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Car feels stronger with 87 octane....why?

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Old 05-31-2005, 12:55 AM
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Car: 1994 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Car feels stronger with 87 octane....why?

I know TPI was built to run on 87 octane, but I thought 91 would make it run stronger. Why am I wrong? I mean I switched a few weeks back when I lost my job to save $2-3 on fillup and temps have gotten 10-15* hotter, so this whole situation doesn't make sense. Hotter, 87 octane = faster car. I mean even the top end feels stronger.

Maybe it's because the car knows I will be swapping to LT1 in the next couple weeks and it wanted to show me that it still has what it takes.
Old 05-31-2005, 08:27 AM
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Car: 89' Iroc-Z G92
Engine: TPI 305 G92
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: Limited 9 bolt, 3.45
its your ignition timing, the higher grade of fuel/engine compression you have the more you advance the distributor. If you are running a 93 octane gas bump it up two degrees on the advance it will be a more controlled burn. Problem is if you advance it and run cheap fuel your engine will ping.
Old 05-31-2005, 09:55 AM
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Car: 1993 Firebird Formula
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 4L60
It's because your car is set to run on a certain octane. My LT1 is set to run 91, but here in Texas they only have 87-89-93. It runs ok on 89 and crappy on 93, so usually I stick about half 93 and half 89 to get a good mixture that my car likes! Like Mcdamit said, adjust your timing with the richer mixture and you'll be doing ok.
Old 05-31-2005, 10:24 AM
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Car: Red 87 IROC-Z28 T-Top
Engine: 5.7 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Axle/Gears: BW 9-Bolt 3.27
It's because higher octane doesn't mean power unless you need it. With a stock 305 engine the only time you would need it is with a custom PROM/advanced timing.
Old 06-03-2005, 12:15 AM
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Higher octane is more stable, so it contains a marginally lower amount of energy, and is a waste of $ if not required for detonation prevention in engine.

More ignition advance can be used with higher octane. but all that is doing is compensating for the slower burn in the cylinder so peak pressure occurs at the same time as with the faster burn of the lower octane. -Nothing is gained.
Old 06-03-2005, 08:28 AM
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Engine: sbc 350
High octane --> more carbon, less hydrogen, more
soot formation, just plain nastier
Use only as directed.
Old 06-03-2005, 11:38 AM
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Car: 1994 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23
i just can't believe how much more powerful it feels. I want to take it to the dyno .
Old 06-03-2005, 11:48 AM
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Car: 1997 Corvette
Engine: LS1
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Originally posted by contact
High octane --> more carbon, less hydrogen, more
soot formation, just plain nastier
Use only as directed.
I didn't think higher octane gas burns any dirtier.

The higher the octane, the more resistance there is to combustion. Lower octane gas starts combustion easier. Unless a car is high-compression or high-timing or boosted/sprayed, lower octane will usually yield better results, with nothing gained going to a higher octane.
Old 06-06-2005, 08:33 AM
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Car: 89' Iroc-Z G92
Engine: TPI 305 G92
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: Limited 9 bolt, 3.45
i dont think it does burn that bad does it. if so i'll retard my timing and use the cheap stuff, may i ask has anyone ever done this..
TPI305 with a 5 speed, 45 degree advance uncomputer controlled, my computer isn't advancing/retarding so...,

but either way i know she picks up much better than with the stock settings except when i let off it crackles a little
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