Octane boost is a waste of money. It only improves the octane rating a
few
"points"... but those points are not from 89 octane to 93 octane... it's
89
octane to 89.3 octane. You can formulate your own octane boost, and
while it is
less than what you would pay, it is still expensive and difficult to
transport.
As I contemplate my 11.7 to 1 compression, I have given serious
consideration to
water injection again. Hot topic on turbo-charged cars, and a proven
"octane"
enhancer. The goal of octane is to keep the fuel from pre igniting.
The proper
amount of water (or water with methanol or alcohol) will do the same and
far
cheaper. However, getting the "right" amount takes some effort, a
problem that I
am working on, and that others (Edelbrock, Spearco, Aquamist) have done,
but
somewhat expensively and with varying degrees of success (so I hear). I
am
currently looking for a vacuum actuated switch that will switch on the
pump when
the engine is under load (anyone have any suggestions? I would like to
mount the
switch or take signal off of the intake manifold, so it will switch on
when
vacuum decreases instead of increases, as I do not have a vacuum port on
the SK
carbs, or on the Mikunis either). Other improvements to reduce
pre-ignition
revolve around getting a cooler air/fuel mix into the engine, thus the
increased
use of cold air boxes and coated headers to reduce underhood temps. You
can also
back off your timing a bit. If I am able to develop a system that works
well and
is inexpensive, I will post it, assuming it gets made at all... I have
yet to run
the engine and it is possible that the other mods done will keep it from
pinging
even at that compression... but I doubt it.
Oh, by the way, I looked closer and found that I DO have a pilot bushing
in the
crank... a flashlight is a wonderful thing, huh? Thanks again!
Greg Burrows
Dave Stoll wrote:
> After temperatures soared to the 40 deg. mark on Thursday and Friday,
I
> started to begin shoveling out the roadster.
> I took off the tarps and let it air out Friday and even started it and
let
> it run for awhile.
>
> As the gas prices rise, I've begun to wonder if adding octane booster
to
> regular gas might be a cheaper route than the usual "high test" gas I
> usually put in the roadster. Anyone done any experimenting with this
issue?
> I only have about another month of winter weather to deal with and
want to
> be ready ....
>
> ...yes its true, 40deg. and we all were riding around with the windows
> down...saw one guy in shorts and one motor scooter....
> people flock to the car wash and then drive out on roads with melting
snow
> running all over the pavement.....
> daveS
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