91 octane from the pump, and dialing back the spark a few degrees? Then carry some octane booster as a back up only?
FM Former Member
Leon,

If 93 isn't present, then 92 will suffice. All of the California cars with bigger engines are running 92 (that's all we have at the pump)
My recommendation is to set your timing at 28 degree's advanced at 3,000 RPM's. That setting will accomodate 92 and 93 octane fuel with very little chance of detonation.
FM Former Member
91 octane is the top of the line for pump gas here in San Diego. It won't matter much pretty soon anyhow. I read today that CO2 is now officially declared a polutant by the Feds, subject to future emissions controls. Now all fossil fuels produce CO2 when burned. So the only way out is to burn less fossil fuels. I think they may may have got us with that one. Thank goodness I still have 2 smog exempt vehicles.
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