Yes, its a pure hydrocarbon, C8H10.

 

I tried Toluene w/horrible results one time. I believe it was from Sherwin Williams. I later learned that there are different grades of it and you need to stay away from certain types. Anyone have a short answer as to what to look for? ...or do I need to read that link earlier in the thread? Thanks.

 

Maybe you bought a blend instead of straight toluene?

Still got the can?

 

Yeah, I dont think it was pure Toluene. I was going to try that stuff one time because they were out of Xylene. I cant remember what it was (been a few years) but something I read on the can made me skeptical. I guess im glad that I passed on it and ended up going to Lowes There are different grades and some cans will have a % purity printed on it.

I havnt found a good source for Toluene but ive used the Xylene from Sherwin Williams and Lowes(actually labeled Xylol there) many of times with no problems. It comes in 1 gallon rectangular metal cans with plastic screw caps.

 

Thanks. It's been years since I tried the toluene so I can't remember what it was ....it said it was pure though and it was still junk, never had more knock retard. I never found Xylene before so I will try that next time, thanks for the info.

 

I've posted about this previously, please do a search. But in short be VERY CAREFUL about toluene or xylene mixtures. They will increase the octane of your fuel, but the car will run leaner unless you have a separate tune or raise your FP with an AFPR. Luckly, most LT1 tunes are rich anyway, so you can probably get away with a 1/4 mix. But on a cold day you need to be especially careful. Personally, I wouldn't do it without a wide-band verified tune for that particular mixture.

One other thing is that the mixture will burn slower than gasoline. So, advancing the timing is going to be needed to avoid power loss. Overall, I'd call it foolish to just dump an aromatic into your gas and expect any positive change. If you are able and willing to do some controlled dyno experiementation, you may find something useful.

Rich

 

Thanks. Proof that absolutely NOTHING is ever simple. These days my 9.5:1 static C.R. should be safe for the 7 PSI (on 7.8:1 E.C.R. motor) on pump gas I'm running now, so maybe I should just stick w/pump gas at 92+ and forget it ....not seeing knock now anyway.

Thanks again.

 

BTW: the stoichiometric air:fuel ratio for 100% toluene is ~11.5:1.

Rich

 

Bryan 94 Z28 -
They sell 100 octane unleaded Sunoco fuel here in my area

could you tell me where exactly you get Unleaded Sunoco 100???
Please??? I am located in Des Moines and can only get 92 Octane...I used to find Conoco 100 octane a year ago but they closed.

 

Dale's Tires & More on Euclid, call them ahead of time to make sure they have some on hand. They sell it out of a 55 gallon drum. Bring your own container because they won't pump it straight into your car. I think it was $4.75/gallon last time I got it this past summer.

You ever go to Porky's during the summer?