MTS:
Subject:
(1.) MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbony). (2.) The cost of using NOS octane booster verses racing fuel. and (3.) Your question, “Aren't these cars turned for 87 octane anyway?”
I am not a Chemical Engineer so I have to rely on data provided by other reliable sources. On the specific subject of MMT, two of those data sources were, The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and Afton Chemical Corporation. I also reviewed other data, but it basically stated the same conclusions as the EPA and Afton.
1a.) EPA Quote:
“MMT is allowed in U.S. gasoline at a level equivalent to 1/32 grams per gallon manganese (gpg Mn). In its decision on the use of MMT in the U.S., the EPA determined that MMT, added at 1/32 gpg Mn will not cause or contribute to regulated emmissions failures of vehicles. Some have expressed concerns that the use of MMT may harm on-board diagnostic equipment (OBD) which monitors the performance of emission control devices in the vehicle. As of this time, the Agency believes the data collected is inconclusive with regard to OBD.”
1b.) Afton Chemical Corp. Quote:
Frequently asked questions on MMT:
What exactly is MMT fuel additive?
“It is a thermally stable organic liquid whose main ingredient is manganese. It is compatible with all fuels and has been safely in use around the world for over 30 years. It is commercially available as HiTEC 3000 Octane improver.”
Why is MMT used in gasoline?
“ MMT can be added to gasoline without the need for additional refinery processing and without altering gasoline volume, volatility, or energy content. By acting as a more efficient octane booster than ethanol or MTBE, it provides an economic way to produce high-quality gasoline.”
Where is MMT approved for use?
“ MMT Fuel Additive is approved and used in all regions of the world. MMT is currently used in the US, Canada, Europe, Africa and Asia, as well in Central and South America. Over 150 refiners in 45 different countries benefit from its use.”
Is MMT fuel additive safe for all vehicles?
“ Yes, extensive testing and decades of real world experience shows that vehicles have operated satisfactorily. Additional vehicle testing (over 16 million km) demonstrates clearly that even the latest vehicle technology performs well on MMT. In fact, MMT fuel additive has been shown to have a positive effect on durability and performance of catalytic converters and oxygen sensors.”
Why is there apparent controversy over MMT use in vehicles?
“ The Automobile Industry has claimed, contrary to independent findings, that MMT impairs vehicle emission systems. The EPA and Canadian Government have both ruled independently that no such impairment has ever been scientifically demonstrated.”
If MMT is cleaner burning, why does the Auto Industry oppose it?
“ MMT like any of the other disfavored fuel components identified in the automobile industry's Worldwide Fuel Charter, increases the range of fuels that must be accounted for by vehicle manufacturers when they design and test the vehicles they produce. This increase in fuel variation has significant cost implications for the automobile industry, and provides a clear financial incentive to seek tighter fuel specifications, including specifications that restrict us of MMT.”
How does MMT effect Vehicle Emissions?
“ MMT has been found to improve the durability and performance of vehicular exhaust catalysts. Throughout the life of a vehicle, MMT also helps maintain emission performance by protecting catalysts and oxygen sensors from degradation (caused by poisons such as phosphorus from the lubricating oil)."
What are the Current Facts toward MMT?
“ MMT has approvals from Regulatory Bodies and is allowed in virtually all gasoline specifications worldwide.”
“Officially acknowledged US EPA studies and test protocols have been used to prove that MMT does not have detrimental effects on modern vehicles emissions systems (proven by both independent and Afton Chemical testing facilities).
“MMT is one of the safest options for producing cleaner burning gasoline with minimal health or environmental risks. Given the extensive testing that has been carried out over time, more is known about these aspects of MMT use than with other gasoline components. Comprehensive reviews show that its use in gasoline reduces other potentially harmful components.”
In conclusion, I respect your opinions and the opinions of the Idaho Corvette Page organization who you mentioned, but I personally question some of their findings in the report such as:
A. “So if your using the Racing formula then you can potentially raise your octane up 30 points, but those boosters also contain a lot of MMT.” My Response: Apparently, most gasoline over the past 30 or so years used in the US and other countries use MMT as a way to increase octane per the above information provided by the EPA and Afton.
B. “We would not use MMT octane booster in a Corvette with OBD2. In fact, we're not even comfortable with long-term, regular use in any engine with 02Ses and cats, OBD2 or otherwise.”
My Response: After extensive testing by the Chemical Company that manufactures MMT, EPA and others who have conducted research studies, MMT may have been taking a bad rap by the automobile companies due to significant cost implications for the automobile industry.
2a. Your article stated: “Priced NOS Racing Formula on the Internet and at retail vendors. It averaged $12.99 per bottle.”
I purchase NOS Octane Booster, Street Formula from Summit Racing at $5.95 per bottle ( 3 octane number increase). Summit Off Road Booster (5 octane number increase) is 7.95 per bottle. When you calculate the cost of racing fuel verses the Street Formula NOS Booster, my numbers come out totally different then 70 cents more for the racing fuel. Where I live, 93 octane from the local service station is 2.39 per gallon, or for 15 gallons, the price would be $35.85. Add the $5.95 for the Street Formula Booster and this would equal $41.80 for 15 gallons of 96 octane. Racing fuel in our area is about $6.00 per gallon which would equal, 15 gallons X $6.00 = $90.00. So the cost difference is $90.00 for the racing fuel or $41.80 for 93 octane and the Octane Booster. That equates to a $48.20 savings per 15 gallons of fuel.
Granted, the racing fuel has a higher octane, but as mentioned in my prior post, my car does not seem to give any performance increase with over 96 octane. I have tried all three types of fuels, NOS Street Booster, NOS Off Road Booster and Racing Fuel, so for me, the racing fuel or the Off Road Booster is a waste of money for my particular GXP since it does not respond any better above 96 octane.
3. “Aren't these cars tuned for 87 octane anyway?”
The GXP manual (page 237) recommends 91 octane or higher. It also states, GM does not recommend octane-enhancing additives containing MMT.
Upon reading GM's warning against MMT back in December when I got my GXP, I started performing some research on MMT and could not find any conclusive evidence supporting GM's concern of using MMT. So I also contacted some former Chemical Engineers that worked for me at Garrett AiResearch and Pratt & Whitney (PWA) and asked if they had performed any current studies in Garrett's Turbocharger Division or PWA's experimental Engine Division. It seems that Garrett nor PWA could find any evidence of MMT causing deterioration of emission components. So my position is, when I know I will be using my car for high performance activities, I will use NOS Octane Booster, which is very rarely. I will most likely be using the Booster less than 1% of the total time of engine operation. Not so much out of fear of engine/emission damage, but more of facing the facts that I'm no longer capable of driving on the drag strip or Autocrossing, due to my advanced age and lack of good reflexes and peripheral vision.
However, I still enjoy speed, although my wife thinks I'm nuts. Currently, I'm still keeping my appetite wet by performing some research utilizing different methods of increasing octane levels by testing Anhydrous and hydrated Ethanol. We used to use different types of Ethanol in Fuel Cells when we needed to find better methods to oxygenate fuel for different types of applications in the Aerospace Industry, but that is another story!
In summary, I appreciate your dialogue and enjoy hearing all sides of an opinion, equation or supposition. Differences of opinion are how we all learn and increase our knowledge. When we find something that works for us, we stay with it, until we find something better. It is people like you who are never satisfied with the status quo, that will make mankind's future different. Keep on learning, but don't believe everything you read or hear. Keep questioning things that do not go with your current beliefs. In this way, you will either learn or teach some others who oppose your point of view. Wishing you a great day.
Frank I
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