High price for gas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 348
Likes: 6
From: Las vegas Nevada
High price for gas
has anybody tried using any fuel additives to increase the octaine? Here in So. cal were paying almost 5.00 per/Ga. I tried using a lower grade but that's not a good idea, causes lots of pinging. So....anybody using any additives?
Thanks
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
By the time you add the price of the fuel additives ($6-$10), you've probably reached or exceeded the same price had you just purchased a quality grade of 91-93 premium.
The off the shelf fuel additives aka "octane boosters" you find in AUTO ZONE or CHECKER AUTO won't raise the octane rating more than a .xx according to most past discussions. There are some much better octane boosters, but they are more expensive.
Some will suggest mixing your own concoction of home improvement center chemicals, but beware of the obvious dangers to yourself/home/car and sensitive sensors on the car.
You might look into mixing regular or midrange and premium fuel for a few cents of savings.
Or, maybe owning a car that requires premium fuel isn't for everyone...
The off the shelf fuel additives aka "octane boosters" you find in AUTO ZONE or CHECKER AUTO won't raise the octane rating more than a .xx according to most past discussions. There are some much better octane boosters, but they are more expensive.
Some will suggest mixing your own concoction of home improvement center chemicals, but beware of the obvious dangers to yourself/home/car and sensitive sensors on the car.
You might look into mixing regular or midrange and premium fuel for a few cents of savings.
Or, maybe owning a car that requires premium fuel isn't for everyone...
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 2
From: Chicago-NW Burbs Illinois
By the time you add the price of the fuel additives ($6-$10), you've probably reached or exceeded the same price had you just purchased a quality grade of 91-93 premium.
The off the shelf fuel additives aka "octane boosters" you find in AUTO ZONE or CHECKER AUTO won't raise the octane rating more than a .xx according to most past discussions. There are some much better octane boosters, but they are more expensive.
Some will suggest mixing your own concoction of home improvement center chemicals, but beware of the obvious dangers to yourself/home/car and sensitive sensors on the car.
You might look into mixing regular or midrange and premium fuel for a few cents of savings.
Or, maybe owning a car that requires premium fuel isn't for everyone...
The off the shelf fuel additives aka "octane boosters" you find in AUTO ZONE or CHECKER AUTO won't raise the octane rating more than a .xx according to most past discussions. There are some much better octane boosters, but they are more expensive.
Some will suggest mixing your own concoction of home improvement center chemicals, but beware of the obvious dangers to yourself/home/car and sensitive sensors on the car.
You might look into mixing regular or midrange and premium fuel for a few cents of savings.
Or, maybe owning a car that requires premium fuel isn't for everyone...
You would need 10 bottles of so called "Octane Boosters" that are sold at Autozone to raise your octane 1 point. The only one that I know of that is legit is TORCO, which is sold by a member here that goes by the name (jbsblownc5). Lots of members here on the forum are using it with great results.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
You can buy Xylene at Home Depot or a painters supply store.
It has an Octance rating of 117.
You can mix it with your gasoline (that is what the refiners do to increase octane. You don't want to add more than 20%....
You can do a google search and find actual recipes that show how to calcate ul how much to add given the starting octane and desired ending octane....
DISCLAIMER this post is NOT advocating this practice. Merely advising that this practice is carried out by some who have educated themsleves and are willing to assume any and all risk on blending their own fuel.
It has an Octance rating of 117.
You can mix it with your gasoline (that is what the refiners do to increase octane. You don't want to add more than 20%....
You can do a google search and find actual recipes that show how to calcate ul how much to add given the starting octane and desired ending octane....
DISCLAIMER this post is NOT advocating this practice. Merely advising that this practice is carried out by some who have educated themsleves and are willing to assume any and all risk on blending their own fuel.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Blending fuel...Guys we buy gas from companies who have scientists and computers that mix/create the gas for a reason, put shell V-power gas in your tank and your fine, I'm sorry but if you cant afford to put gas in your corvette its time to buy a hybrid..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Fortunatly I found a station only a couple of miles from my house that sells 93 octane Shell V-power 15 to 21 cents cheaper than the other stations (even in their same quick mart type chain) They sell it at 2cents over their mid grade!! Filled up last night ,then checked Quick Trip on the way home and their premium was 21Cents higher! Go figure!!(but I'll take it)
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Omaha NE
The NOS brand will supposedly raise octane 6 full points, about $12. I always look at the cost of fuel being cheaper than riding a roller coaster all day. Just make sure you are having fun with your toy and it is all worth it.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 693
From: Boise ID
6 points = .6 octane number.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 693
From: Boise ID
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
I've tried Valtect Octane Booster with regular gasoline, premium gas and E10 premium. It seems to raise the knock level on the regular allittle but is no subsitute for the high test stuff. After fooling around I would suggest biting the bullet and buy premium gasoline. The E10 is not great and the mileage is poor.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 966
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix AZ
I've always figured that the savings of ~25 cents per gallon wasn't worth the effort of mixing Xylene or the potential downfalls of running a lower grade gasoline in my Corvette. I use about 40 gallons of fuel per month. At current prices in Phoenix ($4.00 for 87 octane, $4.20 for 91 octane), that's $160/month for regular and $168/month for premium. So I'd be saving only 8 bucks a month, or less than $100 per year. Not worth it to me. I save more by keeping my foot out of it, but that's no fun.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
Yeah, it gets pretty emotional when we know we are getting ripped-off on fuel prices.
But the answer for us Vette guys is really simple:
1. If you must drive your Vette every day, go ahead and put in premimum fuel. Then take it real easy, and get 28-30 MPG on the freeway. That's as good as a Honda.
2. When you drive the Vette for enjoyment, really enjoy it to the max;
wash/wax it, tune it well, and pick on Mustangs at every opportunity.
Think of the grins you can get on one tank of over-priced gas - not a bad trade-off, even at $5/gallon.
DG
But the answer for us Vette guys is really simple:
1. If you must drive your Vette every day, go ahead and put in premimum fuel. Then take it real easy, and get 28-30 MPG on the freeway. That's as good as a Honda.
2. When you drive the Vette for enjoyment, really enjoy it to the max;
wash/wax it, tune it well, and pick on Mustangs at every opportunity.
Think of the grins you can get on one tank of over-priced gas - not a bad trade-off, even at $5/gallon.
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 568
From: Conroe Texas
even at a 10% mix with xylene, it will attack and soften the rubber components in the fuel system. there goes fuel pressure and performance, not to mention having to go throught the complete fuel system, flush and replace all the o-rings and other rubber related components.
