Octane - What is the real scoop

[RJSPD6]

I have a 2006 Mazdaspeed6 out here in the Southwest in Nevada. We only get 91 Octane gas. I have been having the hesitation under hard acceleration issue and was wondering:
A: If I should add an Octane booster?
B: Is there one that any one here can recommend.

The dealer was no help and just mention not to use one with added detergents.

Thanks
Ray(uhm)

 

[bova80]

octane booster won't do crap for you.

 

[desertmike680]

Ray, are you in Vegas or Parump? I'm in Vegas. No one in the city carries above 91 octane. Its a Southwest thing. Courtesy Mazda is ok. I'm taking my car to them tomorrow for possibly a front diff replacement. I'm not even going to ask them about the hesistation/power cut isssue....

 

[RJSPD6]

Yes I am in Vegas.
Yes I went to Courtesy. They did not have anything inspiring to say...

 

[The Great NY]

what are your MODS op?

 

[m4tic]

heatsoak, replace the stock top mount intercooler... stuttering on the 2-3 shift is common.. check your plugs to see if they have the proper gap, .28" (?)...

 

[Blendercloud]

To the OP, you can help slightly with the stuttering and knock by going a step colder on the plugs (Denso Iridium ITV22's; use google). It will help slightly, however it won't cure it. What I would do is buy a Cobb AP and run a base 91 map. But that's your call. Living in Vegas, you see some pretty hot summers which isn't going to help with the knock either.

As for octane booster, I wouldn't recommend it. The octane of the fluid in most octane boosters is only 94-95. You won't see much improvement, if any, using 91 octane fuel. Also, if you use too much octane booster, you will chemical foul your spark plugs and be in a world of hurt with spark knock. I recommend that you just don't use it.

 

[all4bspinnin]

also, just to add on the blenders post, i had itv22's but switched to itv24's and reduced knock even further. Those boosters like he said, are a joke. If you have the new cobb firmware, the newer maps are less aggressive. Also, try using one of the stage 1 maps from here... these are less aggressive and may run better on your car

http://mzdspd.com/mzdspd/default.aspx

also, according to cobb, a knock up to 1.0 is considered normal... the ecu constantly tries to advance timing. You may try finding a 100oct pump and adding a gallon or two to see how the car behaves. If you are catted, make sure its unleaded.

also, when you fuel up... shell, chevron, sonoco are the 3 best fuels according to my tuner. Anything else gives is iffy

my best recommendation to you, if you are going to mod your car, you are going to want a custom tune