DIY octane boosters!!!
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hi
I just find it on the internet, not sure about it, hope anyone give me a hand.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Toluene paint thinner is one major component of octane boosters due to its high octane (about 110 or so) as reported in cage mags of the '80s. You can buy it cheaply at paint supply houses and it works about as good as "108" stuff at 1/10 the cost or less. I was able to use 1+ bar boost pressure with about
10% toluene in the olde turbo cage days but for cycle use about 4 oz per US gal in 87 octane gas should get you close to the '90s. Perhaps John F. or somebody who knows can clarify the exact stoichiometry involved.
As far as mixing to achieve a target octane rating: you got me.
I don't know if equal parts of 108 and 92 fuels will give you a 100.
I'd suspect it's close, but I have no idea if it's exact (i.e. do
they mix linearly?).
Here's some fuel formulas that I pulled from the Alfa list a
while back. I've long lost the origial author, but he is
correct in his calculations. The only place I would disagree
is with the MTBE causing the fuel to realease more engergy.
Anybody forced to run this stuff in the winter months, as I
do, sees a drop in milage corresponding to the drop in energy
content.
Note the part about the 12-16 oz bottles of octane boost
raising the octane number by just several _points_. An octane
boost that promises to raise the octane by 8 points gets
exactly that. It raises the octane of 92 to 92.8 (which in
borderline cases of knocking is enough to make a difference).
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*.
Formula #3 - Methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE)
=============================
R+M/2.........118
Cost...........$3.50/gal
Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.6 Octane
20%...........97.2 Octane
30%...........99.8 Octane
Notes: Oxygenate. Very common in octane booster products. Has lower BTU
content than toulene or xylene, but oxygenate effect makes the gasoline burn
better and produce more energy.
Formula #4 - Methanol or Ethanol
=============================
R+M/2.........101
Cost...........$0.60 - $1.75/gal
Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.3 Octane (Methanol)
10%...........94.7 Octane (Ethanol)
20%...........Not Recommended
Notes: Methanol is wood alcohol. Ethanol is grain alcohol and found in Gasohol
in 10% ratios. Both alcohols are mildly corrosive and will eat gas tank
linings, rubber and aluminum if used in excessive ratios. Main ingredient in
"Gas Dryers", combine with water.
Formula #5 - Isopropyl Alcohol and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol
=============================
R+M/2.........101
Cost...........$0.60-$1.50/gal
Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.5 Octane
20%...........Not Recommended
30%...........Not Recommended
Notes: Similar to Methanol/Ethanol. Isopropyl Alcohol is simply rubbing
alcohol.
How to make your own octane booster (this is the basic formula of one of the
popular octane booster products). To make eight 16 ounce bottles (128 oz = 1
gal):
100 oz of toulene for octane boost
25 oz of mineral spirits (cleaning agent)
3 oz of transmission fluid (lubricating agent)
This product is advertised as "octane booster with cleaning agent *and*
lubricating agent!". Diesel fuel or kerosene can be substituted for mineral
spirits and light turbine oil can be substituted for transmission fluid. Color
can be added with petroleum dyes.
P.S. In order for a fuel injected engine to take advantage ot
high octane fuel it must have a knock sensor. Knock sensors
are the exception, rather than the rule. BMW motorcycles do
not have knock sensors.
I just find it on the internet, not sure about it, hope anyone give me a hand.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Toluene paint thinner is one major component of octane boosters due to its high octane (about 110 or so) as reported in cage mags of the '80s. You can buy it cheaply at paint supply houses and it works about as good as "108" stuff at 1/10 the cost or less. I was able to use 1+ bar boost pressure with about
10% toluene in the olde turbo cage days but for cycle use about 4 oz per US gal in 87 octane gas should get you close to the '90s. Perhaps John F. or somebody who knows can clarify the exact stoichiometry involved.
As far as mixing to achieve a target octane rating: you got me.
I don't know if equal parts of 108 and 92 fuels will give you a 100.
I'd suspect it's close, but I have no idea if it's exact (i.e. do
they mix linearly?).
Here's some fuel formulas that I pulled from the Alfa list a
while back. I've long lost the origial author, but he is
correct in his calculations. The only place I would disagree
is with the MTBE causing the fuel to realease more engergy.
