MAX POWER - after being so positive about the CB-26P they were sceptical of the PowerBoost de-coke formula and gave the stuff a really thorough test - of course most of their cars are well thrashed so we weren't expecting the test to show anything too dramatic but nevertheless there was a very positive result:

Tested on  Nissan Almera with 50,000 miles on the clock the Hydrocarbons emissions were reduced to nil (yes a 100% reduction!) and CO2 by 5% with extra BHP and more Torque - they also reported smoother running and better throttle response.

To quote them: "So yes, in our tests PowerBoost does live up to its claims - naturally different cars will see different results with older (more coked up) cars likely to see the biggest benefits."

MAX POWER Magazine Feb 2004 - Thanks guys - for the full article click here.

The Excellent Volkswagen Driver magazine were a little surprised at how well the PowerBoost treatment worked - their Test in the February 2003 issue says:

"Powerboost proven….

We’re normally rather sceptical about wonder products which claim to revitalise older engines, especially so when they come in gaudy ‘Max Power’- style packaging. But we decided to give Ecotek’s Powerboost a try and were pleasantly surprised to find that it does all that it says on the tin.

Powerboost is a chemical foam which is applied direct from the aerosol can into the intake system of the engine. It is claimed that the chemicals react with the heat of combustion to remove carbon and varnish deposits from the valves, pistons and combustion chamber, leaving the engine clean and rejuvenated.

Our test case was the 1996 Mk 3 GTI which we run as a project car, now with nearly 130,000 miles on the clock. Although running well, especially since a recent renewal of all the ignition components to cure a misfire, it inevitably had its fair share of carbon and varnish deposits and it was an ideal case for the Powerboost treatment.

Application entails removing a vacuum hose from the inlet manifold and injecting the foam, with the throttle held open and the engine running at around 3000rpm, for several minutes. The instruction is very specific not to inject it into the air intake upstream of the air mass meter, as this may cause problems with the engine management.

We’re not able to examine the internal components of the engine, but there’s no doubt that, since the Powerboost treatment, the engine has been running more smoothly at low throttle openings. It is also more responsive (subjectively more powerful) at higher engine speeds and generally feels much more enthusiastic."

Volkswagen Motoring Magazine no 33. February 2003

Not sure about the 'gaudy' packaging but "does what it says on the tin" is fine by us - thanks guys! Click on the articles to enlarge them.

"ECOTEK'S POWERBOOST sounds a bit too good to be true; spray it into a warm engine to get a cleaner running car and more power into the bargain.

However, in a recent trial, the vehicle in question gained a couple of bhp overall and even more than that in the mid-range.

Importantly, the emissions were also improved, which could be vital for anyone dragging their 'borderline' car off for an MOT. Powerboost works like RedEx of old (just ask your dad!) and removes the build-up of carbon and other nasty deposits, literally scouting out the top-end of the engine. At £27.50 for a 600ml can, it's worth a try on any high-mileage engine before you start expensive repair work."

Diesel Car - August 2003

Now, not many of  you spend too much time seeking out ADI Magazine - but then not too many of you are Advanced Driving Instructors - in fact probably not many of us are advanced drivers!

As you'd expect these guys know a thing or two and here's an excerpt from their review of PowerBoost in the Dec/Jan 2003 issue (click on the article for the full Monty!):

"To apply the treatment is simplicity itself. Make sure the car engine is at working temperature and remove one end of the hose attached to the air filter box. The instructions supplied are quite comprehensive and leave no doubt as to how you should proceed.

As my car is fuel injected, I took care to follow the instructions regarding the Air Mass Meter (AMM). This means that when applying the chemical foam from the aerosol, you should make sure that it goes in 'downstream' of the AMM, as there could be a problem with the chemicals affecting the AMM sensors. There is a useful extension tube supplied (there are two tubes actually, as the can contains enough Power-Boost foam for two treatments of a lower mileage engine) which allows you to both keep the aerosol upright and deliver the foam past the AMM.

Following the instructions, I injected the foam for two minutes while a colleague kept the engine revs up to between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. After the two-minute period you let the engine idle for a further three minutes before repeating the process. This cycle is repeated four times and will exhaust the contents of the aerosol. The final part of the routine is to take the car for a brisk drive of at least ten minutes, where possible using the full rev range in order to complete the decoking process.

So, did it work? Remember I said that the Laguna was running as well now as it was over 100,000 miles ago? Well, common sense would say that there is bound to be some loss of performance over that sort of mileage. As the deterioration is going to be slight and over a long period of time, the driver may not be aware of what is happening. Such was the case here. My car is an automatic and, by design, was never exactly a 'ball of fire" in the performance stakes.

However, after the Power-Boost treatment, I noticed that the gearbox seemed more eager to 'kick-down' in most situations, and the engine felt a bit more responsive. Signs of a livelier engine for sure."

ADI News Magazine Dec/Jan 2003

STILL more PowerBoost Reviews CLICK HERE