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Compression Ratio Octane Requirements

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Old Dec 26, 2006 | 10:09 PM
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Default Compression Ratio Octane Requirements

Here in California the highest pump gas would be 91 octane unleaded

In building an engine what is the breaking point for a compression ratio to still utilize pump gas?
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Old Dec 26, 2006 | 10:52 PM
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It's not that easy. The octane requirement depends on the dynamic compression, not static. The later the intake valve closes, the less cylinder pressure you build and the less octane you need. If that's not enough, the quench is also important.

Some rules of thumb:

With iron heads and a moderate cam you need to stay well below 9.5:1. Probably closer to 9:1.

With aluminum heads you can bump that some to 9.5-9.8:1.

I just finished my 454. Aluminum heads, moderate cam (224/230 duration), 0.044" quench. It's 10.15:1 and does not ping on 93 octane.
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 12:18 AM
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I have a GMPP 350 HO crate. It has a moderate cam (212 degree intake / 222 degree exhaust duration, .435 intake / .460 exhaust lift) with 9.1/1 compression and burns 92 octane.
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 12:23 AM
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Mine's a .354 with a fairly lopey cam with .462/.482 lift and 219/229 at .050 running about a 10:1 CR on 93.
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 12:53 AM
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Pump premium is safe through 11-1. those 8 and 9 no HP ratios use 87. And if you think solid lifters makes a difference, dont.

Last edited by Ironcross; Dec 27, 2006 at 12:56 AM.
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 01:22 AM
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Believe it or not,I ran a 12.1 396 lt1 on premuim p/g,the 710 I had in my pro street car 11.5.1 and ran the same.both engine's required alittle detuned set-up for it but ran well.

Like said early there's to many variables,to say just what comp ratio runs in a octane ratio.

PHR did a awesome story on building a high compression p/g engine acouple months ago.
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