Race Fuel, can I use it?

[Chris_H]

Ok, I have heard that I can use race fuel, and I have heard that I can't. I keep hearing that it will mess up the injectors, or burn out my o2 sensors. Does anybody know if this is true or not? I am heading to the track next month and would like to get some race fuel. Here is the "for what it's worth" department if needed:

Elevation = 4,100
Probably going to be 90-100* outside
10-20% humidity
Slicks, 30lbs injectors, Novi 1000 @ 7psi, full exhaust, 5spd, 73mm mass air, typhoon intake.

Any help is appreciated.

Chris

[LX XLR8R]

unless you car can benifit from it(timing up higher, more boost, higher compression) dont use it..you will actally run slower because the higher the octane the cooler it burns..if you are not detening now then do not use it..rule of thumb use the highest quality(mobel, exxon, sunco) gas but the lowest ocatne you can get away with..this will not only be cheaper but you will run faster

[Dark_5.0]

Since you have a supercharger it wouldnt be a bad idea to use some racing fuel IMO.

Where in NM are you located I am only an hour away from NM.

[mpj76]

My car is stock. I mixed one gallon 110 octane with about 2 gallons 93. I ran my timing as 18 degrees that night. It was almost freezing at night at 100 ft elevation (florida). I noticed more acceleration. Kind of like the difference between running a full tank of gas on a hot day vs. running on empty on a cold day. Sorry I don't have numbers. I did that about three times and didn't mess anything up except my tires.

[jimberg]

Running leaded fuel through your fuel system is what will mess the sensors up. It'll also mess up your catalytic converters if you still have them. A high alcohol content can also mess up some adjustable fuel pressure regulators.

You could probably benefit from something in the unleaded 100 octane range, but I don't think you will need anything higher than that. As LX XLR8R said, you have to advance your timing to get any real benefit. Just filling your tank with it will only cost you power. 18 degrees would be a good place to set your timing, but I'd really take it to a dyno with a tank of the racing fuel you plan to use and adjust your timing until you get the most power.

[PKRWUD]

Also, keep in mind that the higher you go from sea level, the less octane you need. Try finding 93 octane in Denver.

Take care,
~Chris

[Chris_H]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sorry it has taken me a while to get back to everybody. Put in 75 hours at work last week and I am just now getting caught up on things. There is a guy at the track who sells race gas, I am guessing 105-110 octane, not sure though, and I had thought about buying a gallon to mix in my tank for racing. I figured with the heat, and with me detonatiing above 5000k sometimes, that it might help. I have been pulling timing, and adding fuel, but haven't really driven the car lately to see if its still happening. Got a nice big piece of metal in my new ET Streets the other day, had less than 800 miles on it, and had to buy a new one, so I am waiting for the new tire to take the car back out for a drive. I appreciate the responses. Chris, I know what you mean about the octane, I can only find 91 around here and in El Paso! Dark, I live in Las Cruces, about 40 miles NW of El Paso.

Chris