83sc ROW calls for 98 octane...what to use?

[gulkster]

What is everyone using in their ROW 3.0Ls? I recently read a post from Bill V. that says the 98 RON for ROWs was also to be leaded. I am using 91 (the best I have available) and a bottle of octane boost that treats 60L of fuel. Am I doing the best I can, or are there better ways out there. Do any of the additives in the octane boosts do anything for the valve guides (like lead does)?
edit: I just found an article that states that North American fuel uses the AKI system of octane, not the RON system. As such, it is claimed that 91 in North America is about 95 in Europe. I guess I'm doing alright then.

[Raceboy]

In Europe 98 octane means 93 octane in US. So use this and you (ok, the engine) will be fine.

[gulkster]

you beat me to my own edit. lol I can't get 93 here...only 91.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

FWIW, my '83 does just fine on 87 octane. Low compression engine, in comparison with more "modern" engines. How does the car run on 91 octane without the boost? You might just be burning money?

[gulkster]

I haven't tried without the boost. I probably am burning $s, but I bought a bunch of it on sale, so I'll use it until I run out. I do feel better when I'm screaming around a corner at 45' and 6500 rpm that I won't pre-detonate. I might detonate completely, but at least it won't happen before (much before) TDC

[tvanbroekhoven]

A ROW car should get 98 RON or 93 whatever you guys have in the States.

Otherwise you will get knock and that will make your engine sad.

More on 'knock': http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking

It is adviced to use a lead substitute at least every 3 tanks.

Long story short: get yourself an octane boosting lead substitute and you'll have an happy engine.

Just my 2 (euro-)cents

[longhornchris04]

You should be O.K. running the highest test available but I would talk to your mechanic. It may be possible to slightly detune the engine (closer to US spec) to add some knock resistance.

I know less agressive timing and slightly over-rich mixtures can prevent knock. Of course the 83 CIS has lambda, so your adjustments with fuel may be limited.

Good news for you is up in Canada you temps are cooler. I know air cooled motors get very finiky as they approach their max operating temp (read almost overheat). Keeping the heads nice and cool is one of the reasons modern cars can run higher compression ratios with todays crappy gas.

[gulkster]

Anyone know of a lead substitute available? Preferences? I am using some Valvoline octane boost for "racing applications", but it dies not say what it contains, or how much. Just tells to add one bottle per 60 Liters of fuel...