Engine Masters Season 6 Episode 18 Choosing Fuel: Which Barrel?

In Engine Masters season 6 episode 18, titled "Choosing Fuel: Which Barrel?", the team focuses on the intricacies of selecting the right fuel to optimize an engine's performance. The hosts, Steve Dulcich and David Freiburger, collaborate with guest expert Kevin McIntosh, who has extensive experience in fuel blending and racing.

The episode starts with a brief overview of the fuel options available to engine builders, including race fuel, E85, and pump gas. The team then dives into the differences between these fuels and how they impact engine performance. They discuss the octane rating, specific gravity, and other characteristics that determine a fuel's suitability for a specific engine.

With the theoretical groundwork laid, the team set up a variety of tests to compare different fuels' efficacy. The first test involved benchmarking three different types of racing gasoline, each with a different octane rating. The team ran the fuel through a small-block Chevy engine to determine which gas produced the most power and best torque.

The second test introduced E85 as a fuel option. The team used a Holley HP EFI system to tune the engine for E85, which has a lower energy content than gasoline. They tackled the question of whether the fuel's higher octane rating could offset its lower energy value or not. The team adjusted the engine's timing and fuel curve to optimize it for E85 and then ran the engine to see how it performed against gasoline.

After discussing the power and torque produced by each fuel in each test, McIntosh walks viewers through the process of blending different fuels to create a custom blend that optimizes engine performance for specific demands. He explains the advantages of combining different fuel types to get the desired combination of energy value, air/fuel ratio, and max power.

The final test takes the concept of fuel blending and applies it to three different barrels of pump gas. McIntosh guides viewers through the process of mixing 87-, 89-, and 93-octane fuel to create a blend that optimizes engine performance while keeping costs down. The team then runs the engine on the custom pump gas blend to compare its performance to the racing fuels tested earlier in the show.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and McIntosh provide in-depth explanations and demonstrations of each fuel option's pros and cons. They highlight the importance of testing fuel in different engines to determine the best option for a specific build. They also stress the importance of proper tuning to achieve the best performance and efficiency from any fuel.

Overall, "Choosing Fuel: Which Barrel?" in Engine Masters season 6 episode 18 is an informative and engaging episode that highlights the complex world of fuel selection and optimization. The episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for anyone building a high-performance engine and looking to get the most out of their fuel options.