So I don’t have access to 93 octane where I live, any opinions in using an octane booster on this engine? With the high compression I am assuming higher octane would be best for engine health and longevity, but wonder if these additives are safe or even work.

 

I have a neighbor that swears by Lucas (available by the case on Amazon) as a way of boosting his octane for his Cobra replica...

You absolutely don't want to drive excessively on lower octane fuel as the pinging / predetonation causes damage...

 

Thank you, been following your thread btw, amazing work. Do you think those additives are safe? That’s my main concern.

 

The boosters you can buy in little cans are snake oil. Most are snake oil with MMT which over time harms catalytic converters.
Some use toluene, but none raise the octane enough to make a difference. For example: if the can says it raise the octane 4 points, it means from 90 to 90.4.

You could use straight toluene, but you’d need to add several gallons to a full take.

89/90 might not be optimal, but it's certainly safe for 11.3 -1.

 

I swear by octane boost in these V8... Both Maserati and AM’s. Especially if youre not putting 93 into already.... I do 93 plus a red bottle on every fill...

 

To the OP, how high octane can you get? And related, can you get it without ethanol?

Locally, I can get Ethanol 94, and pure gas 91 (Shell). I run the latter most of the time, relying on knock sensors in my various 'modern cars' - even the 1997 993 will adjust timing accordingly. High load, high temps or track - then I run the 94. I would think all modern cars will adjust timing, esp. for regular driving loads?

If there's anything specific to the AM, would be grateful to hear from someone more knowledgeable. I would be surprised if boosters will do anything (good, or necessary).

Cheers

Matt

 

I have 91 with 10% ethanol, it is mandated by law where I live. I can also get race fuel relatively near me but at $9 for 101 octane or $7 for 95. Aston recommends no less than 93, but the manual says 91 may be used but not ideal. The first few times I fueled it I blended half 91/95 (to get to 93) but that has quickly become not only expensive but a hassle.

 

Are you considering the octane rating discrepancy between the US and UK? Just in case your car has instructions in UK octane, Super Unleaded 97 octane in the UK is equivalent to 91 octane in the US.

I would also assume the engine has knock sensors which will continually adjust timing in milliseconds to eliminate any detonation.

Just checking!