What is Octane?

Prior to any discussion about octane boosters, it’s important to better understand what octane and octane ratings are.

What is Octane?

“Octane” is actually a hydrocarbon found in gasoline. However, many use the term to refer to “octane rating.”

Octane is a highly volatile compound with chemical formula C8H18. There are different structural isomers that vary by the kind of branching that occurs in its carbon chain. Isooctane (2,2,4-trimethylpentane) is one of these isomers. It is a key component of the octane rating system.

What is an Octane Rating?

Octane rating is “an index of a fuel’s ability to resist engine knock at high compression.” Octane ratings are derived from anti-knock ratings which are equal to the percentage of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane in a given fuel blend. Pure heptane carries an anti-knock rating of zero, while pure isooctane carries an anti-knock rating of 100. Modern octane ratings are essentially the anti-knock ratings of various fuel blends.

Most gas stations carry gasoline with octane ratings ranging from 87 to 93. An 87 octane rating refers to a fuel blend that is 87 percent isooctane and 13 percent n-heptane or an equivalent. By comparison, 93 octane fuel includes a higher percentage of isooctane. This premium gasoline powers certain turbocharged and other high-performance engines.

Racing fuel is often 100 octane. With the addition of methanol or ethanol, it is possible for fuel to have an octane rating even higher than 100. Octane ratings sometimes drop below 87 in certain regions outside the United States.

Knock sensors quickly adjust engine timing to allow modern engines to burn fuel with a lower octane rating. These sensors detect subtle engine vibrations. Adjustments happen before engine damage potentially occurs. However, it is still common for engine performance to suffer.

What is an Octane Booster?

Octane boosters help you to deliver a more potent fuel grade to your engine. They benefit you in two ways. First, by providing more power. Second, by limiting pre-ignition, detonation and other adverse engine behavior.

Not surprisingly, those of you that have performance cars naturally expect performance. Use an octane booster to deliver a ping and knock-free experience on the track or out on the open road.

Consider these three popular octane boosters.

104+ Octane Boost

104 Octane Boost was the very first octane booster in the United States. Today’s 104+ Octane Boost is an even more effective formula that simultaneously boosts power, cleans fuel injectors and improves fuel economy. Experience reduced hesitation, knocks and pings. A single 16 oz. bottle treats up to 18 gallons of fuel.

104+ Max Octane Boost

Take engine performance to the next level with 104+ Max Octane Boost. Maximize power and increase MPG. The formulation cleans your fuel system, including those all-important fuel injectors. It is safe for O2 sensors and catalytic converters. One 16 oz. bottle treats up to 25 gallons. Add 104+ Max Octane Boost to your fuel, and put your pedal to the metal!

104+ Octane Boost Motorsports

Are you the proud owner of one or more motorcycles, ATVs or jet skis? Use a specially formulated octane booster called 104 Octane Boost Motorsports. This product doubles the octane boost of the original 104 formula to maximize power and acceleration. It also cleans the entire fuel system, including your fuel injectors. Each bottle treats up to seven gallons of any gasoline blend, including ethanol.

Final Tips

Ideally, you want to use an octane booster at every fill-up. To maximize the premium power and performance benefits of an octane booster, make sure you start using it a number of weeks before a racing or other special event. This allows the formulation to fully infiltrate the engine and fuel system to ensure a maximum gain.