The endless ethanol debate

[davey buoy]

 

running regular is not bad for the turbo itself, it can be bad for the engine of a turbo-equipped car due to knock (or detonation). modern day turbo cars have safety measures in place to prevent this in the form of knock sensors in case you get a batch of bad fuel. if a knock sensor detects knock, it will idiot the timing of the engine to prevent damage -- when this happens, the car will feel like a dog (slow). the reason you need higher octane fuel is because it is more resistant to knock. you can skip the rest if there's no interest

 

a not-turbo car's compression ratio is static. cars with forced induction (turbo/supercharger) have dynamic compression ratios. all a turbo does is raise the compression ratio while your foot is in it -- higher compression ratio=more power. if you keep your foot out of it, and don't 'use' the turbo, the engine stays at it's (lower) compression. the higher the compression ratio, the higher the chance for knock, the higher the need for high octane fuel (which is more resistant to knock). so, if you were in a bind and had to use regular for whatever reason, you will be just fine if you keep your foot out of it.

That makes sense Raf,thanks for the info.

[Sinker]

Keep your foot out of a turbo? RIIIIIGHT LOL

 

S.

[Raf]

LOL it's addictive ain't it? then come bigger turbos, bigger injectors, bigger fuel pumps. bigger intercoolers, air/fuel controllers, race gas, it doesn't end.

[Sinker]

Its ends when the engine blows up.....ask me how I know LOL

 

S.