Pump Gas Octane question...

[vette2viper]

In making my decision on the two Vipers I want, I'm also planning to move to another state (from NC to AZ) to enjoy better weather and housing. However, I found out that AZ only has 91 octane premium (we have 93 here in NC). Maybe not a problem with a stock Viper, but both of the ones I want are S/C'd, high HP cars and one is not a problem because of having a fuel cell.

This is turning into quite an ordeal for me! Both Vipers would be like daily drivers and don't want to go where the fuel is not right. Detuning the cars seems like such a major waste. Any stories or tips about how ya'll deal with this? In AZ you can get 104 unleaded from the pump for about $5.00/gal, but is that good for the engine when used full time??? Any info appreciated.

 

[STUGOTS]

With S/C cars 104 would be great but if you don't wanna spend that kinda money thats fine but I woulden't put anything less the 93 in a stock viper,I wont even put 91 in my mustang to be 100% honest with you.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Is your future location at altitude? Typically the octane drops because the mass of air filling the cylinder is less, so the octane requirement is less. (Meaning an engine satisfied with 93 at sea level will be satisfied with 91 in the thinner air.)

Other SC folks would have to chime in to explain whether a blower could or would ingest the same pounds of air at altitude as they do at sea level; I would suspect not unless there is a mass flow meter in the system.

Other than the actual octane number, there is no quality difference between different grades.

Blending octane is reasonably linear (maybe less so with racing fuels) but if forced to, use the mathematical ratio of 104 to 91 to get to the final octane you want.

 

[PhoenixGTS]

Phoenix is at 1,000 feet and has at least two stations with high octane unleaded at the pump and a few more out of the barrel.

Tucson is at 2,000+ feet and I believe there is only one station with good gas out of the pump.

Flagstaff is a mile high and I doubt they have good gas available.

Guy I knew in Phoenix had VP deliver a 55 gallon drum of 104 unleaded to his house, bought an eletric pump, and made his own race gas station in his garage. That sounds like a good deal for you (although I would not mention it to the homeowner's insurance carrier).

 

[vette2viper]

Thanks all. I'm looking at Chandler, AZ (Phoenix) and the elevation there is NOT a problem. I have been told that from Texas west to CA, you are basically getting "CA gas", the lower octane 91 type. No, I don't want to play the "gas station in the garage" game. I don't mind paying the bucks to run VP 104 all the time, if I'm satisfied by those in the know that it will not cause engine damage. I know the high octane and "cats" don't mix, but there are no cats installed anyway (leaves the other problem about how to pass emissions test).

Those of us out east here are spoiled by having the 93 pump gas on every corner. Thanks for your input and would welcome any and all comments.

 

[Ulysses]

You can get unleaded race gas. The leaded stuff is what you have to worry about. Or you can mix your own, the instructions are just a search away.

 

[vette2viper]

Ulysses...the VP 104 race gas I mentioned IS unleaded. But, I don't know that continuous use of 104 won't hurt the engine or parts thereof...ie: injectors, plugs...