Tetra-ethyl lead increased HP by at least 10% without adding oxygenates.
It did so by "smoothing the burn", same  as polyisobutylene, but by a
completely different mechanism. Lead provided a catalytic surface reaction
substrate, the claim with polyisobutylene seems to be that it prevents
different size molecules from burning at different times (engine knock
would be some of those molecules burning way to soon). Point is, sticking
with Exxon Supreme is not going to work because if the oil companies start
using this stuff they'll put it in everything, including Exxon Supreme, and
I'll bet they're not going to guarantee your WBX.

----------
> From: jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@msn.com>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: 10% increase in HP? Yes, chemist says!
> Date: Monday, August 28, 2000 8:08 PM
>
> Just because subject matter is presented at a National Meeting of the
> American Chemical Society does not mean it is correct.  I was at the last
> national meeting in March, and one of the papers that I listened to was
> approaching the realm of science fiction.
>
> Until someone guarantees results with my WBX, I will stick with Exxon
> Supreme and use the polyisobutylene in adhesives.
>
> John Lauterbach
> Macon, GA
> '84 DL
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Stuart MacMillan" <macmillan@home.com>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2000 4:08 PM
> Subject: 10% increase in HP? Yes, chemist says!
>
>
> > From the MG mail list, better living through chemistry!  Matthew, care
> > to investigate?
> >
> > http://www.eurekalert.org/releases/acs-pap080800.html
> > --
> > Stuart MacMillan
> > Seattle
> >
> > '84 Vanagon Westfalia
> > '65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
> > '74 MGB GT (Restoring)
> >
> > Assisting on Restoration:
> > '72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
> > '64 MGB (Son's)
> >
> > Parts cars:
> > '68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT