OK, i have a 350 TBI Tuned camaro. i have readily access to 110+ octane racing fuel, would it be safe to run it in my engine, and what changes would i need to make to let it run correctly? example, spark plugs, and extra tuning. I understand that if i started running a racing fuel setup that i would have to keep running it until i changed everything back. Also the big question, would it be worth it? Would i see any gains anywhere? Thanks for the input guys.

 

Unless running boost or really high compression, it's a waste of money IMO.

On a stockish street motor without the above mentioned variables, it's like using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.

If your really determined too, your timing map will need to be reworked, and I still doubt you'd gain anything after all that work.

 

yup.

 

Octane rating of fuel is basically the resistance to ignition that the fuel has. So what happens is that 110 octane will take much more energy to light off than say 87 octane. What this allows you to do is squeeze the fuel much more before it will pre-ignite at the wrong time. Since your engine is already built there is no way to alter the compression.

If you are able to get the timing that allows you max power without detonation then you have nothing to gain from race fuel. Lets just say you make max power at 34 deg of timing, but you start getting a lot of knock counts at around 32 deg of timing. Then racefuel would benefit you because it will allow you to set your timing at 34 degrees. In the real world this rarely is the case unless you are running well over 10-1 compression.


In short, nope not worth it at all.

 

well put!

 

some folks run better on straight pump 92 octane.. i would only start using race gas in the 11.5:1+ compression ranges.. my bud at the track runs a 12:1 421 with iron heads and only mixes 25%race/75%pump

 

In addition to the info already posted, 110 octane will have lead in it. Using leaded fuel with an O2 sensor isn't such a great idea.

 

Thanks guys, im on a pit crew for a stock car driver at a local track, and can get racing fuel, or alcohol every week, just thought it might be worth it for any gains, thanks though!

 

I ran 110 last summer at the dragstrip, It didnt change a thing. I messed with the timing.. Didnt gain a thing. I Run 92 and 89. I swap back and forth..

 

I understand you guys say it don't do a thing. but get this, on my 90 seville, it actually makes that thing get great gas mileage! I can drive like 25 miles and it burn like .6-.8 gallons. This is also mixing it with 92 octane, I will normally add like 1 gallon 100 oct with about 5 gallons of 92. so wouldn't it give better mpg?

 

Depends.... Some cars run worse with higher octane.. However.. In the camaro with my setup I get 25 mpg... I put 7 Gallons Of 110 In last summer.. which Filled the tank (weight) and it took forever to burn it.. and of course I messed with the timing, and when I finally burnt it up I put 89 in and the engine was pinging up hills and stalling in Reverse.. So Back to messing with the Timing.. Speaking of that, I gotta do that right now..

 

I think you will lose some hp because of the slower flametravel!