Battle of the Fuels: Octane vs Methanol

TLDRIn this video, we test different fuels to see their impact on performance in an LS3 engine. We compare 87 and 91 octane pump gas, race gas, and e85. We also explore the power potential of methanol. The results show that higher octane doesn't always mean more power and that methanol can significantly increase torque. However, methanol comes with its own challenges, including corrosion and fuel system maintenance.

Key insights

🔥Higher octane doesn't always mean more power in naturally aspirated engines.

💪Methanol can significantly increase torque in an engine.

💧Methanol is corrosive and requires regular fuel system maintenance.

🔩Higher octane and methanol are better suited for boosted applications.

🏎️Choosing the right fuel depends on your engine setup and goals.

Q&A

Does higher octane always mean more power?

No, higher octane doesn't necessarily translate to more power in naturally aspirated engines. It depends on the engine's compression ratio and timing requirements.

Can methanol increase power?

Yes, methanol can significantly increase torque in an engine. It has a higher oxygen content and can handle higher compression ratios and boost levels.

What are the challenges of using methanol?

Methanol is corrosive and requires regular fuel system maintenance due to its hygroscopic nature. It also has lower energy density than gasoline, so more fuel is needed.

Which fuel is better for naturally aspirated engines?

For naturally aspirated engines, the optimal fuel depends on factors such as compression ratio, timing requirements, and availability. Higher octane fuels may not always provide a significant power increase.

Which fuel is better for boosted engines?

Higher octane fuels, such as race gas and e85, are better suited for boosted applications. They can handle higher levels of boost and provide better knock resistance.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the YouTube video about testing different fuels in an LS3 engine.

12:34Comparison of power numbers between different octane fuels.

25:56Discussion of the power potential of methanol and its challenges.

38:45Answering common questions about the impact of higher octane and methanol on engine performance.

50:02Conclusion and key takeaways from the video.