A little octane boost...

Here's a recommendation for "best" octane I picked up for the averaging method rating of octane that is a good match for current street type compression ratios.

Octane (R+M)/2 C.R. 85 7.3:1 87 7.6:1 89 8.0:1 91 8.3:1

The pickup might fit in there somewhere, but the 50 is off the chart. That is, anything coming out of the pump probably has more octane than your 50 needs.

Steve

Methonal, even denatured ethanol will certainly boost the octane, but I doubt that at the engine speed and compression ratio carried by the '50's engine would show any measurable improvement.

During a good hot run, a water drip might probably gain you more.

The methanol does absorb extraneous moisture, which can then be vented during the combustion process, which is why the methanol containing products are called "dry gas" or "fuel line antifreeze". That's one good reason to use a product like that in winter months when partially filled tanks can condense some water.

My $.02

Frank-in-Tallahassee
70D // 855

Methonal, even denatured ethanol will certainly boost the octane, but I doubt that at the engine speed and compression ratio carried by the '50's engine would show any measurable improvement.

During a good hot run, a water drip might probably gain you more.

The methanol does absorb extraneous moisture, which can then be vented during the combustion process, which is why the methanol containing products are called "dry gas" or "fuel line antifreeze".

My $.02

Frank-in-Tallahassee
70D // 855