| <!img class="inlineimg" src="multisite-style/f30/statusicon/post_old.gif" alt="Old" border="0" />03-12-2017, 11:29 PM | #1 |
Second Lieutenant 87 Rep 239 Posts | Octane Boosting 91 to 93 Looking into new ways of further improving my n20s performance. The debate now is e85 (40% blend), or either the bms or afe meth kit. I'm leaning toward the meth kit out of convenience (and I've heard it works wonders with the 320 compression). But in the meantime... Anyone experiment with Octane Boosters? I've heard mixed things. Mainly that they aren't very effective -- only adding a few points of octane at best. However, when running 91 octane vs say 93 octane or even 100 octane, my ignition timing consistency growth is amazing. The 320i, being slightly higher compression clearly loves the high octane. The 93 octane blend hits a real sweet spot on map 2, and I'm hoping I can fill up with 91 and add a bottle of some Octane boost with MTT. If it can safely manage to get me even two extra points of octane, that would be a cheaper way of achieving a 93 blend without having to mix 91 octane with a few $10 gallons of 100 octane. Any advice would be much appreciated! Any brands to look out for or avoid? Is there a certain amount that should be used per tank or a certain grade/quality? Any risks (fuel pump issues, etc.)? Some of these brands are as cheap as $3 a pop! Would be a great solution if it's R E A L. Thanks in advance, I noticed this topic was discussed a couple times already. I saw mike said a few helpful suggestions, but I haven't been able to get a clear picture of which brands are safe to buy, and how much to use. I think those of us stuck with 91 could really benefit from this. Last edited by BMWtight2me; 03-13-2017 at 04:16 AM.. |
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wishful thinkingThe discussion you've shared revolves around optimizing engine performance by adjusting the octane levels in fuel, particularly for a BMW N20 engine. The individual is exploring methods like using E85, methanol injection kits from BMS or AFE, and considering octane boosters to achieve higher octane levels than what's available from standard fuel pumps.
Regarding expertise in this area, optimizing engine performance through fuel composition and ignition timing adjustments requires a deep understanding of engine mechanics, fuel chemistry, and performance tuning. I can draw on my knowledge of these subjects to shed light on the concepts mentioned:
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Octane Ratings: Octane ratings denote a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging in an engine. Higher octane fuels allow for more aggressive ignition timing, improving performance in high-compression engines like the N20.
See AlsoHow to Fix a Gas Octane Mixup -
E85 (Ethanol Blend): E85 is a popular choice for enthusiasts due to its higher octane rating compared to regular gasoline. However, it requires specific tuning and modifications to the fuel system because of its different stoichiometric ratio and corrosive properties.
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Methanol Injection Kits: Methanol injection kits, like those from BMS or AFE, inject a fine mist of methanol into the intake charge. This lowers intake air temperatures and increases octane, allowing for more aggressive tuning without causing detonation.
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Octane Boosters: These additives aim to increase the octane rating of fuel when added to the tank. However, their effectiveness can vary significantly based on the brand and concentration used. They might marginally raise the octane level but often fall short of the benefits of higher octane fuel.
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Risk Considerations: While experimenting with higher octane blends or additives, there are potential risks to consider, such as fuel system compatibility, the potential for engine knock if not tuned correctly, and the impact on various engine components like fuel pumps.
In the context of the discussion, the user is seeking advice on octane boosters as a cost-effective method to raise the octane level of 91 octane fuel to achieve performance akin to a 93 octane blend. The concerns revolve around brand reliability, dosage recommendations, potential side effects on the fuel system, and overall effectiveness.
To assist the user, recommendations might include researching reputable brands of octane boosters, following dosage guidelines provided by the manufacturer, and monitoring the engine's response to ensure it operates optimally without encountering issues like knock or adverse effects on fuel system components. Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced tuners or automotive forums specialized in BMW performance modifications could provide valuable insights tailored to the N20 engine's specific requirements.
