GASOLINE: Part 1

First of all I do not claim to be any kind of expert on gasoline. I do have access to many that are experts, I have asked questions and been enlightened with the answers, and it is my sole intention here to enlighten you, because all gasolines are not the same.

Before I get started let me say that I can not talk poorly of those who deserve it. For liability purposes, but I can speak highly of those who do deserve it. I will keep this simple, not a lot of technical mumbo jumbo. These are my own personal opinions, although I consider them to be informed opinions. But none the less they are my opinions, and the information I have gathered really only applies to the pump gasoline that is sold in the U. S.

I will start with crude oil, and move quickly into gasoline.

Oil is energy. There is a wide range of crude oil. The best oil requires the least amount of energy to refine it. The oil that comes from the Middle-East is often referred to as "sweet crude" it is very thin, low in sulfur, and relatively easy to refine. The crude oil that comes from South America is very thick, almost tar-like, very high in sulfur, and requires more energy input to refine. This is why Middle-East oil is so desirable.

We will skip the refining process, except to say that some crude oils require more refining then others, but don't always receive it, and go straight to the "Base Fuel" that is the product of refining. Not ready for use, but will be after it has been "doped" with an "additive package". Base Fuel comes in different qualities. Some good, some not so good. The price of the Base Fuel is reflective of its quality.

A typical scenario for low quality gasoline comes from a supplier buying a quality base fuel, introducing their "additive package", meeting the minimum standard, and getting their "additive package" approved. Then in the supply phase of production, "spot market base fuels" are purchased. The problem with this is that "spot market base fuels" consist of whatever is available, and quality and consistency can not be relied upon. Often resulting in a gasoline that no longer meets the minimum standard.

The quality gasoline suppliers use a different technique. They make sure that the additive package that they use in their fuels is adequate to use, even if the severest of base fuels is encountered. Of course these companies are "Oil Companies" with their name and reputation on the product, not a grocery store that also "sells gas".

Another cost cutting technique is to only dope the premium with the best additives. This is where I think many of you have been mislead into believing that premium 92/93 octane gasoline is better then regular 87. Depending on the station this may very well be true. Some stations provide bad regular 87, but good premium 92/93. If you go to the right station you can buy a good regular and save the extra money.

Let me also add: Avoid the mid-grade 89 like the plague. Why? Quality regular 87 octane you see on the label in a minimum rating, but typically tests to be between 88-88.5, and is circulated very often, always fresh because of its popularity. Drivers who want more for their car go to premium. The mid-grade is VERY unpopular, stays in the tank for months, gets stale, and often tests to have an octane rating below 87. STAY AWAY!!

What does it matter, where is the effect?

Poor gasoline builds up deposits on the intake valves and the piston domes. The deposits on the valves impede the gasoline vapor from completely filling the cylinder, lowering volumetric efficiency. The deposits on the piston domes effectively raise the compression ratio causing knocks and pings under acceleration.

Many of us who drive older performance cars can really feel the difference in performance, but those who have newer cars hardly notice the effects. Technology has come so far that the onboard systems are constantly making adjustments, and even under these circumstances, of deposit build-up, the cars idle smoothly, and appear to run well. The effects are also so gradual that most never realize it. Only under hard acceleration, such as getting on freeway on ramps are the effects really felt.

Well this has been pretty long and drawn out, and I will end this for now and continue in the next part.


[This message has been edited by GT911 (edited 04-12-2001).]

Thanks for the update. Give up the good stuff so we can see who smiles and who feels a little embarrassed!

I appreciate what your informed opinion says more than I trust what my intuition tells me. As we all know, sometimes the manufacturers claims do not live up to the real world results.

Thanks,


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Kevin
87 Carrera

It is not my intention to embarrass anyone. I invited everyone to put their business in the street, I certainly won't plow over anyone. Besides I can't throw stone at others for doing the same things I have done. I just fell into the right spot, by accident, and had a real interest for the research that is being done.

Unfortunately rather then educate the buying public, oil companies try to lure customers in with tiger tails for the gas cap, dancing gas pumps, singing cars, etc.. etc.. etc..

If they marketed with the facts, everyone would know where to go, but it's just not done that way.

Please tell us something (we didn't already know) in Part 2.


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Doug
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
members.home.net/zielke/911SC.htm

Ok! So we're still anxiously awaiting. How about a teaser at least to get me through the week.

Mike Miller
89 911

GT,

I don't expect you to embarrass anyone. That would, of course, be rude and unnecessary. I am just interested to see if the extra costs paid to maintain the 911 with certain products is actually "paying off." No pun intended. Then i'll feel better (and know better) when others claim Mobil 1, Redline, Kendall GT-1, K&N filters, etc. are no different than the regular stuff.

Bring it on.

Thanks,


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Kevin
87 Carrera