Octane booster additive on an LFX? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Pro Bro · 02-28-2014, 12:12 AM

Have a buddy who traded in his GTO for a Ford Focus, he gave me a bottle of Lucas Octane booster which contains MMT.

I had been told that the LFX tunes itself to the higher octane, but does that apply with stock tune above 93 octane fuel level?

Went and added it today during fillup of Chevron 91.

Pros and cons of this? He gave me a box of 4, he used to add it with 87 to boost his octane without paying for California Premium.

Xmitterengineer · 02-28-2014, 09:30 AM

MMT is in't so good to use on an emission controlled vehicle.
The main reason is that it tends to contaminate the O2 sensors and catalyst when used in effective concentrations.

In order to get any meaningful octane boost with MMT and premium fuel you will have to add amounts that can aggravate the contamination issue.

Keep in mind that when a manufacturer says his product raises octane 2 points this really means .2 not 2 whole numbers.

May I reccomend Toluene or Xylene?
These both are already used in some (most?) premium fuels.
I have added both in the past with no issues whatsoever. (tuned 07 Solstice GXP 24 PSI boost) with very positive results (13.02 107 1/4 mile)
These petro chemicals are generally available at paint supply houses.
1 gallon usually costs @ $20 around here (NC).
Toluene and Xylene both have octane numbers in the 120 range.
http://vanilla47.com/PDFs/Toluene/BE...0octane%29.pdf
http://www.bp.com/retail/liveassets/...nd_PowerV2.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

On my stock LFX I only see a little knock retard with 93 V-Power.
I see a lot of Knock Retard with 87 even with less spirited driving.
It is possible that in my instance more octane over 93 would only give minimal gains in performance. YMMV.

Does any one sell "Track Tech" UNLEADED street legal fuel in your area?
http://www.cpchem.com/bl/specchem/en...lications.aspx
This fuel is good as an additive or in pure form.

Stay away from leaded fuel as it will wreck all of the emissions controls that are in the exhaust stream and prematurely foul your plugs ETC.!
I don't recommend MMT either for the reasons stated above.
Cut and paste from 2014 Camaro owners manual Chapter 9 page 51:

"Some gasolines that are not
reformulated for low emissions can
contain an octane-enhancing
additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines with MMT as they can
reduce spark plug life and affect
emission control system
performance. The malfunction
indicator lamp may turn on. If this
occurs, see your dealer for service."

Someone will probably chime in saying our LFX engines were designed for 87 and more octane is a waste of money.

Horse feathers!!!

It's an 11.5 to 1 compression ratio engine!
I have the data logging to prove that LFX will make better efficiency and more power with 93 Vs: 87.
Our engines will TOLERATE low octane fuels by virtue of having a knock sensor, direct injection, computer engine management, Etc.

The jury may still be out on any gains above 93 octane with a stock LFX engine.

I hope this is helpful.

Good day.

Rickey.

DSX_Camaro · 02-28-2014, 10:42 AM

Even on 101 octane, the Gretchen car only made slightly more power, and that was twin turbo. Stick with 93 octane.

Xmitterengineer · 02-28-2014, 11:04 AM

DSX Greetings.

Was that 101 octane determined by R+M/2 , research, or motor octane?
There are differences.

http://qcwo.com/technicaldomain/what-is-octane-rating

Just curious.

Rickey.

spyderbuddy · 02-28-2014, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmitterengineer

MMT is in't so good to use on an emission controlled vehicle.
The main reason is that it tends to contaminate the O2 sensors and catalyst when used in effective concentrations.

In order to get any meaningful octane boost with MMT and premium fuel you will have to add amounts that can aggravate the contamination issue.

Keep in mind that when a manufacturer says his product raises octane 2 points this really means .2 not 2 whole numbers.

May I reccomend Toluene or Xylene?
These both are already used in some (most?) premium fuels.
I have added both in the past with no issues whatsoever. (tuned 07 Solstice GXP 24 PSI boost) with very positive results (13.02 107 1/4 mile)
These petro chemicals are generally available at paint supply houses.
1 gallon usually costs @ $20 around here (NC).
Toluene and Xylene both have octane numbers in the 120 range.
http://vanilla47.com/PDFs/Toluene/BE...0octane%29.pdf
http://www.bp.com/retail/liveassets/...nd_PowerV2.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

On my stock LFX I only see a little knock retard with 93 V-Power.
I see a lot of Knock Retard with 87 even with less spirited driving.
It is possible that in my instance more octane over 93 would only give minimal gains in performance. YMMV.

