Thanks.  I am still at a loss though as to what Boston Bob is saying.  He
seems to think that using higher octane modern fuel is better?  Or am I just
interpreting it wrongly.  I understand that he is saying modern fuels have
lower octane rating (as the rating system is now different) compared with
older fuels and therefore to get 87 RON as it was 20 years ago you have to
go for a much higher rated modern fuel.  He seems to indicate that this is
very important to keep engine temps down.
Cheers
Michael

-----Original Message-----
From: G. Matthew Bulley [mailto:gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM]
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2002 9:37 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: What Octane Fuel?

Actually, paying for higher octane if your car doesn't call for it is
just a good way to decrease your retirement savings, or ensure that the
Christmas budget allows only sock dolls and sticks.

In the old days, there were different refined fuel stocks, with
different flame speeds, and slightly different BTU's per gallon (truly
different octane). Going with a higher octane, if your motor was tuned
for it could give a significant boost in performance.

Today, (except for Amoco Ultimate) ALL gasoline fuels are fungible; that
is, they are like grain in a cargo ship, or corn in a silo; all the
same, all come through the same pipelines, and are typically stored in
the same bladders, no matter who will sell them.

The only difference in what you put in your tank today is the ADDITIVE
PACKAGE each company/brand adds to the product just prior to delivery.
Higher octane fuels today are identical chemically to the base stock,
but have additive packages that slow the flame front enough to eliminate
knocking at higher compression/cylinder temps, and that greatly inhibit
pre-detonation (pinging).

So put in what the fuel sticker says, and imagine that extra $3.50 per
tankful compounding interest for the next 30 years.

Developing business and guiding change since 1996,

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications
Business: www.bulley-hewlett.com
Alliance: www.ntara.com
Phone: +1.919.658.1278

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Terry K.
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2002 11:27 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: What Octane Fuel?

If the engine is pinging--your timing is screwed up--reset it--

The owner's manual sez--87--use 87---

If you feel a little spunky---use 89--

If you feel real spunky--- go for the gusto---use 91

If you want to fry it--drop some Av-gas in it---:>)

Later,

Terry

E-mail message

I am sure this has been covered hundreds of times before, but what is
the best Octane rated fuel to use. When I bought my Westy the owner said
standard. Boston Bob seems to be saying the highest RON (which makes
sense wrt pre-ignition.) Clarification please!
Regards
Michael
81 Westy 'Daisy'