I was just wondering (Fuel Question)

Germania wrote:
Me being an East Coast person would somebody please explain the gas ratings in the Mid West. I'm refering to the regular (87 Octane) vs the Plus (89 Octane)It blows my mind pulling up to the pumps and seeing the Plus grade 10 or 15 cents cheaper than regular. I know its because the Plus has more Ethanol(% anyone?) The second thing that peaks my curiosity is who uses Plus? My owners manual on my V-10 engine and on my 4 cyl chevy engine state 87 octane is to be used.
Is anybody using this in a V-10 and if so do you see any consequences

Uh, you are mistaken about Ethanol (Alcohol) if anything plus has less. In the old days Premium used to be called ETHEL, due to Tetrahedral lead. however. that too is no more.

What it means.. Under conditions of high heat and pressure gasoline/air mix may tend to "Self Ignite" this causes a "knocking" sound or rattle in your engine.

The higher the octane number, the hotter it has to be to make it do this, (The harder it is to get it to ignite in this way) The higher test fuels wait patiently for teh spark to ignite them.

Diesel fuel has a CETAIN rating if I have spelled it right.. This is mroe or less the opposite of Octane, the higher the number the EASIER it is to ignite using only heat and pressure.