Using Race Gas?

[nicksdad]

Hi list, I have a totally stock Sy with 66k miles and a replacement turbo. I would like to ask what if any concerns there are with using 100-octane pump race gas from Union 76 here in Northern California. My Sy runs like it never has before with it's first tank full of race gas.

I was told I might run the risk of buring some pistons if I keep using it for any length of time? Any experienced owners out there with using race gas in a stock Sy?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[UR50SLO]

Re: Using Race Gas?

Hello Mike...

With most injected cars ours are equiped with a knock sensor. This allows us the computer to see when detonation occurs. With higher octane (slower burning fuel) there is less tendency to create a condition where the engine could detonate (ping,knock)
So.. especialy in our engines where we are forcing alot of air and fuel in a small space, detonation can start and the knock sensor hears this and retards the ignition timing to prevent engine damage.
With race gas... the detonation threshold is higher and there is little or no knock with stock boost so the gain your feeling is the full advantage of ignition timing working for you.
And it smells good too
Scott~

 

[gmcturbo]

Re: Using Race Gas?

i know leaded gas will kill the cat and o2 sensor. amybe clog up the injectors a little faster? i dont know for sure on that last one. expect about 3-4 months out of an o2 sensor from my experiences.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Using Race Gas?

Hi list, I have a totally stock Sy with 66k miles and a replacement turbo. I would like to ask what if any concerns there are with using 100-octane pump race gas from Union 76 here in Northern California. My Sy runs like it never has before with it's first tank full of race gas.

I was told I might run the risk of buring some pistons if I keep using it for any length of time? Any experienced owners out there with using race gas in a stock Sy?

I have used it as have many other SyTy owners. The only problem with race gas is if its leaded. (I have used leaded race gas) The lead will eventually ruin the O2 sensor and clog the catalytic converter. That situation happens with extended use, I know many people who have used it for years (and many tank fulls) without any problems . If leaded race gas was used full time for a year I would suspect you would have some problems. IMO its like most everything in life, use it in moderation and you won't have any problems...

 

[UR50SLO]

Re: Using Race Gas?

He had stated that it's 100oct pump gas... and being in CA with their emissions I'd guess leaded race fuel is not sold at many stations...?
~Scott

 

[QUICK STORM]

Re: Using Race Gas?

hey mike, did you change your screen name from mtb9192? unleaded 100 octane should be good. if its leaded it might coat the o2 sensor

 

[myclone]

Re: Using Race Gas?

As long as its unleaded fuel you can run it as much as you like with no ill affects other than your tires will wear faster .

If its leaded fuel then filling up for trips to the track every so often usually doesnt harm the cat or 02 sensor as long as you run a tank full or two of unleaded fuel aftwords. Running leaded fuel exclusively will eventually kill the 02 and coat the media inside the cat which will render it inaffective (=failed emissions test). Ive ran a few tanks of 116 leaded so far with no problems with my 02 but I do run a few tank fulls of unleaded between leaded fill ups which keeps things clean of the leaded fuels contaminates IMO.

Best way to sum it up is what Dave said...."IMO its like most everything in life, use it in moderation and you won't have any problems"

 

[nicksdad]

Re: Using Race Gas?

Thanks everyone for your input regarding my inquiry about running race gas. Your comments have given me peace of mind. I forgot to mention that it is unleaded Race Gas. There is no leaded fuel for sale in California as far as I know for street use, but I could be wrong?

Actually I was very surprised to find this source for "public use" and only 2 miles from my house. Very tempting to head over there everytime the gauge gets own to half tank. When I bought this gas a week ago it was selling for $4.79/gallon and it took $62 and some change to top off my tank. Considering it has been costing me as much as $45 to fill the tank with only 91 octane unleaded premium which is "standard premium" in the state of California. I feel I can treat my Sy to the really good stuff alittle more than I might if prices weren't as high as they are right now.

My buddy Tom Dowd (a.k.a. Norcal terror) uses this gas station as his normal gas station because of the mods he has done to his new motor that Mike Lee built for him. Yes you do get "HIGH" driving behind Tom especially when he jumps on it. 100 octane is potent smelling stuff.

"Quickstorm" to answer your question "Did I change my screen name?" Answer is yes. I'll explain my reasons for doing this when I see you at Toms party on the 22nd.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

Mike