"Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

[Larry E.]

Should be a good watch on TV tomorrow on "Engine Masters" on Motor Trend Network. Check your TV
guide but scheduled at 8PM CST Friday. On Comcast MTRND it is on Channel 935 but probably different
in your area. If anybody has watched this program they test on their Engine Dyno to prove results.
Thanks>Larry

[Richard S.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

Excellent program, three guys and no BS.

[Tom E.]

[Domenic T.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

Didn't see it. What happened.

Dom

[Duke W.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

For a given configuration more octane than necessary will not make more power, however, a more aggressive spark advance map may make more power and require higher octane to keep out of detonation.

Duke

[Larry E.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

For a given configuration more octane than necessary will not make more power
Duke

But on the other hand For a given Configuration and NOT ENOUGH OCTANE WILL MAKE LESS POWER.>Larry

[Duke W.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

Yes, detonation reduces power, and if you have to develop a less aggressive spark advance map to keep the engine out of detonation, less power is a byproduct.

Duke

[Alan D.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

A short story: brought my FI to the drags when we rented it, drove up with about 20% street gas (leaded at time) and then top off with 100LL (about 10 gals only)
Ran a few times, got 109 MPH for best top end just could not get off the line very well (first time at track)
Next year we rented again, so let gas run very low, filled up with 100LL Now expected it to run better, NO top MPH when down to 105. So more
octane met less power at least for me. (No changes made from first try)

[Duke W.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

There are several things that could account for the difference like air density/humidity, traction, change in engine tune like timing due to point/rubbing block wear.

Different gasoline blends can have slightly different energy content and sometimes higher octane blends may have slightly less energy like 1-2 percent than lower octane blends.

Duke

[Joe M.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

So am I wasting my time getting AV gas when I can get 91 octane without ethanol a buck a gallon cheaper?

[Larry E.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

So am I wasting my time getting AV gas when I can get 91 octane without ethanol a buck a gallon cheaper?

Joe:Not the way I saw it. If you got an original engine and came with the parameters that it needed this octane to run correctly then you
need a fuel with that octane then the only readily fuel is Av Gas(LL 100). If timing/head gaskets/advance settings are changed then your engine
is not original and points should be deducted if detected by the judges. If one tries to "fool" the judges that another story,JMHO>Lary

[Keith B.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

watched it last night and was very good technical wise and should make a lot of people who hate E85 upset as it was the clear winner of all the fuels tested

[Duke W.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

So am I wasting my time getting AV gas when I can get 91 octane without ethanol a buck a gallon cheaper?

If it doesn't detonate on 91 PON avgas is a total waste of money.

Duke

[Richard S.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

I watched last evenings episode and wondering about what was not discussed. The FI unit on my 60' runs fine on 110 leaded however, when I had to add some 93 octane with 10% ethanol to get home one day it died at every stoplight and would not idle. Replacing the ethanol blend solved the problem. Is it the leaded fuel that makes the difference with the FI unit?

[Duke W.]

Re: "Does Octane Make Power"? Engine Masters Watch On MotorTrend Network

No, it's the lack of ethanol, which boils at about 170 F,

Duke