Gasoline Question...

[DWR46]

Tom: Sorry I did not reply sooner, but my steam driven internet service has been down on and off this week. My comment about the 1-3% power loss on the dyno for ethanol was based on testing of carbureted race engines . My business is vintage race cars, and we dyno every engine we build. We do build a number of motors that are designed to run in Europe where it is almost impossible to get racing gasoline, so these engines are built with lower compression ratios. Therefore we can dyno them with pump gas. Our tests of ethanol vs. non-ethanol fuels gave the 1-3% power reduction. The Brake Specific readings are not different enough to justify any jet changes, just a slight drop in power. As far as the computer adjusting for the lower BTU content, I am a techno barbarian, so I am sure you are correct. I just buy the upgraded computers from DC Perforance, plug them in and enjoy the increased performance in my own Vipers.

[Tom, F&L GoR]

Don't apologize, I answered without all the facts. Yes, a carburetor can't adjust the mixture and so you should indeed see exactly what you said. I actually applaud your dyno skills to measure that amount of difference.

If you need any answers regarding break-in oils for your vintage engines, let me know.