Hi folks, I tried using the "search" function so I wouldn't have to bother y'all, but I'm sure the technology has changed in the last quarter-century, when I first used canned octane booster. Coupla years ago the '76 stations were selling 100 octane race gas at the pump, and I built my motor w/ 11.5-1 (alum heads) thinking I was "covered." But those stations are gone. I don't wanna take heads off and put in thicker, cometic gaskets, so what are you "Big Boys" using? TIA! Ranger Aiken, SC
The GSCA tested octane boosters several years ago and found that toluene worked the best. It is usually used as a paint thinner. Not sure of the mix ratio that they used. Someone on here may have that GSX-tra issue handy.
Thanks! I do live close but I was looking for something a bit more convenient! Happy new year! Ranger Aiken, SC
Yeah, used to buy it in a 55 gallon drum back in the day! Thanks, and Happy New Year! Ranger Aiken, SC
If you buy and mix xylene/toluene your gonna be near $10 a gallon for fuel. 1 part additive to 3 parts gasoline (@90 or better to get 98 or better final octane rating) Easier to by avgas or racing fuel and mix with gas at 1-2 octane rating above your ping/detonation threshold. But drive on past the little bottles of burning dollars. Given the math, the time, cost and effort of pulling the heads and dropping your compression is a no brainer if it's a daily/frequent driver and not a strip car. But, does it ping/detonate with the best gas you can find?
Back in the day we used Xylene because it’s cleaner and would Mix it 8/1 and got desired results, a gal of it was $11.00 gas was $1.69 then. BYW, anything you can buy at the auto Parts store or online that claims it’s octane booster is a lie straight out. They are mostly lead additives to stop detonation and the “points” they claim in Octane gain is a manipulated formula meant to deceive.
The best I have heard of is Torco, and Boostane https://torcoracefuel.net/collections/accelerators https://boostane.com/ BTW, the thread title says Booser, you aren't planning on drinking it, are you? You can fix it by clicking on "Thread Tools" on the top of your first post.
Thanks, Larry! And I'm a retired English professor! I HATE this getting-old gig; I've lost everything! My hair, my eyesight, my health, but of everything I've ever lost I miss my mind the most! Ranger Aiken, SC
Thanks, Michael. Haven't fired it up yet so don't know if it'll ping, but I know it will be borderline, for sure. I have a local airport but not sure about their policies. I don't believe all airports will sell to the public, but I'm gonna check. Happy New Year to you/yours! Ranger Aiken, SC
My 69 Motion Equipped GS street car practically lives on the VP additive. It will run on anything 100 octane or better (93 octane gas with the VP additive= 101 octane) but it really likes C112…….and it certainly likes to drink. The motor has flat top pistons, roller rockers, and an approximate compression ratio of 11.4 to 1. Duane
Thanks, Mike! Have you personally had some experience w/ this product? Thanks, again, and Happy New Year to you/yours! Ranger Aiken, SC
Yes, I used to buy 100 Sunoco race fuel and mix it 50/50 with 90 non ethanol rec fuel. It's expensive and I was driving around with (3) 5 gallon jugs of fuel in my Tahoe in order to come home and fill up a car. No bueno. I was turned on to the VP additive, it's sold at Advance Auto near me but they don't carry it, I have to ask them to order it for me. I have a stock 87 GN and a stock 455 GS and they both respond just as well with the additive as they did with the 95 octane mix I was getting. I add enough booster to keep at or above 95. Much easier to buy a few cans and dump it in vs driving with 15 gallons of fuel on the floor board.
Thanks! Sounds like you've had personal experience w/ this product? Where's the best place to buy! Thanks, again, and Happy New Year to you/yours! Ranger Aiken, SC
Here's a reprint of a part of Richards's article in the GSXTRA. I used the formula for Xylene in my '87 Turbo T WE4 to run 25 lbs of boost and also in my '71 GS455 with 10.5 compression ratio and aluminum heads. Obviously, the cost per gallon is now much higher than back in the 80s and 90s. And octane ratings with 93 and 94 current unleaded fuels will add another point or two to the formulas. >Formula #1 - Toulene >============================= >R+M/2.........114 >Cost...........$2.50/gal > >Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium >-------------------------------- >10%...........94.2 Octane >20%...........96.4 Octane >30%...........98.6 Octane > >Notes: Common ingredient in Octane Boosters in a can. 12-16 ounces will only >raise octane 2-3 *points*, i.e. from 92 to 92.3. Often costs $3-5 for 12-16 >ounces, when it can be purchased for less than $3/gal at chemical supply houses >or paint stores. > >Formula #2 - Xylene >============================= >R+M/2.........117 >Cost...........$2.75/gal > >Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium >-------------------------------- >10%...........94.5 Octane >20%...........97.0 Octane >30%...........99.5 Octane > >Notes: Similar to Toulene. 12-16 ounces will only raise octane 2-3 *points*, >i.e. from 92 to 92.3. Usually mixed with Toulene and advertised as *race >formula*.
