Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

I'll admit up front that I have no experience with today's racing gas. How does it compare to the old leaded gas? How does it do in a low compression engine, say 8.5-1? Can you run a lot of advance without knocking?

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

I believe todays super unleaded pump gas is better than it was 20 years ago . Just start at 32* and add a couple see if it's faster. --- Trevor

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

A low compression engine like the one you describe works just fine on pump gas as long as it's premium . Two things to keep in mind . First , stick with one brand from one trusted station . Shell or Chevron are the best choices .
Second , don't increase advance more than a couple of degrees at a time and rely on plug readings and timing slips to tell you when you hit it right .

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

I'm more concerned about using something that will pass the fuel check at an NHRA event.

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

In my 9.0-1 Ford 5.0, premium unleaded pump gas is .05 faster than anything that VP sells that is legal for NHRA in stock.
At over $10 a gallon, it should be a crime to force us to use it instead of pump gas.

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

The last load of legal fuel through my V-stocker was C11.....not cheap but we don't use much!!
:p

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

Amen Charlie.

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

If pump gas is legal for your class , premium from Shell or Chevron will do nicely . If you need race gas , Renegade Racing Fuels are legal in IHRA and NHRA and will pass fuel check as well . And a lot less money per gallon .

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

Marty, what kind of engine are we talking about? Combustion chamber has a big effect. Not just compression ratio.
In this case I would try the lowest octane of the accepted fuels.

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

It's a Chevy 230 6 cylinder.

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

Sorry Marty, I have never tried to tune one of those. Should have kept quiet. :-)

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

Where's Billy when we need him

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

He's probably in his laboratory making his own "special" fuel. :eek: Jim

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

Look for the fuel with the fastest burn rate or lowest flash point.

Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing
 

That's good advice. I don't have a clue how much timing that engine would want. Old as I am, I never tried to tune one of those for racing. Not the best looking combustion chambers I ever saw. I wouldn't have a clue where to start. I wouldn't expect a lot of swirl, so it may like a lot.