There are several threads on this subject. Most digress into wordy "opinions" that only serve to confuse the question.
Q: Do octane boosters work to add performance without harming the motor in a 996 turbo?
Any real experts out there who can speak to this question?

 

The off-the-shelf octane boosters do not add enough octane to make a difference, especially if you are already using a high octane fuel.. If they say it adds 5 points, it will go from 93 octane to 93.5, if that. The effect of the chemical used to increase octane has diminishing returns as the octane increases.

In my Supra days some guys ran home-brew octane booster by mixing Toluene/Xylene with good results.. Not something I'd be willing to try though.

 

I have seen (use) knock retard values improve (Less retard) with Torco Accelerator

Toluene is also VERY GOOD but hard on the stock nylon fuel hose AND paint/clear coat.

 

You should see what toluene does to stainless and coated steel pipes. It is used in bulk as a down hole chemical on oil wells to increase production at the well. It over time will dissolve the pipe.

 

The best octane booster I know is 100 unleaded...it mixes very well with our crappy California 91 octane koolaid!

 

I forgot about Torco. I've never used it, but I think if someone were to use any of them, that would be the one to go with. Some of my GTR buddies swear by it.

 

Is your car tuned to run above 93 octane?

 

i run e85. best octane booster there is!!

 

if you run toluene or xylene it's recommended you mix in a wetting agent such as marvel mystery oil. these additives are very hard on your stock fuel system. E85 or Superblue is the way to go, remember if you run leaded it can hurt your 02 sensors.

 

bingo.

 

My preferred method is to mix a few gallons 100 unleaded in regularly and use about 50% on track days.

 

I've run Torco. Works great, hard on plugs (and turns them red).

If you really need the extra octane, this is a good move if you can't find 100 octane