RMMGS4 stands behind the NOS octate additive and I just picked up a few bottles today as well. I wondered if any of you use any of this type of additive? In California our Octane is down to 91 so it might help?

NOS sells three different types, Street, Off Road and Performance. I picked up the Street version which ads about 6 octane...

 

I was there when we talked about it, but it was RedGS4 that stands behind it. I've tried it too, but it was hard for me to tell. Still have some in my garage. I'll have to try it again in the future.

RMMGS4

 

Sorry bout that, RMM - it was red....a little alias mixup.

 

I've personally not tried an octane booster but I did hear a statement made by one of the Powerhouse Racing guys a couple of weeks ago. One IS300 guy at the meet had some low horsepower numbers on the dyno and he was asked what octane he was running. The guy said that 91 was all they could get in Oklahoma. The PR guy told him that 93 octane would had given him another 10 RWH.

This guy was one of the team that was manning the dyno and I can only assume that he knew what he was talking about. Seems like a lot of hp for 2 octane and I can't vouch for its accuracy - but I was standing there and heard him say it.

My .15 cents worth.

 

Our cars were designed for higher than 91 octane. When a "modern" engine computer detects knocking it retards the timing which cuts your horsepower.

I have not personally dynoed this on a GS400 nor do I personally know anyone who has -- so accept this or not. Modern engines DO function in this way but whether the bump in octane is enough for the computer in -my- car to advance the timing and provide the extra HP is unproven.

If you do decide to run the octane boost, buy the better stuff. For most the main ingredient(s) are the same, but look for something that will not harm your cats, does not have a lot of "FOOFY" detergents and other non-essentials and also important.... Can easily be poured. I swear that the designers of some of these packages have never attempted to use what they sell. Many come in containers that are designed to spill all over the side of my car. I'm not pushing NOS specifically, but I like the packaging the best. It comes in a metal container with a long screw on spout. Not a drop spilled.

As for which "level" of boost to buy, I doubt that running race formula adds anything more than the street version. The engine computer is designed to advance the timing only so far and increasing the octane beyond a certain point is moot. UNLESS you have some sort of after market chip or engine management system [SC or Turbo] designed for higher octane.

 

hey guys,
just some fyi for ppl who wanna kno..

btw.. for those who want to use octane boost, look for the ones that have marked "safe for oxygen sensors & catalytic converters". of course i dont know for sure but buddy mentioned that to me a long time ago so you don't damage your engine with harmful additives.

i tried a few different brands of octane boost (on top of 91 premium.. only gas i use ), and this is what i felt. of course, i'm just sharing what i saw IMHO.
STP.. didnt notice anything big, buy engine did start and run smoother, and i could feel smoother engine power especially in acceleration. NOS street... little more power boost that STP i felt, but my engine still knocked a little when i started her up. seemed actually weaker than stp for some reason... and yes, THE best packaging/container - gotta love the spout. no mess! but my favorite one is in a black bottle from Napa. at first it looked like some cheap generic one that i found at a gas station, but i used it 2 times.. and i really felt the difference - no knocks on ignition, very smooth power gains. hard to find tho.. not at automart or kragen or any of those places. only one shell i go to has them.. has anyone used this boost b4? i'm gonna try in NOS race formula sometime soon.. but maybe i should use fuel system cleaner as my engine knocks on premium fuel these days. i've heard that 104 octane boost is supposed to be very good, but dont know.

i put in boost sometimes to let my engine off the leash or when i feel bored.. maybe once a month. sometimes i feel noticable cleaner smoother operation. sometimes, its really suttle. it also makes a difference what brand gas is used too.. used shell my whole life. is there something better?

my 2 cents

*edit* almost forgot.. i felt these on my GS3. i'm not sure if GS4 yields similar results... didnt drive one long enough to test. i hope still helps a little.