JeromeS.

Does higher octane gas give a noticable difference? They sell it here at a shell station, under the name of "trick fuel". Just wondering since this is the first time ive seen 101 octane gas.

Scott in MI

I don't think higher octane fuel alone, at least not in a stock 4k, will make a real difference. You almost have to have major carbon build up inside the cylinder, advanced timing, higher compression, hotter plugs to feel a true improvement using higher octane fuel. I have never heard it called "trick fuel", I have heard it called "racing fuel". Unless that "trick fuel" is really just 101 proof liquor? I have heard of that (101 proof) being called "trick fuel", once we (now my wife and I) went to a bar and the bar tender took in some liquor and blew out a flame.

eMKay (BFLO)

Not unless you are running 20lbs of boost.

jcs182

Higher octane fuel really doesn't "make" more power. It allows the engine to make more power via modification. If you raise the compression ratio on an engine to get more HP, and then run regular fuel, you will get detonation (like a diesel) and if ignored, destruction.

Higher octane fuel has additives that make it harder to detonate. This allows you to run high compression or high boost. So in our engines where compression is low, just use gas good enough to avoid detonation. Anything better is just a waste!

I've simpified this explanantion, to keep it short. If you have road and track around they do a detailed technical explanation once is a while. If I find it, I'll post it.

Jon

jcs182

<ul><li><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm</a</li></ul>

JeromeS.

Good article. Thanks