Is high octane worth it if I'm using an additive?

[PPestorius]

Howdy,
I've got an economics issue here.

I've been using 93 octace on my 69 Skylark for years with Red Line octane booster, however with gas prices like they are, I'm wondering if a lower octane would effect the engine's performance. How much does it matter whether I use 87, 89 or 93 octane if I'm buffering it with an additive?

Thanks alot,
P

 

[bobc455]

Rule of thumb: Use the lowest octane that will keep the car from pinging.

If you use too much octane, you are losing power (due to slower combustion) and gas mileage, and wasting money.

If you let the car ping, you are causing damage to internal parts.

I don't know what additive you are thinking about using, but be forewarned that if a octane booster claims it adds 3 points, then it will do exactly that- raise your octane from 89 to 89.3.

Money not well spent...

-Bob Cunningham
bobc@gnttype.org