fuel types

Octanes and Additives

Pump gas is the most commonly used fuel and can be found at gas stations. 87 octane fuel tends
to be the least used fuel in the performance field for various reasons. This fuel does not have the
stability of higher octane fuels, nor is it stable as long. Typically, this fuel burns quickly and is not suitable
for high performance applications. The higher the octane, such as 93 octane, the more suitable it is
for use in performance applications. 93 octane will prevent knock more effectively than 87 octane as
it burns at a colder, slower rate.

Racing blended fuels are used for high performance racing applications such as forced induction
or nitrous oxide. Racing fuels can range in the 110 and above octane range. These fuels burn at a much
slower and colder rate which reduces the possibility of knock. Typically, these fuels are purchased by
the barrel and are not found at local filling stations.

Ethanol-based fuels such as E85 and E98 have increased in usage in the high performance sector
in past years. They can be 105 to 110 octane on average and are found at the pump for a much lower
price than race gas. When using ethanol based fuels, the engine will need 30% or more fuel in most
cases.

In certain instances, the need to run pump gas, plus an octane-boosting additive, such as
BOOSTane Premium Octane Booster may be necessary. These octane boosters are formulated to
increase octane levels up to 100+. Typically, octane boosters are for non-racing vehicles where higher
octane fuel is not readily available, but BOOSTane has been proven as a reliable substitute for many
race fuels when needed. If you plan to use this or any Octane boosting additive, be sure you test for
safety by monitoring for knock and / or spark retard, and preferably customize your tune for the fuel
and additive you are running to maximize safety and performance.

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Engine fundamentals