Fuel Formulas

Please note that I would NOT suggest that a person use the following fuel mixtures without considering the detrimental effects on their engine, vital engine components (O2 sensor, etc), and other potential damage. That said, the information is interesting.

                               Fuel Formulas
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Original publication is:
GS-Xtra
1213 Gornto Road
Valdosta, GA 31602
(912) 244-0577

Editor: Richard Lasetter, president Gran Sport Club of America (GSCA)
The title of the original was something like "Homebrew Octane Boosters"... I
took a little license in adding some things to the article from my experiences
when I typed it in, so it isn't verbatum, but most of the info came from Rich.

Formula #1 - Toulene
=============================

R+M/2.........114
Cost...........$2.50/gal

Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.2 Octane
20%...........96.4 Octane
30%...........98.6 Octane

Notes: Common ingredient in Octane Boosters in a can.  12-16 ounces will only
raise octane 2-3 *points*, i.e. from 92 to 92.3.  Often costs $3-5 for 12-16
ounces, when it can be purchased for less than $3/gal at chemical supply houses
or paint stores.

Formula #2 - Xylene
=============================
R+M/2.........117
Cost...........$2.75/gal

Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.5 Octane
20%...........97.0 Octane
30%...........99.5 Octane

Notes: Similar to Toulene.  12-16 ounces will only raise octane 2-3 *points*,
i.e. from 92 to 92.3.  Usually mixed with Toulene and advertised as *race
formula*.

Formula #3 - Methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE)
=============================
R+M/2.........118
Cost...........$3.50/gal

Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium

--------------------------------
10%...........94.6 Octane
20%...........97.2 Octane
30%...........99.8 Octane

Notes: Oxygenate.  Very common in octane booster products.  Has lower BTU
content than toulene or xylene, but oxygenate effect makes the gasoline burn
better and produce more energy.

Formula #4 - Methanol or Ethanol
=============================
R+M/2.........101
Cost...........$0.60 - $1.75/gal

Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.3 Octane (Methanol)
10%...........94.7 Octane (Ethanol)
20%...........Not Recommended

Notes: Methanol is wood alcohol.  Ethanol is grain alcohol and found in Gasohol
in 10% ratios.  Both alcohols are mildly corrosive and will eat gas tank
linings, rubber and aluminum if used in excessive ratios.  Main ingredient in
"Gas Dryers", combine with water.

Formula #5 - Isopropyl Alcohol and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol
=============================
R+M/2.........101
Cost...........$0.60-$1.50/gal

Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium
--------------------------------
10%...........94.5 Octane
20%...........Not Recommended
30%...........Not Recommended

Notes: Similar to Methanol/Ethanol.  Isopropyl Alcohol is simply rubbing
alcohol.

How to make your own octane booster (this is the basic formula of one of the
popular octane booster products). To make eight 16 ounce bottles (128 oz = 1
gal):

100 oz of toulene for octane boost
 25 oz of mineral spirits (cleaning agent)
  3 oz of transmission fluid (lubricating agent)

This product is advertised as "octane booster with cleaning agent *and*
lubricating agent!".  Diesel fuel or kerosene can be substituted for mineral
spirits and light turbine oil can be substituted for transmission fluid.  Color
can be added with petroleum dyes.