I'm thinking of getting a Hahn Stage IV turbo for my N/A and was thinking at running around 15lbs of boost until I get the rest of the car uppgraded to handle the extra power of the stage four. (Although 15 is probably pushing it.) Unfortunately, we only get 91 octane here in California. To get the most out of the Turbo and the higher boost, I need 93 octane or better. I've read that pretty much all the octane boost in the bottles are worthless and only give a few points of octane increase. I've read about people using Toluene to mix in with premium gas (at 10%, 20%, 30% mixture) to increase the octane rating by a significant amount.

Can anyone comment on the effectiveness/safety to the engine of mixing in toluene??

BTW I also have a Magnaflow 3" catback, and will have a Hahn 3" cat installed.

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Mysterious w/ Steel/Sand, VIN# 000035

Don't mix anything in the fuel that is not labeled for mixing in the fuel!

Even though 84% by volume toluene has been used http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toluene by Formula 1 in the past it is tricky stuff, dangerous and hazardous alone. http://www.weitzlux.com/toluenelawsu.../tfacts56.html Spill one drop on your paint and you will kick yourself repeatedly for ever getting the stuff near your car. Now if you find an additive containing it it will be at lower, safer levels.

http://www.elektro.com/~audi/audi/toluene/

I suspect that IF you mix your own (never just dump a gallon of toluene into your tank) you probably will be in violation of several different EPA statutes by taking your car on the road.

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When more than one friend wants to ride shotgun

No, I do not work for GM or any subsidiary or supplier.

I've also read somewhere that mist cooling is in effect the same thing as boosting octane. However, I've seen nothing on this subject from the performance guys on the forum. I did see a limited edition WRX at the Texas Motor Speedway with a stock mist cooler. As you may also know 15psi is pushing the "springs" capability of the motor. At that pressure I might be inclined to add a head gasket to lower the compression. Clearbrainstall mixes 91 with 100 and runs around 13.5psi.

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Mysterious, Ebony w/ everything but OnStar and XM.
Hahn Stage III
Greddy Profec Boost Controller
Greddy BOV Upgrade
Zeitronics A/F & Boost Gage
Hi-Flow Converter, Magnaflow Cat Back
Goodyear Eagle D3's-WOW
Stabilizer Kit Upgrade
"Pontiac Racing" Illuminated Wind Restrictor
Power Steering Reservoir Move Mod
Dashhawk
Snow Perf. Methanol Injection

toluene and xylene are old school octane boosters... they work, but with consequences. My understanding is they're corrosive to fuel lines, rings, gaskets as well as internals within injectors, can gunk injectors, etc. Basically not worth long term use. ya, it's paint thinner.

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--== Boost! ==--
Maryland Turbo Solutions Inc.
www.BoostJunkies.com
2002 Trans-Am Firehawk - PT76-GTS, 230/230, 15psi. woooh!
2005 Legacy GT, T3/T04S 61-1 rotate, 22psi. woooh!
2007 Solstice GXP, EBC, Magnaflow. woo...limp. doh.
13.85@101 w/ 2.0 60' Damn it, I need a tune!
13.56@106 w/ a sideways 2.3 60' Better tires required.

My biggest concern, however, is not what it will do to your car. Cars can be replaced. The problem is that you don't have a good way to handle it safely, meaning you're at risk of exposure through inhalation and accidental contact with the skin. It also has a flash point of 36°F. See the Material Safety Data Sheet here.

People who need/want higher octane fuel for their car should locate a local racing fuel dealer. It's probably cheaper than mixing your own. It's definitely safer.

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Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.