Ask A Scientist© Chemistry Archive

name         Max A. S.
status       student
age          16

Question -Is it possible to predict the octane rating resulting from combing 5
gallons of 87 octane gasoline with 5 gallons of 93 octane gasoline?

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Max,

The mixture has an octane rating that is the average of the two. (87 +
93) / 2 = 90 octane.

BTW, it serves no useful purpose to burn higher octane fuel than that
recommended by the manufacturer of the engine. In an engine designed for
87 octane fuel, no more power is gained from burning 90 (or higher)
octane fuel. High octane gasoline is not more powerful than the lower
grades. That is it thought to be so is just a myth.

Regards,
ProfHoff
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