Octane levels vs...?

[Mitch Loescher <Loescher@tamu.edu>]

>        I have noticed, that here in Colorado, we get the lowest octane
>levels of many states I have visited recently. I have seen a MAX of 91
>octane here, where many other states will have 94 and 95 octane.. 
>
>        Why is that? It seems that for maximum turbo performance, we would
>need high performance gasoline too... Is it because of the altitude - the
>gas people figure that the air is thinner, and so engines ( normally
>aspirated ) will suck in less air, and thus be less likely to knock?

Yes.  Less atmosphere=less prone to knock.  Turbo's just lose out.

>        Could we mix aviation fuel ( unleaded ) with regular fuel to raise
>the octane up? What does aviation fuel run per gallon?

Yes, but be careful, most avgas has lead in it, and it's expensive.

 - Mitch