Anybody forced to run this stuff in the winter months, as I
do, sees a drop in milage corresponding to the drop in energy
content.
Note the part about the 12-16 oz bottles of octane boost
raising the octane number by just several _points_. An octane
boost that promises to raise the octane by 8 points gets
exactly that. It raises the octane of 92 to 92.8 (which in
borderline cases of knocking is enough to make a difference).
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*.
Formula #3 - Methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE)
=============================
R+M/2.........118
Cost...........$3.50/gal
Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.6 Octane
20%...........97.2 Octane
30%...........99.8 Octane
Notes: Oxygenate. Very common in octane booster products. Has lower BTU
content than toulene or xylene, but oxygenate effect makes the gasoline burn
better and produce more energy.
Formula #4 - Methanol or Ethanol
=============================
R+M/2.........101
Cost...........$0.60 - $1.75/gal
Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.3 Octane (Methanol)
10%...........94.7 Octane (Ethanol)
20%...........Not Recommended
Notes: Methanol is wood alcohol. Ethanol is grain alcohol and found in Gasohol
in 10% ratios. Both alcohols are mildly corrosive and will eat gas tank
linings, rubber and aluminum if used in excessive ratios. Main ingredient in
"Gas Dryers", combine with water.
Formula #5 - Isopropyl Alcohol and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol
=============================
R+M/2.........101
Cost...........$0.60-$1.50/gal
Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.5 Octane
20%...........Not Recommended
30%...........Not Recommended
Notes: Similar to Methanol/Ethanol. Isopropyl Alcohol is simply rubbing
alcohol.
How to make your own octane booster (this is the basic formula of one of the
popular octane booster products). To make eight 16 ounce bottles (128 oz = 1
gal):
100 oz of toulene for octane boost
25 oz of mineral spirits (cleaning agent)
3 oz of transmission fluid (lubricating agent)
This product is advertised as "octane booster with cleaning agent *and*
lubricating agent!". Diesel fuel or kerosene can be substituted for mineral
spirits and light turbine oil can be substituted for transmission fluid. Color
can be added with petroleum dyes.
P.S. In order for a fuel injected engine to take advantage ot
high octane fuel it must have a knock sensor. Knock sensors
are the exception, rather than the rule. BMW motorcycles do
not have knock sensors.
#2
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Well, what can you say, I'd rather not try any of these concoctions in my or anyone elses car. If any of the measurements is out, then its "bye bye" engine!
The quantities you would have to purchase of these "mixing agents" would mean someone would have enough to supply BP with fuel enhancers let alone a few freinds.
I'd steer clear and only trust to something with a brand label, on, if you really want to try down this road
The quantities you would have to purchase of these "mixing agents" would mean someone would have enough to supply BP with fuel enhancers let alone a few freinds.
I'd steer clear and only trust to something with a brand label, on, if you really want to try down this road
#3
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Originally Posted by scoobyslut
Well, what can you say, I'd rather not try any of these concoctions in my or anyone elses car. If any of the measurements is out, then its "bye bye" engine!
The quantities you would have to purchase of these "mixing agents" would mean someone would have enough to supply BP with fuel enhancers let alone a few freinds.
I'd steer clear and only trust to something with a brand label, on, if you really want to try down this road
The quantities you would have to purchase of these "mixing agents" would mean someone would have enough to supply BP with fuel enhancers let alone a few freinds.
I'd steer clear and only trust to something with a brand label, on, if you really want to try down this road
Last edited by Tentenths; 08 March 2004 at 05:29 PM.
#4
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pure Toulene is hard to get hold of but does work as an octane booster very well, downsides are it is highly toxic and has to be added at such quantities it is impractical
#6
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tolulene, xylene, mtbe, methanol are all pretty easy to get hold of..
from 25ltrs to 210ltrs easy..
I would recommend 'brewing' your own fuel if you want rocket fuel..
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David
from 25ltrs to 210ltrs easy..
I would recommend 'brewing' your own fuel if you want rocket fuel..
![Big Grin](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
David
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Originally Posted by David_Wallis
tolulene, xylene, mtbe, methanol are all pretty easy to get hold of..
from 25ltrs to 210ltrs easy..
