by Ferrous_Head » Tue Jul 30, 2019 3:01 pm
Leas added to gasoline reduces it's volatility. It doesn't burn as fast. It axts in a similar way to the control rods in nuclear reactors. The use graphite rods between the fissionable material to slow the fission process sufficiently to keep it from "running away" in a chain reaction. Detonation in a gasoline engine is similar. You interrupt the combustion process by introducing a stable substance that doesn't burn.
Ideally are engines would burn all of their furl at the optimum moment which is around 73-76 degrees ATDC. (This varies with the stroke). But it's impossible for this to happen. We do a "controlled burn" which, becuase it does take time, starts dome 40 odd degrees BTDC so that at the required point ( 76 ATDC) the maximum amount of pressure is produced by the combustion process.
Using higher octane fuels in an engine that doesn't require it is going to cost you performance. ie, the engine won't perform at it's optimum even if you adjust timings to suit the fuel. Pound for pound of fuel higher leaded fuels produce less BTU's.
I think you'll find the KR's all ran on standard, not "Hi-Test" fuels.
"I know only too well the evil that I propose, but my inclinations get the better of me."