[s-cars] Re: Gas Prices

[William Noland]

True to an extent -- all depends how you define "normal driving 
purposes".  :-)

Modern knock-sensor equipped cars can detect light pinging and roll back 
the timing. Ur S-Cars have a fairly high compression ratio and fairly 
high boost (especially when modified), even when compared to more modern 
cars. Throw in a little carbon buildup over time and things get worse. 
Over the years, octane has tended to drop, especially in California, 
where 91 octane is pretty much it. I experience light pinging on 
California swill and same was true before the car was chipped.

Weather pays a part, too -- things are relatively good, when the air is 
cool and dense. Not so good, once things warm up. I'd be one happy boy, 
if 93-94 octane fuel were available at the corner gas station.

Bill Noland
living on 91 octane in Oakland

>I've been told by a veteran (25+ years) auto mechanic that the only
>reason any would ever need/use higher octane fuel, other than for racing
>purposes, is to reduce or prevent pinging.
>
>In other words, if your car doesn't ping don't waste your money on
>higher octane for normal driving purposes.
>