Performance, Brainstorming & Tuning Talk about modifications, or anything else associated with performance enhancements. Have a new idea for performance/reliability? Post it here. No idea is stupid! (please use Detailing and Appearance for cosmetic ideas)

Higher Octane Fuel! What the Heck!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-11-2006, 12:20 AM
  #1  
IO
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
 
IO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
IO is on a distinguished road
Default Higher Octane Fuel! What the Heck!

Ok so the Arco that used to have 92 octane has quit selling it and has joined the bandwagon and went to 91. I would much rather run a higher octane in my 01 SSEi, so I found a site that gives some information about it, and I wanted to see if these are viable options for me. Now I do know that most oil companies add Toluene in order to increase the octain rating. So I am looking for a little advice on the info in this site. Many thanks!

http://www.disgruntledpunk.com/octane.htm
Old 07-11-2006, 12:53 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
big_news_1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 3,459
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
big_news_1 is on a distinguished road
Default

Looks like fairly reliable information. You might not be aware, but there are a few different members here who have been using Toluene with great success over the last few years. Willwren has been spearheading its usage, and has posted many times about his experience adding it to his gas tank. There are a few warnings to heed before dumping it in your fuel, so don't be hasty. Use the search function to look up "toluene" on the message boards, and you should find plenty of information.
Old 07-11-2006, 02:15 AM
  #3  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
 
willwren's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
willwren is on a distinguished road
Default

IO, I've made two trips to CA in the last two weekends. 650 mile round trips on Saturdays. I make sure to fill up in southern OR because:

1. CA gas is typically only 91 octane at best.
2. CA gas is typically 30 cents more per gallon as soon as I cross the border.
3. CA gas is an ethanol 'eco' blend that runs like ****.

I wish I had better advice for you, but the best you can do is move like I did. I'm a native CA, but have found my new home.
Old 07-11-2006, 03:06 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
 
1337ssei's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1337ssei is on a distinguished road
Default

I run 94 octane from sunoco they got any of those around there?
its the same price as any other premium too

There are some perks to living in the middle of a giant corn field state full of hillbillies with no emissions
Old 07-11-2006, 03:10 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
big_news_1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 3,459
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
big_news_1 is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by 1337ssei
I run 94 octane from sunoco they got any of those around there?
its the same price as any other premium too
You live in a state that sells real gas for decent performance. It'* a completely different story in California and Arizona.

The most you'll find at 99.9% of gas stations out here is 91 octane, and it either has MTBE or Ethanol blended in for emissions purposes. It sucks, but we just have to deal with it. I would love to fill up with good ol' 93 or 94 like they sell in the Midwest, but no dice.
Old 07-11-2006, 08:45 AM
  #6  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
 
willwren's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
willwren is on a distinguished road
Default

There is no Sunoco out West. The best two fuels are 76 and Chevron.

Not including the 100-octane unleaded race fuel 5 minutes away.
Old 07-11-2006, 11:15 AM
  #7  
IO
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
 
IO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
IO is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by willwren
There is no Sunoco out West. The best two fuels are 76 and Chevron.

Not including the 100-octane unleaded race fuel 5 minutes away.
Toluene in my fuel mixture? I really would like to get a higher octane fuel. I am also looking at getting the STS-v in September and that vehicle also requires High Octane fuel. Real question is because Cal. uses an blend will it help adding the Toluene?

Thanks

BTW: The wife and I are looking at moving to Colorado soon.
Old 07-11-2006, 11:17 AM
  #8  
Junior Member
 
Bonneville92V688's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Purgatory
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Bonneville92V688 is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by big_news_1
Originally Posted by 1337ssei
I run 94 octane from sunoco they got any of those around there?
its the same price as any other premium too
You live in a state that sells real gas for decent performance. It'* a completely different story in California and Arizona.

The most you'll find at 99.9% of gas stations out here is 91 octane, and it either has MTBE or Ethanol blended in for emissions purposes. It sucks, but we just have to deal with it. I would love to fill up with good ol' 93 or 94 like they sell in the Midwest, but no dice.
Huh? :? 91 is the highest there? We can buy 94 here but anything higher has to be purchased in a portable container.
Old 07-11-2006, 11:22 AM
  #9  
IO
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
 
IO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
IO is on a distinguished road
Default

I can get 105 at a shell station a couple of miles away but its 7.00 a gallon. And I don't think I would benefit from it anyway, just a waste of money.
Old 07-11-2006, 11:22 AM
  #10  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Simply put..some parts of the country have different levels of fuel. And it can be tough to find anything over 91 in those places.


Quick Reply: Higher Octane Fuel! What the Heck!



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:02 PM.