Brands of Gasoline = Actual Difference

ZeuceCoupe

Just for fun since we're on the topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zubM2PsBJIU

Also, since we're on the subject, has anyone experimented with octane boosters on top of 93 grade...the ones that promise an octane level of 104etc...I try to keep additives to a minimum (Seafoam, Occasionally a Lucas product that I've used in the past and have noticed results, and Risoline Fuel Treatment OCCASIONALLY just to make sure that I'm keeping carbon to the minimum that I can)...any actual performance results from these small bottles? Or is it all hype?

Jordo!

RE: Shell V-power... uh, okay. Although that is far from a controlled study, if the octane rating is the same, and the results are genuine, then the differences are likely due to the additives. If the engine is tuned for a higher octane, unless it was re-tuned, I call BS on the whole thing.

If tuned for 93 AKI, we wouldn't expect much worse results from another 93 AKI fuel...

In any case, Shell is clearly a sponsor for them, so take that with a pinch of salt. Likewise, Sunnoco sponsors NASCAR, hence all the hype there...

RE: Octane Boosters -- I've seen a few lab test shoot outs of various octane boosters -- I believe there's one by Torco that actually is found to raise it about a full AKI point (RON+MON/2), but most of those additives (104 Octane boost, et al) barely budge it a fraction of a point.

It's hard to say what was wrong with the gas you got (water? lower than claimed AKI?), but if you can find a Sunocco with 100 AKI pump gas (only mentioned because I know they have that at some stations -- another brand of that high an octane would be fine if you can find it), a few gallons of that shouldn't hurt, and will help ensure the fuel in the tank is closer to the octane rating needed.

You can find charts on octane blending if you google it to give you an idea how much you need to add.

If it's water in the fuel, you could try adding some Heet (methanol) or toulene to suck it up.

Anyway, unless you are tuned for it, there's no need to go higher than 93. I know of zero evidence that the ECU will allow more advance without tuning just because of a higher AKI. It might help if you were running on the ragged edge on a hot day on the track to stave off incipient knock, but for DD, don't expect any real improvement.

No idea on Risoline -- never heard of it.

EDIT: Looks like it has some alcohol to absorb water. I'm guessing that also helps provide the "stabilizing" action? The alcohol probably also nudges up the octane.

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sp911

i think that because we are using 93 oct it's sitting in the gas station tanks longer no matter what since most cars don't need it. most people and their cars only need the lower oct so why waste the $$. maybe the people stopping at walmart/costcos go there for the cheap prices but get the high oct since it's also cheaper than most other places. hopefully because that's what i do, get the high 93 oct at the cheaper places.

brancky3

There are a ton of BMWs around my area, I would hope they are using premium. I'm not worried about gas sitting.

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