Q: Premium Gas Usage
I got to thinking about octane while I stood and watched the $$$ go by on the gas pump today. What determines the need for a higher octane? Is it the compression ratio? The HP? Torque?
I was wondering if using premium fuel is necessary. Maybe someone has some knowledge on the subject. BTW, I have a 350 with a 4-bbl, and I have been running 92 octane in it ever since I’ve has the car. In its original 2-bbl configuration, it is billed as a “regular gas” engine.
A: Compression ratio determines the need for octane
John Sawruk spoke on this at the POCI nationals. He qualified all the Pontiac V-8’s as a Pontiac engineer. He said the pre 71 (10:1 compression range) engines were qualified on 100 research octane. Sunoco Ultra 94 (pump rating) is about 98 research. He felt 94 plus a can of booster was about right. He said to be careful about preignition that you can’t even hear. He also strongly recommend changing all hoses that come in contact with todays gas and/or vapors.
A: The engines that required Premium fuel in 1968 must have the hights octane put in plus an octane booster. These engines included the HO, Sprint, and Ram Air engines.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 16, 2014 at 6:17 pm
← Frequently Asked Questions
Leave a Reply