Race Fuel

[enjoythemusic]

You mean I can go to - for example - the local airport here in Nashua and get aviation fuel just like that?
Do you not need a pilot's licence or proof that you own a plane or belong to a air club?

First, agree AV gas may be different than what is at the track. It was suggested by the engine builder and GTP Motorsports (US importer of my car) to get 100LL AV gas, which is also SCCA legal and have to abide by those rules too.

Called the local small airport and found out what company is in charge of the gas. Called them and after he asked a few questions he invited me down for a fill up. Of course they are VERY careful because you then need to enter a live, working airport tarmac and good ol' 9/11 means stricter laws pertaining to that. Am sure some places might insist on you staying outside the tarmac and supply them the fuel jugs and they'll fill them. Of benefit is that i use very heavy duty gas jugs (read: not Home Depot or Sprawlmart stuff). So it may help to be professional, let them know it is for track use only and have very sturdy container(s).

[DanDarcy]

I've flown planes and even own two at the presant time, Johnathan is correct 100 LL Avgas is NOT 100 octane pump. It is equal to approx. 93-95 octane. Plus even though Avgas is called low lead, it has a much higher lead content than old car leaded fuel had. When flying small planes with carbs you sometimes have to lean the mixture before takeoff to heat the plugs up and burn excess lead of off them. It has that much lead.

Most small airports with out a control tower, are easy to buy fuel at . Just make sure you tell them it is for off road use so they don't have to worry about road tax. At Northampton Ma. airport they have a self serv pump open 24-7. You can walk right up and pump your own fuel.

Don't run 100LL Avgas in anything with cats.

[StephanAlfa]

My 1973 Alfa does not have cats ...
It was suggested I mix high octane fuel just as a means to cool the engine and that has work very well (by some 10-15 degrees on a hot day).
So just getting the ol' Haffner 105-110 octane is good enough given than I am mixing with 93 at a 1/3 ratio. Other than price and getting stuff from the "bottom of the tank" (always a risk) what other advantages does 100LL offer?

[enjoythemusic]

Stephan,

As i understand it, the lead actually helps to kinda lube things and reduce knocking.

Just this very moment looked it up and found this link http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1070633

Not sure if you can change the advance to your engine as that would probably be of benefit when using lead. FYI: gave up on my Italian ignition system (was worth $$$$$) for one by Electromotive ($$$$) so can easily tune the curve.

As you have no cats and probably no O2 sensor in the exhaust you might want to give leaded a try. If i have some 'extra' at an event would be more than happy to let you try it. Plan to bring 25 gallons of 100LL AV gas to events but probably only need 20 gallons or a bit less.

[DanDarcy]

Hi Stephan;

The Avgas will evaporate and leave no residual material, also if you get it on your hands it leaves no "gas" smell. The main difference is the high lead content and it doesn't vaporize at high altitude (has a higher vapor pressure). If you have an old car prone to vapor lock -- its will work much better than auto gas. The fuel is also much cleaner than auto gas. One of my planes has an Auto gas STC, which means I can run regular auto pump gas in it but I'm limited as to high how I can fly the plane with it.

[jlwhorf]

I have posted this link before, but if you have not read it, it is well worth reading.

http://www.diabolicalperformance.com/hotrodoctane.html

Jonathan
900 Monte Carlo PA