Massimo T-Boss 410 Octane level

[T-boss 410]

Anyone know why the manufacturer calls for 91 octane for the T-boss 410? That fuel is becoming unobtainium around here unless a loan is taken out.

TIA!

[Bill Hughes]

Typically higher octane is required for higher compression engines. Higher octane retards premature detonation of the compressed fuel. If you can't get it at the pump, there are octane boosting additives at the stores. 

[T-boss 410]

I guess I should clarify that statement. It's available, but at a very high cost.

I have read that the octane boosters don't work as advertised. Have you had any experience with them?

[Bill Hughes]

There are many reputable brands. Most people don't understand what raising the octane does and its often mis advertised as a performance booster. It's not. It simply makes gasoline less explosive to allow for higher compression for engines that need that. Most modern engines are not designed for higher octane. I can't directly comment on the t410 engine design. I don't have one. 

[WhiteLightning]

I use 87 non ethanol and have had no problems with fuel system.

[T-boss 410]

I've checked with several gas stations near me, and so far none offer E0. I would love to find some E0 for my truck, too. The internet shows several stations in my area that have E0, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

[WhiteLightning]

try pure-gas.org    Its been helpful for me

[T-boss 410]

Thanks!

[T-boss 410]

On 1/7/2023 at 12:34 AM, Bill Hughes said:

There are many reputable brands. Most people don't understand what raising the octane does and its often mis advertised as a performance booster. It's not. It simply makes gasoline less explosive to allow for higher compression for engines that need that. Most modern engines are not designed for higher octane. I can't directly comment on the t410 engine design. I don't have one. 

Can you advise what ones may be reputable?

Thanks 

[Joe Breaux]

I dont know it these can tolerate low octane, the Comp ratio is around 10:1    I run only 93 Octane in all of my UTv and ATVs .. Its only 60 cents higher here than 87 octane.. maybe you should move here? lol just kidding.. Try it with just a gallon in the tank first.. If it pings , fill it with premium 

[T-boss 410]

Will do, thanks 👍

[Bill Hughes]

You'll get all kinds of opinions. Just remember they are uninformed opinions because none of these people will know the specifics of the engine design. Required octane isn't based purely on static compression ratio. There are many factors such as valve timing and piston shape . The only thing higher octane provides is the ability to compress the fuel more without pre detonation. It doesn't improve power. Go with the manufacturer recommend fuel. They designed the engine. If you can't get that fuel, use 87 and add an octane boosting additive. Cheaper than unobtainable fuel and just as effective. There's absolutely no good reason or benefits to run 93 octane in these engines 

[Joe Breaux]

I do own a Massimo and owners manual says 10:1 compression [ I did not tear it down and measure components] and  it recommends 91 octane or higher .. but you probably know more than they do.   no one suggested he would get more power from 91 octane but I do suggest he can detonate enough to destroy a piston with insufficient octane..  If it could run just fine on 87 , HISSUN  and Linhae would recommend it . just my 2 cents worth 

[Bill Hughes]

As I said. Compression does not dictate octane. Go with the manufacturer recommended fuel or use standard 87 and add octane booster. Same same 

[Joe Breaux]

so, did you try it on a little 87 octane to see if it pings? I am curious.. I have a Corvette with a stroker motor w/10.5: 1 CR and if you try running  anything less than 93 octane, it sounds like a bag of hammers 

[T-boss 410]

My 2011 Ram has a 10.5:1 cr, and I run 87 octane regularly. But, it's got knock sensors which change the timing to alleviate the noise. I don't believe that the Massimo is equipped with knock sensors.

[Joe Breaux]

yeah my 22 Ram E-Torque Hemi is 10.5:1 too .  16 spark plugs! Ram recommends 89 octane but they say you can run 87.. However ,Computer pulls timing  if it senses detonation . It does hurt MPG tho.  My Corvette is old school. no sensors or sophisticated Ignition/injection  that can pull out timing or change A/F ratios to suppress knock.. Hot weather really increases detonation. I doubt Massimo Ignitions are very sophisticated ..At the first sign of pinging I would dump in some booster or premium fuel 

[T-boss 410]

I have no idea what a reliable octane booster is. I played around with boosters like 104+ when I was younger, but I never really felt a difference.

[Bill Hughes]

you won't feel a difference, you might hear a difference. If the octane is too low, then the engine can "ping" that's a bad thing and could damage your engine. 

An octane booster can make a difference. In case you're unfamiliar with octane boosters, they're designed to improve fuel  stability (less explosive) under high compression by increasing the octane rating of the fuel you're getting at the pump. While they certainly aren't necessary for all engines, those that call for a higher octane level than is readily available will see significant improvements in performance and efficiency when octane boosters are used.

Boostane octane booster is a reliable brand and is available at Amazon. 

See this chart for mixing levels. 

doesn't take much , about 1 ounce does 3 gallons of 87 regular fuel for 91 octane application. 

[T-boss 410]

Thank you, sir.

[Joe Breaux]

4 hours ago, T-boss 410 said:

I have no idea what a reliable octane booster is. I played around with boosters like 104+ when I was younger, but I never really felt a difference.

if your engine needs the octane, the booster will eliminate the pinging and allow it to produce its full power ..If the engine doesnt need it, it will make zero difference

[T-boss 410]

Sounds good to me.