I would recommend 'brewing' your own fuel if you want rocket fuel..
![Big Grin](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
David
from 25ltrs to 210ltrs easy..
I would recommend 'brewing' your own fuel if you want rocket fuel..
![Big Grin](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
David
do u know where i can get it, i would like to have a try, but will it damage the engine??
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Don't try storing toluene in a plastic container! When it dissolves the container it makes quite a mess!
PS Toluene is used in the manufacture of TNT, if you really want your car to go with a bang.
PS Toluene is used in the manufacture of TNT, if you really want your car to go with a bang.
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http://www.sci-chem.co.uk
Some of the online chemical suppliers may not supply to individuals, but if you know someone who works in a place where they use this stuff they may be able to get you some.
Some of the online chemical suppliers may not supply to individuals, but if you know someone who works in a place where they use this stuff they may be able to get you some.
#10
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Methanol is very effective from 5-10% mix. I found 5% to be as effective as 1ml/l NF in suppressing knocklink activity and ecu knock correction. And road dyno plots showed an 5-10lbft gain over 1ml/l NF from 3000rpm up, despite similar boost/ignition timing ![Smile](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
25L of methanol is £35 delivered from www.jennychem.com
Simon
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25L of methanol is £35 delivered from www.jennychem.com
Simon
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I used Toluene for years in my TVR Tuscan race car and in my Group A Cosworth road car for several years too.
It is nasty stuff and should be treated with care when mixing, wear gloves.
It even worked well when trying to liven up a bonfire, but be aware you need to be able to cover the 60 metre dash in the time an Impreza can, otherwise , you'll be asked to leave your shoes on the floor whilst you explore the roof of the nearest building.![Big Grin](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
It was some explosion too!!!
It is nasty stuff and should be treated with care when mixing, wear gloves.
It even worked well when trying to liven up a bonfire, but be aware you need to be able to cover the 60 metre dash in the time an Impreza can, otherwise , you'll be asked to leave your shoes on the floor whilst you explore the roof of the nearest building.
![Big Grin](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
It was some explosion too!!!
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#12
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i work in a lab i can get methonol or even nos for free but methenol is highly flammable and would most probably blow a piston in your engine when it burns due to the fact it wouldnt stay as a liquid in your engine it would turn into gas and when ignited would explode more vigourously
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If you used it pure and could run the right lambda then it might be more an issue of whether the fuel system can take it? I think they still use alloy pistons in alcohol fuelled engines.
#21
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A mate of mine runs toluene in an mr2 turbo, i've seen it go and its fine with the correct quantities, too much in and it misses like hell, but with just the right amount his boost level rises about 1-2 psi. I've got 25litres of the stuff at work but i haven't yet had the **** to try it in the scoob, maybe when i run out of branded booster
#26
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I've been trying to get hold of MTBE, but can't seem to get hold of any. I think that this would be one of the best chemicals to use @ 116 RON, also a lot of countries use this in there fuel, but not so much over here.
#28
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Hi all,
If you are interested in the best Octane Boosters.. you might want to check out this Article that I just found, it lists the top 10 Octane Boosters...(and uncovers the waste of time boosters!) and the tests were unbiast, so the results are genuine! Unlike many claims that are made by the manufacturers!! Take a look at the link.
You might also be surprised at the WINNER... NF Octane Booster! (as it had better consistency) just brought some to test out!...but its pretty hard to get hold of here in the UK! I think its made in Australia? It also beats TOLUENE!! Which was quite a result...as its very potent and doest need as much dosage as the others.
www.gtatech.com/news_au_articl.html
Anyway.. hope it helps..
If you are interested in the best Octane Boosters.. you might want to check out this Article that I just found, it lists the top 10 Octane Boosters...(and uncovers the waste of time boosters!) and the tests were unbiast, so the results are genuine! Unlike many claims that are made by the manufacturers!! Take a look at the link.
You might also be surprised at the WINNER... NF Octane Booster! (as it had better consistency) just brought some to test out!...but its pretty hard to get hold of here in the UK! I think its made in Australia? It also beats TOLUENE!! Which was quite a result...as its very potent and doest need as much dosage as the others.
www.gtatech.com/news_au_articl.html
Anyway.. hope it helps..
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