NORTHEAST BOOST/ HIGH COMPRESSION GUYS BEWARE (others may be effected too)

[Dan_Soprano]

Hey guys, just got this email from my tuner. I don't know much about production of Gasoline, so don't shoot me if something is wrong here, just passing the word. Any help from the board experts would me much appreciated:

Dan, we're seeing some wierd stuff with the new ethanol blended fuel that is now coming out. I've been seeing cars detonate on the dyno that never did before. Be very careful right now, I would pull 2 more degrees out of your timing and add about 6% wot fuel until we get to the bottom of this. 93 octane used to be the mbte stuff but now that has been banned and they're using a blend of ethanol that may make the car run leaner. I can also send you an updated tune but for right now you can take it out of your handheld.

Pete

 

[Dan_Soprano]

more info here:

http://www.des.state.nh.us/ard/mobilesources/pdf/EthanolFAQ.pdf

 

[myponyrocks]

that sucks, I suppose if your car blows up that the gas company has "too hard to reads" that make them not responsible for changes in the gas and dammages to your vehicle.

 

[DropTopPony]

any off those octane boosters actually work? might be smart to add some during the summer months if it does work.

 

[Dan_Soprano]

any off those octane boosters actually work? might be smart to add some during the summer months if it does work.

KB swears by the NOS booster.......can't hurt to try right??

 

[SaleenGT2001]

is this a nationwide issue? would NC be affected by it?

 

[DropTopPony]

KB swears by the NOS booster.......can't hurt to try right??

A few other guys on here have gave for that also. I think i'll give it a shot if i hear any pinging.

 

[timeless2]

Most reputable tuners in the Midwest already know how to tune for ethanol content in fuel. Not sure why this is a big deal if the A/F data can be shared with others quickly.

 

[helty]

down here Ive been running 93 with my "safe" tune and it still pings. Ive pulled timing back and upped the WOT Fuel and its still there, albeit not near as bad as it used to be. Wonder if crappy fuel is the culprit?

 

[Streetmaster302]

They should have a database with stations across the country that are safe for tuned vehicles.

Around here they have sunoco with 94 grade that i use.

 

[Shiroelex]

I can still get leaded 110 racing fuel around here. Wonder if I could mix a bit of that with a tank of 93 to be safe.

 

[jstreet0204]

The problem with the ethonol blended fuels is not octane. Ethonol actually raises the octane (now I'm not sure if the 93 octane rating is done considering this) The problem is that ethonols stoich point is much richer than gasoline. So basically if you run ethonol, you have to run richer to get the same effect.

 

[DBMSTNG]

I can still get leaded 110 racing fuel around here. Wonder if I could mix a bit of that with a tank of 93 to be safe.

it would hurt more than help. do not use leaded fuel.

 

[Twisted]

The problem with the ethonol blended fuels is not octane. Ethonol actually raises the octane (now I'm not sure if the 93 octane rating is done considering this) The problem is that ethonols stoich point is much richer than gasoline. So basically if you run ethonol, you have to run richer to get the same effect.

Ethanol, E85, 85% ethanol 15% unleaded has 33% less energy by volume. Meaning you need to run 33% more gas to get the same power output as straight unleaded. Wait until this E85 takes off and people have to fill up in 2/3rd's the time.

 

[01Steeda]

Thats good info and may explain some of the issues we had with my N/A tune. I know it wasnt as picky as blown, but I will be next week and I'll pass this on to my tuner. Thanx abunch Soprano.

 

[ForPointSex]

I already experienced the mix. My 93 octane pings at all RPM's. I'm running a 87 octane tune to make it go away.

 

[urban96]

i heard about this today at teh track

 

[hotmustang331]

I filled up at a gas station that said "may contain up to 10% ethonol" and couldnt tell any difference . No pining, thats fo ****zle.

EDIT why is S H I Z blocked?

 

[damacman]

Experienced this today here in Chandler. I normally use Mobil gas, but filled up at an alternative station - thought it was because of that . . . hmmm . . .

 

[ADRENLN]

sunoco 94 is what i was useing around here too. recently all the stations only have 94, no more 94.

i thought this ethenol thing might be a good thing from reading some other threads because it raises the octain.

i just dont get it, if it raises the octain then why are you guys starting to detonate? wtf