JBD

I know what the difference is - it's octane rating, the property that rates how well a gas resists pre-ignition, or "knocking". But since the invention of electronic fuel injection, the requirement for higher octane grades has faded to practically nothing. I haven't bought anything but the cheapest regular 87 octane gas I could find for 20 years. With one rare exception: when I had a fully-loaded FunBus on a long trip - the higher octane ran a little cooler, and heat is the mortal enemy of the FunBus..

Is this guy trying to say that it is strictly a marketing ploy by the oil companies? I can't find any requirement for there to be 3 grades, just that, well, there are. Wouldn't it be a lot cheaper for the refineries to make only one grade, or do they just "cut" it, like watering down booze? Doesn't sound right to me.

Before EFI, engines ranged from gutless wonders (our pink 62 Rambler American) to monster big blocks, all naturally aspirated via carburetors. I could see there being a need then. But why now?

Why not simply make one grade of gas and sell octane booster separately - available everywhere - for those who need it? Does anybody out there buy mid-grade or premium gas for everyday driving? Why? I can see for off road vehicles, boats, race cars, etc. But again, why not just use octane boost?

You could then convert the other two nozzles to ethanol/methanol or other blends for flex fuel vehicles. The underground tanks and pipes have to be different, but these systems get dug up all the time in California.

Chief? White Lightning? Doodle? Any input on this?

Posted by: JBD at 07:13 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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