grey99max

iTrader: (12)

Does anyone know the actual effects of using leaded hi-octane gas in our cars? Can the O2 sensors and cat tolerate the lead, or do those parts die?

I don't really care about the 3" hi-flow cat, but O2 sensors are important to just driving around, and I don't want to lose them.

I use Sunoco 260GT Plus 104-octane on the drag strip, because I sprays a bit, and I had ordered two 5-gal cans from online lately. I just opened the second box last night, and instead of 104, the can is Sunoco Maximal 116 octane leaded fuel. I can't return it - so do I dare use it in my Maxima, or just burn it up in my mower? The specs are awesome, but it has lead inside...

Hoooper

im not sure how it would affect our cars, but i know that the lead makes the valve seats different, and if you stop running lead they can soften up and could cause running problems

rteenie22

+1 for unleaded

boostlogic

iTrader: (2)

I've never heard of that, but I do know it leaves deposits on the valves themselves, which over time could make flow a little more turbulant.

Also, never used leaded gas in any VQ series engine...but Im pretty sure it would take out your upstream o2.

grey99max

iTrader: (12)

Never mind - I talked to the sales guy at Hiperfuels and they are going to ship me a replacement can of Sunoco 104 along with the other two I just ordered. He said DON'T USE Sunoco MAXIMAL 116 in any car with O2 sensors - the fuel will destroy them! He said to give it to guys with track bikes - so my buddy with two Buells just got a present.

UK-nissan

An O2 sensor is good for about 30 miles of race gas, then its toast!!!

Mike

grey99max

iTrader: (12)

That far, huh? Let's see, a half-mile down, turn around and drive back - that's one mile per pass - 30 passes, thirty miles, two O2 sensors....... Tempting...

UK-nissan

Dont forget that there will be lead scattered through the whole system that will carry on wrecking your O2 sensors for ages afterwards. But I do like your thinking...

Mike

Jime

iTrader: (10)

See if you can get unleaded race fuel the link to where I get mine is below.

I was using Pro Fuels Mark 5, 114 Octane for nitrous, however this year I am planning on going with the Mark 2, its 110 octane. All of their fuels are UNLEADED.

http://www.speedwaybikes.com/sponsors/fuel.htm

UK-nissan

Just be careful of their classification of unleaded, some racegas called unleaded has more lead than most leaded pump fuels.

Mike

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

Lead is going to ruin your cat and 02 sensor.

grey99max

iTrader: (12)

Thanks - I'll contact them and see what they can ship south, over the US border. I bet the Homeland Security troops will appreciate fuels in the mail, across a border, but oh well....

Jime

iTrader: (10)

I know a lot of racers that have been using this fuel for years with their widebands etc, it has ZERO lead. I have used it for 3 years myself.

UK-nissan

Sounds good to go then.

Mike

DirtyErnie

Xylene has zero lead, runs aroudn 114 octane, and about as much energy as gas, and readily available at paint stores. unfortunately, it's available for about 15 a gallon.... dammit.

could be fun in a race bike or some such, probably needs a little acetone (3-4oz/10 gallon) to make it evaporate right, though.

UK-nissan

Its also quite carcinogenic.

Mike

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

I know several friends locally that track their BPU++ supras and use 100LL fuel and haven't had problems with the sensors.. of course unleaded would be ideal, but in some places you just have to take what you can get.