toluene as octane booster
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
toluene as octane booster
Based on numerous web postings, bought some toluene at Sherwin Williams and dumped a couple of gallons into the tank. My car was originally sold in New Jersey, and I suspect that the ECU may have been set new at 93? (or were they all set new at 91). In any case, a very noticeable improvement, especially here in CA where the do-gooders have decided that nobody needs more than 91 octane. Based on the roughly 16 gallon fuel tank, I would guesstimate that 2 gals. toluene brings 91 up to about 94. Not cheap ($5.90/gallon in 5 gallon can), but worth it. I plan on adding at least a gallon at every tankful, which should bring octane up to close to 93, especially if you are not adding a full 16 gallons of fuel at fill up (i.e., if you fill up at 1/4 or 1/8 tank). This would mean spending an extra $4.00 per fill-up ($6.00 for the gallon of toluene, minus the $2.00 that the gallon of premium gasoline would have cost you). The real downside is the inconvenience. I may get tired of the whole process at some point and trade a few ponies for no hassle but, for now, it is a lot of fun. Am going in to Evosport on Tuesday for stage I plus SL intake. Hopefully they will dyno the car before and after. I saw some mention in a different thread that Evosport may be offering a 190 mm pulley? Anyone have any info about this? (or anyone have any bad experiences adding toluene to their C32?)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Toluene
Toluene will kill catalytic converter? Is there any evidence to support this statement? Isn't it true that most gas already contains tolulene (or xylene) to boost octane? Also, isn't it true that many of the octane booster products (which claim to be safe for catalytic converters) available in auto parts stores are primarily tolulene? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 828
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From: Atlanta, GA
SLK32
Re: toluene as octane booster
Originally posted by Vomit
Based on numerous web postings, bought some toluene at Sherwin Williams and dumped a couple of gallons into the tank. My car was originally sold in New Jersey, and I suspect that the ECU may have been set new at 93? (or were they all set new at 91). In any case, a very noticeable improvement, especially here in CA where the do-gooders have decided that nobody needs more than 91 octane.
Based on numerous web postings, bought some toluene at Sherwin Williams and dumped a couple of gallons into the tank. My car was originally sold in New Jersey, and I suspect that the ECU may have been set new at 93? (or were they all set new at 91). In any case, a very noticeable improvement, especially here in CA where the do-gooders have decided that nobody needs more than 91 octane.
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 142
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From: santa barbara calif.
2004 clk500 coupe
fuel upgrades
why not go to any speedshop and buy some real high perf. high octane unleaded race fuel and mix it, there are many name brand race fuels that are oxygen sensor and catylist compatible, i currently use unocal 100 and vp101 with exceptional results, and they are readily available.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Race gas
Where do you buy the race gas and what does it cost? (not that it will help me much, since I live 300 miles from you!) Have you dyno'd your car? If so, did you test the race gas effect? Is Mr. "Your Catalytic Converter is going to die" an astute chemist, or just intellectually-challenged? Thanks for the info!
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 91
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C36
It is actually cheaper to buy race gas by the 55 Gal. barrel and have it dropped off at your doorstep. It makes a big difference. The more your engine is modded, the bigger difference it makes. Look on the web and have it shipped. It'll be cheaper than any local speed shop or bike dealer will sell it for.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 142
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From: santa barbara calif.
2004 clk500 coupe
Re: Race gas
Originally posted by Vomit
Where do you buy the race gas and what does it cost? (not that it will help me much, since I live 300 miles from you!) Have you dyno'd your car? If so, did you test the race gas effect? Is Mr. "Your Catalytic Converter is going to die" an astute chemist, or just intellectually-challenged? Thanks for the info!
Where do you buy the race gas and what does it cost? (not that it will help me much, since I live 300 miles from you!) Have you dyno'd your car? If so, did you test the race gas effect? Is Mr. "Your Catalytic Converter is going to die" an astute chemist, or just intellectually-challenged? Thanks for the info!
Last edited by clkguy; Feb 16, 2004 at 10:02 PM.
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