And, I assume that we all know that in the higher altitudes octane is lower.
The higher in altitude you go, the less compression your engine has, so the
need for hi octane fuel goes down.
Whenever I go up out west, I notice the dramatic drop in octane at the pumps
(85,87,89)
(esp. where the elevation ranges from around 8000' to over 10,000').

In Detroit Regular is 87, mid is 89 and premium is 91 or 93.

I'm sure that impacts your performance depending on what octane you filled
up at, vs. what elevation you are driving at.

Jack

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Don Hanson
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 4:59 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: While Talking About Fuel

 However, whenever I've been stuck, as at a dirt road cross roads in Nevada,
and ONLY 85 AKI was available, the waterboxer did not knock, and mileage was
as usual (about 19.5 mpg).  On that particular 4800 mile trip, however, my
mileage varied dramatically, from 17.4 to 23.5 mpg.  I assumed conditions
(wind, temperature, grade) made the difference.

>
> David McNeely
>

  For general information, the gasoline in Mexico has a very low octane,
especially in the Nova grade.  In the Baja there are many times when only
Nova is available.

  I've ridden dirtbikes down there often, bikes that Nova really runs BAD
in.  I took a good supply of octane booster along for those times when I was
left without the choice to use Magna Sin...or whatever the might call their
Premium fuel now.  The Premium fuel ran about like US Regular...Nova pinged
like crazy, always.

  Don Hanson
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