110 race gas + NICO ECU = wow wow wow

[db_autotek]

I know, gas is expensive enough. But my local Sunoco station has 110 race gas "For Off-Road Use Only" at $6.50 per gallon. I figured what the hell, and got some. ( I was on empty and filled it to 1/4 tank with the 110)

I know the Q45 gets very bad performance with the 87 and 89 gas, so I've been putting in 93 or 94.

With the ECU and 110 gas, I can say that performance is noticably different that 93/94 test. In fact I think I need new tires now, and I killed a Acura RSX-S.

Anyone tried this? Ideas?

[cccpman]

91 is the best in town, 96-97 is our 'race fuel' in colorado. I have seen some people selling 100 and 110 but thats an awful lot more expensive then 6 or 7 bucks a gallon. Maybe Q45Tech could break down the HP gain per point octane in fuel (pretty please ). I have heard his comments on how its not an exact science and you never know what your paying for, but assuming your getting what you want...

I know there are a few ways to raise the octane of fuel in a DIY manner but its far too costly to do for me. However if you recommend the 110 im sure its well worth the price

I didnt think that octane related directly to performance, but rather the ability of the gas to prevent engine knocking . In that case im sure there would be a cutoff point, a certain octane where you will notice little if any improvements. However im by far no chemist - is there a HP difference due to the 'quality' of the fuel?
Modified by cccpman at 3:53 PM 9/3/2007

[CrimsonQ]

wasnt aware that the ecu would "allow" 110 octane.

my ecu only has the 91 & 92 octane switch, and 91 is the best premium I get around here.

[db_autotek]

I remember when I got my ECU that Wes said that the NICO ECUs utilize the knock sensors alot more than factory programming. With my OEM ECU, I can run 89 or 87 if I'm broke and need to get to class (college student). But with the upgraded programming and more use of the knock sensors, I can only run 93/94 in the car now.

Is the 110 worth it for a street car? No, not at 6.50$ per gal... Not a big enough increase in performance for the cost.

But it was an interesting trial, and I will put it in once in awhile, and definately if I ever go for some time slips or dyno runs. It's not an exact science, and HP per octane point is probably very small, but I can tell a difference in the seat of the pants. lol.

Ironically, I seemed to get better gas mileage with the 110. Just like I got better mileage with the 93/94 than the couple mistaken times using 87.

I wish I was rich.. I would run 110 every day in both cars. I haven't tried it in the Miata, but one day maybe I will.

[Q45tech]

Maximal achievable power [torque/hp] will occur WHEN highest BMEP occurs at 16.5 degrees ATDC...............what ever octane allows this to occur with out any knock is the maximal useful octane and maximum advance.

This depends on air and coolant temperature.

Maximal BMEP depends on the btu per gallon [per squirt] of fuel. Flame speed in mm per millisec and bore radius.

[superuber]

I run Cam2 all the time. The shop down the street gets $7 a gallon.But I only drive the Q two or three times a month.It did make a nice difference. I run the JWT ecu. I swear the exhaust note sounds different too. But yes, much different!

[Ozzie]

$6.50 a gallon expensive?That's normal price for me.....

[db_autotek]

lol yeah I was thinking about it yesterday... gas prices in other parts of the world. I think it's $8 in some parts of Europe. Americans have some of the cheapest gas but we ***** the most. Ironic. I told my girlfriend as I'm pumping the 6.50 gas, "at least I'm not in Germany paying this every day" then I decided I'm never gonna complain about gas prices anymore.

[AlabamaDan]

You gotta remember the conversion from US Dollar to other Dollars when you're doing those type of comparisons so you get apples to apples.

[elwesso]

Very interesting... I may have to try this.

The difference between OBDII type ECU's and the older G50 style ECU's is that for ignition advance, the older ECU's have a specific number at a given load. In OBDII type ECU's, they will keep advancing the timing as far as possible until it starts detecting detonation.

I know that on the grand prix GTP forums, you see a lot of people saying that running race fuel even on a stock car helps tremendously, with huge results on the track..

It would be interesting to quantify the results ona G50, since on paper it NICO stage III ECU shouldnt make more power on race gas than it does on pump gas. Of course, pump gas could contain more additives that makeit less pure. So, it may not be the higher octane but the purity of the gas itself. My point is if we could get pure 93 octane, it may perform the same as the race fuel on stageIII

[db_autotek]

Interesting stuff indeed. If I had some extra $ I'd take it to the dyno to see results of 93 vs 110. After much thought, I tend to agree that it may be the purity of the gas more than the actual octane rating. I imagine that a mostly stock G50 would not make more power above 94 or so. But purity (less dumb addatives) goes a long way by my seat of the pants meter. Well, Sunoco is darn good fuel anyways. Dirty race gas would probly be like puting 87 in... I agree that pure 93/94 might be just like 110 as far as the G50 is concerned. I hope some people will try it so we can get some more feedback. prepare to spend $25 though..

[elwesso]

An easier way would be to compare 50-80 times. Stopwatch...