Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing

VStock · 08-05-2012, 09:15 PM

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?

tj310 · 08-06-2012, 06:56 AM

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

Mike Croley · 08-06-2012, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VStock

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?

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 .

VStock · 08-06-2012, 01:16 PM

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

7423 · 08-06-2012, 01:28 PM

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.

Dave Turner · 08-06-2012, 01:29 PM

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

Dave Turner · 08-06-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7423

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.

Amen Charlie.

Mike Croley · 08-06-2012, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VStock

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

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 .

Ed Wright · 08-06-2012, 05:29 PM

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.

VStock · 08-06-2012, 06:16 PM

It's a Chevy 230 6 cylinder.

08-05-2012, 09:15 PM	#1
VStock Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Freeland, Michigan Posts: 19 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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? __________________ Marty Knox

08-06-2012, 06:56 AM	#2
tj310 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dresden On. Canada Posts: 460 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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

08-06-2012, 01:16 PM	#4
VStock Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Freeland, Michigan Posts: 19 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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. __________________ Marty Knox

08-06-2012, 01:28 PM	#5
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	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.

08-06-2012, 01:29 PM	#6
Dave Turner VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Schomberg, ON, Canada Posts: 1,222 Likes: 1,606 Liked 364 Times in 138 Posts	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!! __________________ Dave Turner SS/GT #1153

08-06-2012, 05:29 PM	#9
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	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. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

08-06-2012, 06:16 PM	#10
VStock Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Freeland, Michigan Posts: 19 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Racing gas, low compression, and ignition timing It's a Chevy 230 6 cylinder. __________________ Marty Knox