Does any one sell "Track Tech" UNLEADED street legal fuel in your area?
http://www.cpchem.com/bl/specchem/en...lications.aspx
This fuel is good as an additive or in pure form.

Stay away from leaded fuel as it will wreck all of the emissions controls that are in the exhaust stream and prematurely foul your plugs ETC.!
I don't recommend MMT either for the reasons stated above.
Cut and paste from 2014 Camaro owners manual Chapter 9 page 51:

"Some gasolines that are not
reformulated for low emissions can
contain an octane-enhancing
additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines with MMT as they can
reduce spark plug life and affect
emission control system
performance. The malfunction
indicator lamp may turn on. If this
occurs, see your dealer for service."

Someone will probably chime in saying our LFX engines were designed for 87 and more octane is a waste of money.

Horse feathers!!!

It's an 11.5 to 1 compression ratio engine!
I have the data logging to prove that LFX will make better efficiency and more power with 93 Vs: 87.
Our engines will TOLERATE low octane fuels by virtue of having a knock sensor, direct injection, computer engine management, Etc.

The jury may still be out on any gains above 93 octane with a stock LFX engine.

I hope this is helpful.

Good day.

Rickey.

Thankyou so very much.

DSX_Camaro · 02-28-2014, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmitterengineer

DSX Greetings.

Was that 101 octane determined by R+M/2 , research, or motor octane?
There are differences.

http://qcwo.com/technicaldomain/what-is-octane-rating

Just curious.

Rickey.

(R+M)/2. I'm aware of the difference.

Pro Bro · 02-28-2014, 12:46 PM

So should I stretch the other 4 Lucas Additives he gave me with a tank of 89 for 96 octane or should I just save these for a rainy day.

Xmitterengineer · 02-28-2014, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro Bro

So should I stretch the other 4 Lucas Additives he gave me with a tank of 89 for 96 octane or should I just save these for a rainy day.

I would not be putting anything with MMT in any emissions legal vehicle...really!!

Pro Bro · 02-28-2014, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmitterengineer

I would not be putting anything with MMT in any emissions legal vehicle...really!!

The one I poured in with my fillup won't harm my engine in one tank right?

Xmitterengineer · 02-28-2014, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro Bro

The one I poured in with my fillup won't harm my engine in one tank right?

Just my 2 cents discounted to free, so take it for what it's worth.

A can of MMT based additive once in a while probably will not harm anything.
A steady and heavy diet of MMT however is asking for trouble IMHO.

Rickey.

Pro Bro · 02-28-2014, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmitterengineer

Just my 2 cents discounted to free, so take it for what it's worth.

A can of MMT based additive once in a while probably will not harm anything.
A steady and heavy diet of MMT however is asking for trouble IMHO.

Rickey.

That's good news; I was given this stuff for free and I wouldn't foresee myself purchasing this on my own volition.

mr02Z/28 · 02-28-2014, 04:25 PM

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the "octane boosters" just add 1/10th or 2/10ths of a percent of 1 single octane rating ?? ...

Pro Bro · 02-28-2014, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr02Z/28

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the "octane boosters" just add 1/10th or 2/10ths of a percent of 1 single octane rating ?? ...

http://www.amazon.com/Lucas-10026-Oc...octane+booster

Xmitterengineer · 02-28-2014, 06:26 PM

Check this formula out.

Up to 60 points octane boost!!!

http://www.permatex.com/documents/TD...tive/12010.pdf

It is "designed for racing use only" and has nitromethane in it.
Of course it doesn't say how much nitro is in it.

Tried some of this in my weed whacker once.....weeds flew! Really.

Rickey.

02-28-2014, 12:12 AM	#1
Pro Bro Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS, Garnet Red Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 81	Octane booster additive on an LFX? Have a buddy who traded in his GTO for a Ford Focus, he gave me a bottle of Lucas Octane booster which contains MMT. I had been told that the LFX tunes itself to the higher octane, but does that apply with stock tune above 93 octane fuel level? Went and added it today during fillup of Chevron 91. Pros and cons of this? He gave me a box of 4, he used to add it with 87 to boost his octane without paying for California Premium.

