Radley, Jack wrote:
> As a follow up to my question about gasoline choices, I am sharing the
> source of my confusion from the TR6 Reference pages
> (http://www.mit.edu/people/zimerman/Documents/tr6/octane.html)
> <http://www.mit.edu/people/zimerman/Documents/tr6/octane.html)> . If I
> read this correctly I come away with the inference that since I have a
> 76 TR6 with reduced compression, etc., etc. I don't need the highest
> grade gasoline and would likely run better with a lower grade.
>
> Is this correct?
>
> Does it really matter?
>
> Jack Radley
Yes, it is very possible that you can run on cheaper gas. Try this: without
altering
any tuning in the engine, buy the next lowest octane than what you are currently
using. Run the car for a couple days to thoroughly mix any remaining gas in
the
tank, etc. Do a full throttle acceleration test in top gear from 30 to 50mph -
listen
for detonation. If you hear detonation, back off the throttle, discontinue the
test,
and go back to the higher octane fuel. There can be many factors related to the
engine's condition that contribute to detonation, so I'll simply say that
rather than
try to cure detonation that occurs with lower octane fuel, just switch back to
the
higher rating.
If after two tankfuls of the lower octane fuel you still don't have any
detonation,
try the next lower grade. Around here we have some Sunoco stations that carry
100
octane race fuel, 94, 92, 89, and 87 octane blends. Also, shop around for
brands as
the advertised octane rating isn't always closely monitored. I used to have a
'75
TR-6 that would run great on Mobil or Amoco 89, but required 92-93 from Citgo or
Shell. (Not bashing or promoting any companies, just my observations from one
particular vehicle.)
Good luck!!!
Regards,
Brian Schlorff '61 TR-4 '64 TR-4 '72 TR-6 '79 Spit
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