Which Octane?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 781
Likes: 8
From: Sanford, NC
Higher octane fuel burns slower than lower octane fuels and is much better at preventing
spark knock or detonation. Most engines with around 9 to one compression ratio and a
decent timing pattern will run well on 87 octane fuel. Combustion chamber design also
plays a role in what level of octane fuel is needed.
spark knock or detonation. Most engines with around 9 to one compression ratio and a
decent timing pattern will run well on 87 octane fuel. Combustion chamber design also
plays a role in what level of octane fuel is needed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Most people think higher octane fuel means it burns easier. Just the opposite is true. The higher the octane rating, the less explosive the fuel is. This is to stop it from detonating prematurely when you put it under pressure, acting sort of like diesel fuel. Higher compression equals higher pressure equals increased chance of fuel detonating before the engine is timed to ignite it, resulting in dieseling, or knocking. The power from higher octane fuels doesn't come from the fuel itself. Rather it comes the higher compression and allowing the engine to fire when it's intended to.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Galvin, WA
very good answers! thank you! one of the things ive always been told is like 92 octane burns fast and keeps the engine cooler due to a faster burn rate. i used to run 92 in my mustang gt, after i shot 2 spark plugs outta the heads i switched to 87 lol. dont know if it was a result to the octane level. thanks again for all the responses.
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