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Homebrew, Home Made Octane Boosters

Sunoco Ratings

SUNOCO "Standard"
Color...Purple
Research Octane...115
Motor Octane...107
R+M/2 ...111
Specific Gravity...0.725
Reid Vapor Pressure... 8#

Distallation temp, degrees F
Initial...90
10%...160
50%...220
Final...360

SUNOCO "GT Unleaded"
Color...Natural
Research Octane...105
Motor Octane...95
R+M/2 ...100
Specific Gravity...0.760
Reid Vapor Pressure... 8#

Distallation temp, degrees F
Initial...90
10%...150
50%...210
Final...230

SUNOCO "Supreme"
Color...Blue
Research Octane...116
Motor Octane...109
R+M/2 ...112
Specific Gravity...0.715
Reid Vapor Pressure... 8#

Distallation temp, degrees F
Initial...90
10%...155
50%...215
Final...260

SUNOCO "Maximal"
Color...Red
Research Octane...118
Motor Octane...115
R+M/2 ...117
Specific Gravity...0.700
Reid Vapor Pressure... 6#

Distallation temp, degrees F
Initial...100
10%...150
50%...220
Final...240

Richard Lassiter's "How to Mix Your Own Brew"

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", combines 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.

 

MAKE YOUR OWN OCTANE BOOST

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.

 
Disclaimer: this intellectual property is offered to engine owners at no charge. Use it at your own risk.



Created 11/2007
Updated Nov. 1st, 2007


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