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Spec Gas

To: land-speed@autox.team.net
Subject: Spec Gas
From: ardunbill@webtv.net
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 12:16:35 -0500 (EST)
Hi Folks, if you don't mind could we kick this topic around a little, it
does matter to me and is "my business" because I plan to run my Ardun
blown or unblown in the future on gas only.

I am aware that a variety of approved spec gases have been available at
Bonneville for years, and they seem to have various characteristics.  In
a race gas I imagine we want a certain octane and a good power, with no
harmful detonation under the conditions of use.  Note I said "harmful"
because there is slight detonation that causes no harm, and severe
detonation that breaks parts.


I have heard rumors that there is sometimes confusion about what gas to
use, from the selection available, and if people choose wrongly, they
may wind up with detonation damage in highly stressed engines. 

Now it comes that VP gas will be available at ECTA, which is not a bad
thing because honest records should be set with one definite approved
fuel.  I don't know if more than one spec VP gas will be offered at
ECTA, but I am of the opinion that ONLY ONE should be offered, and the
same gas should be offered from now on, to simplify tuning and engine
prep for everybody who uses gas.  

I don't know if NASCAR permits more than one spec gas at their meets,
but I think it would be best if  they did.  

At the historic Isle of Man T.T. motorcycle races, the great tradition
was that one fuel only would be supplied to all competitors, for many
years it was 100 octane premium pump gas (petrol they preferred to call
it), but it may be some spec race gas today, if so, everybody uses the
same gas.

I personally dislike the idea of a "guessing game" about choosing which
of a range of options will work best in my engine based on what I
"think" the fuel rep is trying to tell me and how  I must tune for it.

The thoughts of those experienced in dealing with this issue at
Bonneville or elsewhere will be appreciated.  Come on lads, don't ignore
this now!!  Cheers Ardun Bill

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