Engine Masters Season 6 Episode 81 Does Octane Make Power?

Engine Masters season 6 episode 81 titled "Does Octane Make Power?" takes a deep dive into the popular belief that higher octane fuel leads to more horsepower. Hosts David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich bring their expertise to the show as they take a closer look at the science behind this concept.

The episode begins with a brief overview of what octane is and why it matters. Octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging, which is a type of abnormal combustion that can cause engine damage. Higher octane fuels are commonly associated with high-performance engines because they allow for more aggressive ignition timing, which can produce more power.

However, as David and Steve explain, it's not just about using the highest octane fuel possible. They conduct several experiments using a variety of fuels with different octane ratings and carefully monitor the engine's performance and power output.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is that higher octane fuel does not automatically translate to more power. In fact, using too high of an octane rating for an engine can actually result in a decrease in power. This is because the engine's ignition timing is limited by the fuel's burning rate, and using a fuel with a higher octane rating slows down the burning rate, which can lead to less power.

David and Steve also discuss the importance of tuning an engine for the specific fuel being used. This involves adjusting the ignition timing and fuel delivery to optimize the engine's performance based on the fuel's characteristics. They demonstrate this process by testing an engine on different fuels and adjusting the tuning parameters to achieve the best results.

Another interesting aspect of the episode is the discussion of alternative fuels. David and Steve test a variety of fuels, including E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), racing gas, and regular pump gas. They compare the power output and tuning characteristics of each fuel and explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using alternative fuels.

Overall, Engine Masters season 6 episode 81 provides a fascinating exploration of octane and its impact on engine performance. Through their experiments and analysis, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich offer valuable insights into the science of engines and the importance of fuel selection and tuning.