high octane (>91) in the S.F. Bay Area
12-05-2001, 09:26 PM
#1
high octane (>91) in the S.F. Bay Area
This 91 octane thing has got me worried. I think Bruce Anderson wrote somewhere that 95 octane is available at certain Chevrons, etc. I only know of a place in South San Francisco (an Olympic) that has 110 octane. I was hoping to find something a little more moderate, i.e. cheaper. Any knowledge out there?
12-05-2001, 11:14 PM
#2
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Some 76 stations have race gas. There is a station locator on their web page, where you can search for stations that sell it. www.76.com. I live in Fremont, and the closest station I can find is on Almaden Expressway in San Jose.
Tom
Tom
12-06-2001, 02:10 AM
#3
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At what point does an engine benefit from higher-than-91 octane fuel? I've got a stock twin-plugged 3.6. Any argument for better gas making any kind of meaningful difference?
12-07-2001, 11:24 AM
#4
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Not sure where you live in the Bay Area, T.P., but the gas station in the paddock at Sears Point sells a few varieties - 95, 98, 100 - something like that. Prices are what you'd expect. The highest octane is around $4 a gallon, I think. Not sure of the hours, but I'm sure it is open all day on the weekends.
Dean
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'86 Carrera Cab
Dean
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'86 Carrera Cab
12-07-2001, 07:41 PM
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I think you really need to ask if you need any higher octane than 91 for a normally aspirated engine. It is my impression that stock 3.0 and 3.2 liter engines need nothing higher than 91. A twin-plug 3.6 definately does not. Additionally, the 3.6 has knock sensing and will retard the spark to avoid knocking.
If the engine was rebuilt for higher compression, then yes perhaps you should seek higher octane. Turbos always need the highest octane available because of boost pressure.
If the engine was rebuilt for higher compression, then yes perhaps you should seek higher octane. Turbos always need the highest octane available because of boost pressure.
12-07-2001, 08:09 PM
#6
JBH, I have a mildly modded 930 (k27 turbo, IC, cams, exhaust), so I think that octane might matter. Any opinions out there re: this? I don't use the 911 turbo board because no one does.
TP
TP
12-08-2001, 07:43 PM
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TP:
As I said in my post, a turbo most definately needs to be concerned about octane. It is so easy for these engines to get to a lean condition that produces detonation - it doesn't take long to burn a cylinder.
Anyway, your best bet is to find a station that sells race gasoline (CAM2, Union76, or the like). Check your phone book and the websites. You can blend 50:50 with the 91 octane to give you what you need for the street. At the track, I would run straight race fuel.
What is your maximum boost pressure?
As I said in my post, a turbo most definately needs to be concerned about octane. It is so easy for these engines to get to a lean condition that produces detonation - it doesn't take long to burn a cylinder.
Anyway, your best bet is to find a station that sells race gasoline (CAM2, Union76, or the like). Check your phone book and the websites. You can blend 50:50 with the 91 octane to give you what you need for the street. At the track, I would run straight race fuel.
What is your maximum boost pressure?