02-28-2014, 09:30 AM	#2
Xmitterengineer Drives: 2014 LS2 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NC Posts: 28	MMT is in't so good to use on an emission controlled vehicle. The main reason is that it tends to contaminate the O2 sensors and catalyst when used in effective concentrations. In order to get any meaningful octane boost with MMT and premium fuel you will have to add amounts that can aggravate the contamination issue. Keep in mind that when a manufacturer says his product raises octane 2 points this really means .2 not 2 whole numbers. May I reccomend Toluene or Xylene? These both are already used in some (most?) premium fuels. I have added both in the past with no issues whatsoever. (tuned 07 Solstice GXP 24 PSI boost) with very positive results (13.02 107 1/4 mile) These petro chemicals are generally available at paint supply houses. 1 gallon usually costs @ $20 around here (NC). Toluene and Xylene both have octane numbers in the 120 range. http://vanilla47.com/PDFs/Toluene/BE...0octane%29.pdf http://www.bp.com/retail/liveassets/...nd_PowerV2.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating On my stock LFX I only see a little knock retard with 93 V-Power. I see a lot of Knock Retard with 87 even with less spirited driving. It is possible that in my instance more octane over 93 would only give minimal gains in performance. YMMV. Does any one sell "Track Tech" UNLEADED street legal fuel in your area? http://www.cpchem.com/bl/specchem/en...lications.aspx This fuel is good as an additive or in pure form. Stay away from leaded fuel as it will wreck all of the emissions controls that are in the exhaust stream and prematurely foul your plugs ETC.! I don't recommend MMT either for the reasons stated above. Cut and paste from 2014 Camaro owners manual Chapter 9 page 51: "Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use gasolines with MMT as they can reduce spark plug life and affect emission control system performance. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If this occurs, see your dealer for service." Someone will probably chime in saying our LFX engines were designed for 87 and more octane is a waste of money. Horse feathers!!! It's an 11.5 to 1 compression ratio engine! I have the data logging to prove that LFX will make better efficiency and more power with 93 Vs: 87. Our engines will TOLERATE low octane fuels by virtue of having a knock sensor, direct injection, computer engine management, Etc. The jury may still be out on any gains above 93 octane with a stock LFX engine. I hope this is helpful. Good day. Rickey. Last edited by Xmitterengineer; 02-28-2014 at 10:54 AM. Reason: Typo

02-28-2014, 10:42 AM	#3
DSX_Camaro Drives: 2013 SW 2LT/RS LFX/AY6 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,741	Even on 101 octane, the Gretchen car only made slightly more power, and that was twin turbo. Stick with 93 octane. __________________ K&N CAI, 1LE Strut Tower Brace, Elite Engineering Catch Can and Clean Side Separator, Apex Scoop w/ Washer Relocation Kit, CTS Front Calipers and Rotors, JacFab Ported Intake Manifold, JacFab Intake Manifold Spacer, 80mm Overkill Throttle Body, SS Brake Lines, Ideal Garage Master Cylinder, Monster Twin Disc Clutch, NPP Retrofit w/ Magnaflow Resonated X, ARH Catless Downpipes, JRE Built 3.45 Diff, 1LE Axles, 1LE Hubs, Overkill Tuned, BMR Anti Wheel-hop Kit Stage I, ACS TL1 Hood Insert, ZL1 Spoiler

02-28-2014, 11:04 AM	#4
Xmitterengineer Drives: 2014 LS2 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NC Posts: 28	DSX Greetings. Was that 101 octane determined by R+M/2 , research, or motor octane? There are differences. http://qcwo.com/technicaldomain/what-is-octane-rating Just curious. Rickey.

02-28-2014, 12:46 PM	#7
Pro Bro Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS, Garnet Red Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 81	So should I stretch the other 4 Lucas Additives he gave me with a tank of 89 for 96 octane or should I just save these for a rainy day.

02-28-2014, 04:25 PM	#12
mr02Z/28 Drives: 2002 Z/28,1968 Chevelle convert. Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Phila.,PA Posts: 1,141 View My Garage	Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the "octane boosters" just add 1/10th or 2/10ths of a percent of 1 single octane rating ?? ...

02-28-2014, 06:26 PM	#14
Xmitterengineer Drives: 2014 LS2 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NC Posts: 28	Check this formula out. Up to 60 points octane boost!!! http://www.permatex.com/documents/TD...tive/12010.pdf It is "designed for racing use only" and has nitromethane in it. Of course it doesn't say how much nitro is in it. Tried some of this in my weed whacker once.....weeds flew! Really. Rickey.