low octane engine build
low octane engine build I am curious if anyone has done an engine build designed around running 87 octane gas that currently is the cheapest. I seem to recall a story like this done in a Chevy car magazine some years ago. I believe they designed the entire engine around using the low octane gas. Made pretty decent power if I recall. Anybody do it here using modern fuel injection/heads/cam?
TECH Junkie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,919
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From: Western North Carolina
I think people in general put too much thought into this. Let's say premium fuel costs 30c a gallon extra over regular. If you used 1000 gallons in a year that amounts to a total of $300. When talking about engine builds and trying to put cheap gas in performance cars, is it really going to hurt that much financially over the course of a year? Other things in life punch you in the gut and you basically just grin and bear it. Insurance can jump for no reason at all in increments like that as can any lousy repair needed around the house. $300 is nothing in these times. Use premium and forget about it. 
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Just This Side of Damnation
Yes, it can be done.
Buy why would you want to when the LS1 will run just fine on regular? The computer will retard timing if you get overenthusiastic when it's too hot or you're lugging it.
It's a good question for bench racing, but not much of an issue in the real world.
Buy why would you want to when the LS1 will run just fine on regular? The computer will retard timing if you get overenthusiastic when it's too hot or you're lugging it.
It's a good question for bench racing, but not much of an issue in the real world.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 622
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From: Calgary Alberta
I built the engine in my 76 to run on regular.
It has 8.8 to 1 compression, up from the stock 7.6 to 1.
I did this because at the time a blower was an option, not because I wanted to get by on regular gas.
It puts down about as much power as a stock LS1, but gas mileage isn't comparable.
Don't the new Mustangs run on regular?
It has 8.8 to 1 compression, up from the stock 7.6 to 1.
I did this because at the time a blower was an option, not because I wanted to get by on regular gas.
It puts down about as much power as a stock LS1, but gas mileage isn't comparable.
Don't the new Mustangs run on regular?
