I have found the ultimate octane booster!

Uhmmmm, this seems totally counter to what I have known and seen. #2 diesel has far more BTU per gallon than #1, and all the truckers always wanted to run #2. #1 is generally used in colder climates as it has a lower gel point. But, they have totally screwed with diesel fuel to the point I dont know what they have done. I do know that with a Rabbit diesel some odd years ago, I could see close to 60 mpg on home heating oil (straight #2 diesel) whereas with station bought fuel I could barely achieve 40 mpg, so obviously its monkeyed with.

 

Aren't toluene/acetone both very, very bad for the exterior paint if accidently spilled on it?

 

IIRC, Toluene was once used as an octane booster in pump gas.
The early 80's saw the use of it in Formula 1 motors, with an 84% or so concentration. They were running in the area of 70+lbs of boost, and getting 1000HP per litre! Imagine a 308 with about 3000HP. This was eveidently done in times trials motors, and was quickly outlawed.
I have been adding it to motors for years now, with no ill effects. It certainly seems to increase performance, although I never did see a reason to dyno it to verify. The increase in octane will definately help in any motor that is "borderline" in timing and compression ratios. Used in motors with high compression, I have seen it eliminate knocking that occurs in hotter weather, due to increased heat. I would not think it is any worse on paint finishes than pump gas, based on my experiences.

 

Yes, if pure, both make very good paint thinners/strippers - especially if left on/let soak. Do your best to keep them off your paint!

 

Cellulose thinners is the cheapest way of getting toluene alot of the modded Saab owners use this to good results along with super unleaded octane 0f 97/98 over here in UK

 

While I'm no scientist, would someone with some chemical background comment on the ill-effects of these substances on humans who come in contact with them please? IIRC these things may cause serious genetic issues for those handling them or breathing their vapors, or the offspring of same...thanks.

 

Does this leave a distinguishable smell after burned? I have been out to the local sand dunes where guys are running extremely aggressive motors and defintely smell a different aroma via the exhausts? I have often wondered if they are adding something to there fuel to make it smell that way.

 

Aromatics have been used in gasoline since the beginning. Toluene makes a small part (<5%) of the aromatics (~30%)used today in Premium gasoline. The percentage of toluene was alot higher in the late 1960s when 103 super premium was available. Just do an MSDS search for gasoline. Every gasoline brand has one on their website.

 

Yes, because race fuels have a high aromatic content. Aroma = Aroma/tic
These are benzene, toluene and xylene and others. Benzene the most toxic because it is so easily absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

 

I would stay away from Benzene. I have heard that it is Carcinogenic. Haven't heard the same on Toluene though.

 

Benzene is a known carcinogen (causes cancer) and teratogen (causes birth defects).
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/benzene.html

Toluene and the various xylenes are not carcinogens; however, they are not to be fooled around with other. They both adversely impact the central nervous system...that's why people get such a high from sniffing toluene! Not smart...

There are several numbers that characterize the human health impact of non-cancer chemicals. One of these is the IDLH...Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health. Lower numbers are more toxic; ie it takes less to kill you.

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/toluene.html
IDLH = 1885 mg/m3

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/xylenes.html
IDLH = 3900 mg/m3

 

Everything said so far and concerns about health issues and seal issues with these additives are correct. You will get more power and slightly improved mileage from toluene and xylenes. The power part is dependent on what kind of engine you are using it in. Most high performance engines with knock sensor protection will benefit from toluene since the higher octane allows more aggressive settings of the fuel map ratios of the ECU. I don't think older carburated engines will produce more power over 93 octane premium gas.

I think the smelly race gas is toxic as hell. I've not been happy running on the track with people who use race gas of their own mixing. I get a headache smelling their exhausts. Nitromethane is used in top fuel dragsters with engines that produce HUGE numbers of HP but lasts only 10 seconds of operation before needing rebuild.

If you are impressed with turbos and toluene, imagine what power is possible from dinitrotoluene and trinitrotoluene (aka TNT!). I AM NOT SUGGESTING IN ANY WAY THAT SOMEONE SHOULD TRY THAT. The motor would most likely blow up.

 

http://vettenet.org/octane.html

http://www.idavette.net/hib/fuel/index.htm

http://www.europeancarweb.com/tech/0503ec_techboost/

Tim Wusz, mentioned in the two previous links, wrote all the bullitins here:

http://www.rockettbrand.com/technicals/bulletins.htm

 

1.6 bar.... wow, that's a lot.... and your car can handle 1.6 bar? What kind of performance chip you have in? I have #6 "red race" in my Esprit S4 and max at 1.25 bar. Did you adjust the wastegate capsule to a more controlable max boost?.
I agree octane booster can be a lot of fun or a lot of wasting money. Many of them give you nothing if you pick the wrong one. I like the NOS octane booster.... nice stuff.

here is mine... http://www.glcforum.com/ukesprit/forums/index.php?act=garage&CODE=12&CID=152

 

Octane requirement is a function of cylinder pressure. Raising your compression raises cylinder pressure, but so does boost from a turbo or supercharger. All requiring a raise in octane. The turbo/supercharged motor would only need higher octane when there is actually a boost condition (full throttle).