octane
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,338
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From: UPSTATE NY
octane
truck seems to run pretty smooth on 87, but when i put 92 in it i notice a power difference. i know higher octane is made for higher compression and theres this whole thing about detonation and whatnot, but i'm not sure how that goes.....
if it only costs a little more to put better cleaner burning fuel in it then its worth it to me. but my questions are
1) whats better for a 360 2 barrel like i and many others here have? 87 or 92?
2) what fuel are you running? whats your experiences with power and mileage?
3) do some places really cut it like coke by putting water in it? lol
if it only costs a little more to put better cleaner burning fuel in it then its worth it to me. but my questions are
1) whats better for a 360 2 barrel like i and many others here have? 87 or 92?
2) what fuel are you running? whats your experiences with power and mileage?
3) do some places really cut it like coke by putting water in it? lol
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 900
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Octane is added to slow the burning process or slightly lower the ignition point of the fuel. When you have hot spots, lean mixtures, high compression, or advanced timing, or anything that would cause pre-ignition, you may need high octane. If it runs fine on lower octane I would'nt waste money on it if you don't need it. I'd just stick with a quality brand.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
Running higher then needed octane causes power loss. The faster the fuel burns the more power you make. You want the grade of fuel that burns the fastest but does not cause issues like pinging or detonation.
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Oregon
Originally Posted by jade79
Octane is added to slow the burning process or slightly lower the ignition point of the fuel. When you have hot spots, lean mixtures, high compression, or advanced timing, or anything that would cause pre-ignition, you may need high octane. If it runs fine on lower octane I would'nt waste money on it if you don't need it. I'd just stick with a quality brand.
One thing you can keep an eye on to help make sure you're getting the best quality fuel you can buy is; keep an eye on the maintenance of the station. Stations in good repair and up to date equipment will have cleaner fuel. Some of these owners don't want to spend a dime on their equipment and upkeep, so in the end the handling of their fuel is poor and it can effect the quality you receive in the end.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,338
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From: UPSTATE NY
well slumlord thats not the first time i've heard that and it sounds pretty logical to me, it goes just like alot of other products out there and the difference being so minute seems to me why diff gas stations are only cheaper by 2 cents. i have experimented back and forth between 87 and 92, always chevron, and the 92 sure takes the cake, and it idles a bit higher, makes more power, and feels so much smoother. this is strange though because back in 69 isnt regular gas all there was?
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Senior User
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In 69 they were still using leaded gas which has a higher octane then unleaded. Correct me if i wrong(I wasn't born then)
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: UPSTATE NY
yipee, just did a compression test today. 125 psi on each cylinder.
its the exact same as factory specs, so my neighbor must of rebuilt this thing cuz its 40 years old. anyhow i'm way happy. cuz now i can do the 4 barrel carb, performer intake, camshaft, lifters, and duraspark distributor. its gonna be a mean b1tch !!!!
its the exact same as factory specs, so my neighbor must of rebuilt this thing cuz its 40 years old. anyhow i'm way happy. cuz now i can do the 4 barrel carb, performer intake, camshaft, lifters, and duraspark distributor. its gonna be a mean b1tch !!!!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,338
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From: UPSTATE NY
huh? thats optimal compression for my engine. all plugs were out providing a true test from each cylinder so they wont try to share. no the throttle wasnt open, thats not a good idea. i did a wet and a dry test. my battery is just fine.
my uncle helped me, and he is the most knowledgeable mechanic i have ever met in my life. 30+ years experience
my uncle helped me, and he is the most knowledgeable mechanic i have ever met in my life. 30+ years experience
Last edited by Danger_Dave; Jun 12, 2007 at 12:21 AM.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
There was no unleaded gas available when these trucks were new. All the engines were designed to run on leaded gas. Octane ratings back then ran from the high 70's to Chevron Custom Supreme's 105 octane. Premium fuel was 92-97 octane depending on the brands. Back then, there was a HUGE difference between regular and premium. Since we are all stuck with unleaded gas today, you only have two options. Installing hard valve seats in the heads, or using an octane booster. I run 91 with the octane booster in all my 60's vehicles, one has an 11-1 compression ratio (not a Ford). I use 89 in the 30's cars with an octane booster. Installing hard valve seats in flathead straight 8 and V12 Packard engines is horribly expensive. Roughly $1000.00 a hole = x 8 or 12 = $$$$$
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jun 12, 2007 at 02:58 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Madison, SD
I switched my shop truck over to E-85.... 100+ octane right out of the pump!!!! I use 104 octane booster in my toys, along with pump premium, the Bonneville and the Escort both run unleaded with 10% ethanol, 88 octane.
A few years back I pulled a tanker part time for a friend of mine. All the fuel came out of Williams Pipeline Terminal and went to whatever flavor of station called the order in. As slumlord said, the quality of the fuel is more determined by the condition of the tanks and pumps at the station selling it then anything else. A new station with new tanks and equipment will have the cleanest fuel....
A few years back I pulled a tanker part time for a friend of mine. All the fuel came out of Williams Pipeline Terminal and went to whatever flavor of station called the order in. As slumlord said, the quality of the fuel is more determined by the condition of the tanks and pumps at the station selling it then anything else. A new station with new tanks and equipment will have the cleanest fuel....
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