Re: Octane needed

Not sure. It's hard to tell by looking at the HP number. What matters 
more than HP or static compression is *cylinder pressure* and the 
configuration of things. You can get away with more compresison if you
have aluminum heads (up to 1 point higher with all other things held 
equal). The engine will detonate more with things that cause hot spots 
in the combustion chamber (piston sharp edges, chamber casting 
flash....etc...) so you can help a lot by smoothing things out as much 
as possible.  Camshaft choice matters a lot, and the weight of car and
gearing matter a lot, as does fuel distribution. I'm driving one now 
with 11.2:1 static compression in a chevy 350. It has a weber set up
and aluminum brodix heads with Wiseco 11.25:1 pistons and a crane roller 
cam. The car weighs 1900 lbs so the engine is never loaded much. It runs
fine on 92 octane. I could probably make it detonate by lugging it up a 
hill or something but so far I haven't seen or heard any signs of 
pinging. I'm *overdriving* the water pump slightly to keep air bubbles
to a minimum and there's a good radiator and an expansion tank with a
good air bleed system. Read up on what you can do to avoid detonation
and you may have some luck.
B

Wes wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I am looking at buying a Mopar Crate Engine 402 435 HP. My question is
this: 
> I can purchase BP premium gasoline with 92 octane. Will this be high
enough 
> for STREET driving with the engine?
> 
> Any help will be greatly appreciated. 
> 
>