Big block V8’s and premium gasoline
Has anyone here bumped the timing on their Ford 460 V8 for better performance? I realize that doing so probably necessitates the use of higher octane gasoline, but is the added performance and potenti...
Forum Discussion
I take owner's manual recommendations to use "minimum 85 octane gasoline or gasohol" to mean "minimum", or "will run on it", not "designed for".
Every knock-sensor equipped engine I have owned: GM Vortec, GM LT1, Toyota, Nissan will return slighty better fuel economy on premium gasoline vs regular often easily covering the cost difference per gallon. The GM V8's were used for towing and were much happier on premium.
When today's 85 octane rated gasohol absorbs some water in vehicles that stand unused you lose the octane benefit of the ethanol so the gasohol is no longer 85 octane.
A modern tuner designed for the 460 if there is one plus some premium gas might give good results.
You can start by trying some of the simple tips plus using premium fuel to compare performance.
Every knock-sensor equipped engine I have owned: GM Vortec, GM LT1, Toyota, Nissan will return slighty better fuel economy on premium gasoline vs regular often easily covering the cost difference per gallon. The GM V8's were used for towing and were much happier on premium.
When today's 85 octane rated gasohol absorbs some water in vehicles that stand unused you lose the octane benefit of the ethanol so the gasohol is no longer 85 octane.
A modern tuner designed for the 460 if there is one plus some premium gas might give good results.
You can start by trying some of the simple tips plus using premium fuel to compare performance.
