[StealYourFace]

Hey everyone,

I had another HPDE at the Glen this week. Typically, I have gotten used to the power dropping off a bit through my sessions when it is hot outside and the engine gets warmed up. I automatically assumed it was pulling timing, so for my second day, I bought a bottle of "NOS" Octane booster, in hopes that maybe when the car got hot it wouldn't pull as much timing and hold it's power, especially needed coming out of the toe of the boot which is a slow 3 gear uphill that feels like you need a tow truck to get out of.

I honestly felt silly buying the product, especially because of it's brand name.

I dumped it in and filled the tank, the directions say it needs to be mixed with 16 gallons, so that was a perfect fit.

During my second session the next day, I noticed the car feeling much stronger and more consistent power out of the motor. The only engine modification is AA stage 2, which I maintain is worth the bucks spent. I use the 91 octane tune for safety, even though we have 93 available. (We have ethanol free 91 that I much rather use locally).

My only disclaimer is that I was carrying much more speed through the toe of the boot than in the past, putting my car right at 4000 rpm in 3rd gear going up that big hill which is right where you want to be with a 3400 lb N52 powered sedan.

But the car definitely felt better and more consistent. Would I spend 15 bucks to use the stuff on the street? Not a chance, but I think this will become part of my track days.

[bimmerquick43321]

Haha you made me do it, I bought a bottle tonight to give it a try and do some data logging, this + most of the tank filled with 94 octane (the rest was 91), gave the best results in regards to timing, when comparing with 91 only or 94 only (although for me 94 was better than 91)

[StealYourFace]

Originally Posted by mecbain

Haha you made me do it, I bought a bottle tonight to give it a try and do some data logging, this + most of the tank filled with 94 octane (the rest was 91), gave the best results in regards to timing, when comparing with 91 only or 94 only (although for me 94 was better than 91)

Great, can you speak to specifics in what you found? What tune are you currently using? What was the temp outside?

Thanks

Adding a bottle for street use is not needed for me, but it will definitely be part of my track day prep. The combination of carrying higher speeds through the corners, my tune and the booster really helped the car feel strong.

Do you have ethanol free 91 octane available to you? I would love to hear some data logging of the ethanol free 91 vs 93 with 10% ethanol. I get slightly better fuel consumption with the ethanol free, and I know that crap isn't good for the car overall.

[TrAcK TRaP]

I heard that using it often will turn your spark plugs yellowish just letting you guys know..I used that twice and didn't feel the difference. Who ever doesn't have access to 93 oct and have only 91 using that stuff to run aggressive maps because it raises the octane buy 3 points.. Btw in walmart its only $7.99..

[bernard54321]

Used it once, didnt feel shit, lost hope, sat in a corner, cried.

[Tom Droze]

Originally Posted by N54CherryHill

I heard that using it often will turn your spark plugs yellowish just letting you guys know..I used that twice and didn't feel the difference. Who ever doesn't have access to 93 oct and have only 91 using that stuff to run aggressive maps because it raises the octane buy 3 points.. Btw in walmart its only $7.99..

Octane points advertised on the can are similar to that of basis points in finance (1 = 1/100), in that 1 octane point does not equal 1 but rather it equals 1/10 of one point. So if you are using 89 octane fuel and the octane booster claims to boost octane by 4 points, your effective octane is now 89.4, not 93.

Also, please keep in mind that from a performance standpoint, a higher octane rated fuel is not always a good thing; as the higher the octane rating the higher the flash point will be and it is also a slower burning fuel. So ideally, you want just enough octane to maximize ignition timing and prevent pre-ignition.

[Taskmaster]

I would start by updating the ignition system personally. When is the last time you checked/changed your plugs?