Leaded Race gas - good/bad?
 

So there is a Citgo near my parents house that sells 110 Octane leaded race gas($5.80 a gallon). I have a Mobile near me that sells unleaded 100 racing fuel (i think it is 100).

I know the octane is better, but I have heard the leaded fuel in our engines can cause problems over time. Any expiriences out there?

It will only cause a problem if you are running a cat or using the o2 sensor. It will tend to clog up both and shorten their life.

Dan

The leaded fuel can destroy the O2 sensor in a matter of miles, compared to unleaded which can last thousands on top of thousands.

Thanks guys!

Does that include wideband o2 sensors?

Yes, any o2

Why do you want 110 octane? It is my understanding that the factory teams of the '80's actually brought their own fuel to the track, 78 octane.

With forced induction higher octane will help you push your limits further for power etc. I simply saw Racing Gas at this Citgo station that stated it was Leaded 110, and i figured I would do my research to see if would even be worth putting into my car for a strip day.

As I figured the o2 and widebands will get ruined (and I have read our plugs will foul fast as well) so in all the extra 10 octane just isn't worth it.

BTW, I spoke to some of the high end muscle car guys and they live off that stuff for the strip, but then again their engines were/are made for it.

If your a big hp guy your pretty much going to have to have it unless you have AI.

Thats only for N/A rotaries. And it wasn't 78, it was more like 85-86.

Bad for o2 sensors, good for performance...plus you get the "white tip mod" and your exhaust smells like roses.

it does smell nice and sweet!!

If you are cranking the boost up then its good insurance. However just by adding "race gas" does not add power, infact it will loose some power unless its q16 or such ($15 per gallon). I used to add 5-6 gallons (110 leaded) when at the drag track back in the day just to add some safety.

Lead works great (to a point, it plateaus) to increase the octane rating.

That answers so many questions...