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      06-08-2016, 07:20 PM   #1
bigtex
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Octane booster

I don't have easy access to race fuel and I don't want to install meth as car is a daily driver and I often have my wife and kid in the car with me. Therefore, I figured I would try adding a bottle of Lucas oil octane booster when I filled-up with my usual top tier 93 octane this week. After a few miles of driving I noticed a big difference, especially in the warm weather here in TX at the current time. Car is much smoother and has more power. However, I hear conflicting reports on whether it is ok to run octane boosters all the time. What is everyone's experience?
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      06-08-2016, 07:54 PM   #2
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You could try 3-4 gallons of E85 added to an almost full tank. I think that would add more octane and you'd have less wear on parts.
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      06-08-2016, 08:53 PM   #3
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i use VP octane booster, adds the most and obviously a trusted name in race fuels
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      06-08-2016, 09:25 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmetuning View Post
Yes. It works very well but it will coat your spark plugs and O2 sensors with a rust colored residual which will dramatically reduce the life cycle of these components. I used to use it all the time and just changed my spark plugs every 7k miles and O2s every 10k miles. I would suggest Torco octane booster over the Lucas brand but that's just my opinion.
Don't forget about the cats too.
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      06-08-2016, 11:01 PM   #5
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Torco is a great brand to use for when needed. I wouldn't run it full time. It's the only one I know that really does work and is used by shops/tuners to raise the octane level when race gas isn't an option.

It does coat things in this orange/rust powder over time. Most guys I've known for years that use it say it's been harmless to the engine but as they said above can cause accelerated wear and tear of used all the time.

I have 5 Gallons in Las Colinas, TX if you need some or want to try. I'd cut you a good deal compared to the $20 a bottle (32oz)
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      06-09-2016, 02:28 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 13M5F10 View Post
Torco is a great brand to use for when needed. I wouldn't run it full time. It's the only one I know that really does work and is used by shops/tuners to raise the octane level when race gas isn't an option.

It does coat things in this orange/rust powder over time. Most guys I've known for years that use it say it's been harmless to the engine but as they said above can cause accelerated wear and tear of used all the time.

I have 5 Gallons in Las Colinas, TX if you need some or want to try. I'd cut you a good deal compared to the $20 a bottle (32oz)
I use this full time, but don't drive a lot.
A bottle every fill up, probably fill up every 2-3 weeks.

Car does produce extra smoke when using it.
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      06-09-2016, 05:16 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by combatbmw
Quote:
Originally Posted by 13M5F10 View Post
Torco is a great brand to use for when needed. I wouldn't run it full time. It's the only one I know that really does work and is used by shops/tuners to raise the octane level when race gas isn't an option.

It does coat things in this orange/rust powder over time. Most guys I've known for years that use it say it's been harmless to the engine but as they said above can cause accelerated wear and tear of used all the time.

I have 5 Gallons in Las Colinas, TX if you need some or want to try. I'd cut you a good deal compared to the $20 a bottle (32oz)
I use this full time, but don't drive a lot.
A bottle every fill up, probably fill up every 2-3 weeks.

Car does produce extra smoke when using it.
Sitting makes it worse because of that coating
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      06-09-2016, 10:15 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 13M5F10 View Post
Sitting makes it worse because of that coating
I realized that, cause the smoke gets worse and worse after the fill up.
Do you have experience with this yourself? Or know anyone that did?
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      06-09-2016, 11:29 PM   #9
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0.5 gal of e85 per 5 gal 93 is what I'd aim for.
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      06-10-2016, 12:36 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by combatbmw
Quote:
Originally Posted by 13M5F10 View Post
Sitting makes it worse because of that coating
I realized that, cause the smoke gets worse and worse after the fill up.
Do you have experience with this yourself? Or know anyone that did?
I've always seen smoke out of Turbo and Supercharged cars at WOT. Not heavy but just as you get on it. At the light I don't recall ever seeing it. I'd stop torco for a few cycles and see if it goes away. Could be burning it off. That residue settles over time and sits. I've seen it happen when I have left over in a bottle hence the need to shake it.

I know tuners and friends using this all the time with no issues aside from the coating of the plugs but no mechanical issues
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      06-10-2016, 05:32 AM   #11
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The smoke you see on tuned turbo and SC cars is running rich for piston cooling when on boost.
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      06-10-2016, 04:03 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ur20v View Post
The smoke you see on tuned turbo and SC cars is running rich for piston cooling when on boost.
Great info man.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 13M5F10 View Post
I've always seen smoke out of Turbo and Supercharged cars at WOT. Not heavy but just as you get on it. At the light I don't recall ever seeing it. I'd stop torco for a few cycles and see if it goes away. Could be burning it off. That residue settles over time and sits. I've seen it happen when I have left over in a bottle hence the need to shake it.

I know tuners and friends using this all the time with no issues aside from the coating of the plugs but no mechanical issues

Gotcha!
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      06-11-2016, 07:05 AM   #13
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E85 is a good option
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      06-11-2016, 02:44 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MCarsFan
E85 is a good option
+1

I run a 91 (75%) and E85 (25%) mix. Octane is approx 94.5-95 when combined.
I'm stock except M Performance exhaust and charcoal delete, it runs like a raped ape!!
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      06-12-2016, 04:30 PM   #15
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Interested to hear more opinions on combining 93 octane with a few gallons E85. I have a station down the road from me so this could be an option.
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      06-12-2016, 07:02 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigtex
Interested to hear more opinions on combining 93 octane with a few gallons E85. I have a station down the road from me so this could be an option.
It's a great option and a lot cheaper than race gas. Here in CA it's only 2.00/gallon. With a 75%(93)/25%(E85) ratio you'd be at about 96-97 octane.
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      06-12-2016, 10:53 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Msizzle View Post
i use VP octane booster, adds the most and obviously a trusted name in race fuels
Im guessing you catless right ?

VP Octane Booster marketing says its not safe to use with cars with stock DPs.

Torco seems to be safer on stock DP than any other octane booster
+1 on the E85 options and make sure to get it from a TopTierGas.com brand
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      06-13-2016, 12:22 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBNYC View Post
Im guessing you catless right ?

VP Octane Booster marketing says its not safe to use with cars with stock DPs.

Torco seems to be safer on stock DP than any other octane booster
+1 on the E85 options and make sure to get it from a TopTierGas.com brand
I do have cats and i have never heard that, quick google search and i verified what you just said on the auto zone website. I'll look into it some more. On a side note I use pump 93 about 90% of the time, and that mix maybe once or twice a month
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      06-13-2016, 07:46 AM   #19
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As to E85, the only stations I have near me that sell it are Clean Fuel USA and Kroger. Neither are "top tier". Should I pass?
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      06-15-2016, 03:11 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigtex
As to E85, the only stations I have near me that sell it are Clean Fuel USA and Kroger. Neither are "top tier". Should I pass?
I normally use gas buddy to find top tier.. In my area I have a QT with E85.. But I'm in McKinney
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      06-15-2016, 03:13 AM   #21
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Also, I'm looking into Northstar Drag strip in Denton. Sells MS100.
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      06-15-2016, 03:17 AM   #22
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Nothing like using good fuel especially if you're boosting pretty high. Fuel additives can be great for a little more octane but I wouldn't rely on it or use as high octane alternative when pushing the limits with aggressive tunes and jb4 high boost applications.
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