Octane Booster WARNING!!!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Octane Booster WARNING!!!
I just got my C5 back after a week long ordeal. Monday my check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer, they said they reset the code and it should be fine. After I drove a block the check engine light came on again. So I took it back. Test after test and they finally asked if I had been using Octane Boost. I told them yes (STP Octane Boost) with 92 Octane gas. Come to find out that after a month of using this mix. The Knock and Ping sensors in the lower engine had to be replaced. This could have been a costly lesson learned had I not had the extended warranty. I just wanted to pass this on if anyone was thinking of using Octane Boost. I agree, it's a Vette... It probably didn't need it anyway. 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Originally Posted by 90 droptop
I think the dealership is giving you a line 
The only knock sensors I know about are the 2 mounted in the valley cover on a C5.
How could octane boost damage a sealed piezo electric transducer? And they are in the top of the engine. 
Unless you were using leaded octane boost and you fried your cats, but they aren't sensors. Is STP octane boost leaded or designed not to be used with cats? If you want some octane boost I would recommend Torco.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 10
From: Columbus OH
O2 sensors are the most logical explanation. Most octane boosters leave deposit in the combustion chambers. I have seen pictures of a cylinder head which covered in dark orange deposit after the engine had used octane boosters.
If they can leave deposit inside the combustion chamber, I would think that it's possible to contaminate the O2 sensors, eventually. Cats maybe in danger too and if it's so, the downstream O2 sensors may become victims.
Now what I'm wondering is, if the deposit will act like carbon deposit where tiny peaks will get hot enough and initiate auto-ignition which in turn necessitating more octane booster to keep the engine from detonating. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the ploy. Sell more octane boosters. It's like trying to get someone to get addicted to drugs. Except it's the engine gets "addicted" to the octane booster.
Oh well. That's just a theory.
If they can leave deposit inside the combustion chamber, I would think that it's possible to contaminate the O2 sensors, eventually. Cats maybe in danger too and if it's so, the downstream O2 sensors may become victims.
Now what I'm wondering is, if the deposit will act like carbon deposit where tiny peaks will get hot enough and initiate auto-ignition which in turn necessitating more octane booster to keep the engine from detonating. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the ploy. Sell more octane boosters. It's like trying to get someone to get addicted to drugs. Except it's the engine gets "addicted" to the octane booster.
Oh well. That's just a theory.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
maybe it took out the O2 sensors? 
but the O2 sensors aren't even on the motor so I still call
on the stealership
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Most Octane Boosters, including AMSOILs contain lead, which will eat up the 02 sensors in a big hurry. I suspect this is what they are talking about, not the knock sensors.
I believe there is one Octane Boost on the market that doesn't have lead. I've read about it on this forum. Starts with a T but I'm drawing a blank. Sorry.
I believe these are the part numbers for a Z06, not 100% sure if they are the same for a C5. You need two of each.
Oxygen Sensor Front 25312184 ($37 from GM Part Direct)
Oxygen Sensor Rear 25317697 ($85 from GM Part Direct)
I believe there is one Octane Boost on the market that doesn't have lead. I've read about it on this forum. Starts with a T but I'm drawing a blank. Sorry.
I believe these are the part numbers for a Z06, not 100% sure if they are the same for a C5. You need two of each.
Oxygen Sensor Front 25312184 ($37 from GM Part Direct)
Oxygen Sensor Rear 25317697 ($85 from GM Part Direct)
__________________
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If they really said that octane booster killed your KNOCK sensors, they are full of crap!!! There is NO WAY that the knock sensore can be exposed to the exhaust or even the combustion chamber. 
BC
BC
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
From: Morgan Hill Ca.
I agree with all of the above Had octane boost crap up a set of plugs and stopped using it. As for the dealership go get a big flag and wave it outside the service department. They are feeding you a line of crap . yes the O2 sensors, are most likely the problem. KR sensors? Not a chance in hell!
Had octane boost crap up a set of plugs and stopped using it. As for the dealership go get a big flag and wave it outside the service department. They are feeding you a line of crap . yes the O2 sensors, are most likely the problem. KR sensors? Not a chance in hell!
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Originally Posted by vetterdstr
I have used Torco and 100 unleaded race gas... Once I had a O2 sensor go out... so I replaced both of the fronts (my 99 has 4 sensors)
VR
VR
