toluene?
 

what is this stuff? I hear that it boosts octane almost 10 points! what does it do besides boost octane? how much does it cost?

Ack, double post. My bad.

It only boosts your octane rating. Remember that octane ratings only determine the pressure at which your fuel will spontaniously ignite. Spontanious ignition is better known as knocking, pinging and detonation. So if your vehicle has a high compression ratio then you need high octane fuel to avoid this. You will also need to use even higher octane fuel if you are going to be running boost. Some say that toluene is bad for your health, but I'm skeptical. It is a paint solvent made from polyhydrocarbons (like gas) and mixes quite well but can separate after sitting for awhile (I forget how long). I doubt it is expensive and you should be able to pick it up at a paint store. Remember to do more research than ask the opinions of your fellow RX-7 forum members if you are serious about trying toluene for yourself.

I wonder how hard it is to make trinitrotoluene out of toluene. I also wonder if it is a similar procedure from the nitroglycerine trick.

would you by any chance know the chemical composition of toulene? I'm to lazy to call the paint store... tough day at school :( :o:

here's the goods. There were a couple threads on this topic before, but I looked at them and they are loaded with opinionated bullshit. here's some 3rd party facts and such, decide for yourself whether they are credible. I couldn't find a nice picture of the toluene molecule, so I made a 2D representation myself. It sucks, but it's better than what I could find.

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts56.html
http://home.kscable.com/ssutton/miat...e/toluene.html

http://www.rpi.edu/~skrzyj/toluene.jpg

Well, I've finally hit 100+ posts. Now I can change my avatar. Prepare to see the true JONSKI!!!!!
*drumroll*

hehe, bad hair day?
but anyways, thanks, now I can do a little research for myself......
I just read the second article and I am very happy :) I think I'm gonna get one of those giant drums, and keep it in my garage.... :)

Just remember that toluene will not stop the other ill effects of increased boost (I assume this is your goal). Make sure the integrity of your entire intake and turbo system is well within safe limits. Engine pop can be a dusey, too. I just would hate to see another dead seven. (I'm sure you'd be bummed, too)

I'm still looking into the trinitrotoluene thing, too. :evilgrin:

trinitrotoluene = TNT

I read the article, I know Trinitrotoluene is TNT :)
anyways, I am building a "race" 7, so I will have everything set.... but I am limited by the selection of aftermarket rotors. Also, There is no way I want to go below an 8.5:1 c/r.... phobia of mine.

Check out this site http://www.turbofast.com.au/racefuel15.html they have a lot of info about fuel properties and additives.

Toluene is the fuel that Formula 1 used during their turbo era. If F1 uses it then it is the best. I did some research on the stuff, plus I have a friend who is a chemist that helped me out. It is about 115 octane. You should not mix it more than 20% with your gas. If you use it regularly it WILL dry out everything rubber in your fuel system. Don't spill it on you... I use it on the days I go road racing only as a precautionary measure against detonation. Dont use it as an excuse to turn up the boost... You can buy it for about $5 per gallon from many paint stores. There is a wealth of information on it on the internet... and NO you cant just mix it with something to make TNT ;) ~Jeremy

if this stuff drys up anything rubber then wouldn't you need to worry about your o-rings? and does it dry up silacone?

amemiya no spell

You know this stuff is an AROMATIC, right?&nbsp It's in the same family as Xylene (another fuel octane enhancer) and MEK.&nbsp This stuff stinks, and it very bad for your health - can you can "carcinogen?"&nbsp With all aromatics, this stuff leaves DEPOSITS when you try to burn it - this is why you only use up to 20% mixtures with it.&nbsp Trying to burn straight Toluene, Xylene, or MEK is going to gum your entire engine up...



-Ted

wow, you revived a really old thread.

Toluene is a known carcinogen and is highly regulated by the EPA in industries. We had to get rid of our chemicals that had toluene in them. The dosages that you guys are using shouldn't have much effect on the environment. Like gas, just avoid breathing toluene in your system. You might father a rotorheaded child!! :o)