R2s/California Gas

[Lou Van Anne]

After six months and almost an additional $10000 in parts/repairs I hope my R2 64 Hawk (aka known as "The Money Pit" ) is finally at least roadworthy. What grade gas are you fellow California R2 drivers burning? Oh, buy the way, I'm still looking for a gas gauge.

[PackardV8]

The highest octane you can find. When the boost comes in, that won't be enough, but race gas does get expensive.

jack vines

[Pat Dilling]

Has anyone tried the various octane boosters?

[63 R2 Hawk]

I use a mix of 100 LL avgas and premium ethanol laced pump gas, cheaper than race gas. Avgas is very stable so it's a good winter fuel for folks who have to hang their car up in the winter, it will stay stable for over a year.

[stude1964]

Lou
I've had an issue with my Dad's R-1, turns out it was more electrical than fuel. I'm running 93 at present and all is good. You might try some octane boost but I think the best bet would be to find ethanol-free gas. I've used that and it stays stable longer w/o additives. I also try to exercise the cars in the fleet. You had first hand experience at how the wagon ( 289, AFB, Dual Exhaust ) runs on regular pump gas at Dover. Let's see some pics! I'll look for a spare gas gauge. Good Luck!
Rob in PA.

[decappastubbie]

Sunoco 260, but that was a while back.

[jnormanh]

It's not a Studebaker, but...I have a friend who owns a 289 Cobra which was hot rodded, 12.5:1 cr, back when it was new. He runs avgas @ $6/gallon

[Mike Van Veghten]

92/93 here in SoCal.
Octane boosters do a LITTLE, but aren't worth the money. I've tried several over the years. My recommendation on boosters, unless it's expensive and made by a "Race Gas manufacturer"...save your money..

My little Lark (259 powered) runs fine on the 92/93 gas...even to the point of having the ignition timing so high, that the starter grunts a little (even with a new battery). It's the only way it'll run half way decent (high timing).

Mike

P.s. - IF...you need more octane for higher compression...mix in "real" race gas. AV gas (airplane fuel) is made for the altitudes that "airplanes" drive...which in "most" cases is much higher than what cars drive in...!
There's a reason it's not called airplane/high compression car fuel...!

[Bud]

Avgas works as I've used it in my Studebakers with good results. The only avgas that is available is 100 octane low lead which is meant mostly for general aviation aircraft that fly at lower altitudes. 115/145 octane purple avgas is no longer available which was meant for high power engines flying at high altitudes. Mixing avgas to pump gas at around 5 or 6 gallons per tank will raise the octane enough to stop detonation in most engines. Avgas is expensive and it does have lead in it which is not legal for use in automobiles and it does run around 6 bucks per gallon and you have to know someone at an airport that will sell it to you. The positive side to avgas is that is has a shelf life of a couple of years. Bud

[Hawklover]

All "octane boosters' sold in stores are snake oil in a can:-(.......until big brother wakes from his slumber........you can get real TEL in a can.......contact wild bill Corvette in Mass.........."Octane Supreme".......

Has anyone tried the various octane boosters?

59.4 grams of Tetraethyl LEAD per Gallon
Higher Octane to Match Your Requirements
Protects Vital Engine Components
Increase Horsepower & Performance
Lower cost than Racing Fuel


I have used this for two yrs in my R-1 and no matter how hot the summer temps, no matter what throttle position, she NEVER pings!

[Lou Van Anne]

Here in the Land of the Fruits and the Nuts we have three grades to choose from: 89 Regular, 91 Super of 93 Premium. My racing days are behind me, just want my Hawk to run good. So California R2 drivers, which have you been using?