Leaded Gas Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area CA
Leaded Gas Question
Are there any benefits or problems with running leaded gas? I know a lot of high octane racing gasolines are leaded.
Could I mix unleaded 91 octane with leaded high octane? Thanks. :cheers:
Could I mix unleaded 91 octane with leaded high octane? Thanks. :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,888
Likes: 0
From: Humble, Tx
Re: Leaded Gas Question (Red C5)
It will kill your catalytic converters....
[Modified by Z06 Quin, 10:16 PM 2/11/2003]
A catalytic converter relies on receiving the proper mix of exhaust gases at the proper temperature. Any additives or malfunctions that cause the mixture or the temperature of the exhaust gases to change reduce the effectiveness and life of the catalytic converter. Leaded gasoline and the over-use of certain fuel additives can shorten the life of a catalytic converter.
[Modified by Z06 Quin, 10:16 PM 2/11/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,888
Likes: 0
From: Humble, Tx
Re: Leaded Gas Question (Red C5)
What if I don't have any cats?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,758
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth Texas
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Leaded Gas Question (Z06 Quin)
Besides increasing octane, leaded fuel also burns cooler. This is also the reason hardned valve seats were added to heads when the industry switched to unleaded.
You want to use the least amount of octane without producing knock (preiginiton) to develop the most power, since higher than needed octane ratings reduce engine output power and also cause the potential for more deposits in the combustion chamber. Octane rating has nothing to do with a fuels ability to make power. Just an anti-knock rating.
[Modified by kewlbrz, 10:37 PM 2/11/2003]
You want to use the least amount of octane without producing knock (preiginiton) to develop the most power, since higher than needed octane ratings reduce engine output power and also cause the potential for more deposits in the combustion chamber. Octane rating has nothing to do with a fuels ability to make power. Just an anti-knock rating.
[Modified by kewlbrz, 10:37 PM 2/11/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 120
From: East Tennessee
Re: Leaded Gas Question (Red C5)
I have mixed unleaded and leaded race fuel in quite a few cars, with no cats the only thing you will do is shorten the life of your O2s. I will run 50/50 104/93 when I go to the track with this car (~11:1) just not to worry about detonation. I wish they sold 100 unleaded around here but they dont. I used to do the same thing with my supercharged cars as well and never killed a sensor, even if I do they are only 35.00 each..
If you dont need it though its a waste of money, but I assure you KR or detonation will kill more power then a few octane points..
If you dont need it though its a waste of money, but I assure you KR or detonation will kill more power then a few octane points..
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Leaded Gas Question (Red C5)
Why not run the 100 octane unleaded they have here locally? Is the other fuel cheaper? YOu can setup your car for 91 and still have mucho HP. If you did that you would only need to run the 100 blend on very hot days.
vetterdstr :cheers:
vetterdstr :cheers:
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