CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: boomer632 on March 09, 2023, 03:33:03 PM

Title: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: boomer632 on March 09, 2023, 03:33:03 PM
Guys with the 11:1 L78 what octane are you running? How about any lead additive or octane booster. I think the station that carried Turbo Blue wont be carrying it this year so Im looking for advice. Other than a Pertronix Flamethrower distributor, my L78 motor is how it came from factory.  Not really interested in messing with timing at this point.

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: usa1ti on March 09, 2023, 03:42:24 PM
The last 2 12.5 to 1 427s I have built I ran on 93 octane premium. 1 was open chamber GM aluminum heads 1 was closed chamber iron 840s. The 10-15% alcohol seems to cure a lot of compression issues. I still take a little timing out and don't run a lot of advance. My 302 runs fine on it also.
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: plumL78 on March 09, 2023, 06:01:19 PM
93 in my z28's and my L78 no additives just a little less timing
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: x66 714 on March 09, 2023, 06:41:01 PM
I don't have a L78 but in my 302 I run 1/2 110 & 1/2 93. Works good....Joe
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: cook_dw on March 09, 2023, 10:13:07 PM
25/75 of non-ethanol 91 and 110 Renegade Racing fuel.  Splash of groovy grape to make it smell good.  It runs fine on straight 91 but it like the mix better with timing all in at 38*
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: rare396bronze on March 09, 2023, 11:35:15 PM
Groovy Baby!
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: RikerZ28 on March 10, 2023, 08:44:09 AM
My L72 with 11.0:1 ratio 840 cast iron heads I use 50/50 unleaded non alcohol premium 92 and 100LL Av gas. Timing all in at 38* 
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: lynnbilodeau on March 10, 2023, 07:24:27 PM
I am lucky to be close to a municipal airport that will sell to the public.  I have an LT-1 spec motor in my 69 Z right now with 11.5:1.

I run 100 LL.
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: Kelley W King on March 10, 2023, 10:52:00 PM
My L78 runs ok on pump 93 but it does diesel some when you turn it off. Mix in a gallon of two of purple gas and it sures does run better and no dieseling. I don,t run it too hard since with stock size tires it likes to break them loose at any speed. Stock except headers.
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: sixt9x33rs on April 09, 2023, 01:11:20 PM
There is a great article in April Hemmings American Muscle Machines about dieseling. Per the article the dieseling is caused by carbon build up on the top of the pistons or excessive high idle or both. Ray Bohacz says to soak the pistons with GM Upper Engine and fuel Injection Cleaner. There is a lot more to the details about doing this so read the article before soaking anything. Ray says that this process will cure your dieseling problems.

Good luck
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: Pacecar on April 09, 2023, 05:49:19 PM
I use aviation gas. 100 octane. $5.29 per gallon
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: DuWayne Ladner on April 13, 2023, 11:46:31 AM
Just had my CE L78 completely re-done, bored .60 over. My engine builder says I should be fine running 93 octane.
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: maroman on April 13, 2023, 12:44:18 PM
I love the color. If I had to have a '69 I would want that combo.
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: David K on April 13, 2023, 06:21:26 PM
Looking good with those "ZL1 Hubcaps ".🫣🫢🫣😀😆
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: MO on April 14, 2023, 12:27:55 AM
Agree, great color combo.

I'm surprised to hear so many can readily get Av-gas. I use to buy it from a small airport, but they stopped servicing anything non aviation. I was told because of EPA issues.
Title: Re: Unmodified L78 guys.. what are you running for octane?
Post by: DuWayne Ladner on April 14, 2023, 12:21:45 PM
Sorry Boomer632, did not mean to take away from your post, by adding pics of my car and engine. But thanks to MaroMan, David K, and Mo for I assume is responses to my post. To ya'll just tried to replicate the factory look or what I eyeballed on a used car lot in So. Mississippi and purchased on my HS graduation evening, May 26, 1972. Yes next month, 51 years owned. Once this CE L78 is back in car, soon I hope, then I will began a re-search for my original engine that I put my eyes on back in the mid 90's, but had a very unfimilar suffix code to me, of which if re-found will be looking for a partial VIN, to confirm or eliminate as my original! The suffix code I remember to this day, and since have discovered it is a very special rare code, will say 1 of 311. Of corse the code has already been discounted by Mr. Kurt a while back as never been a code in this series of 311, or at least confirmed as 1 of. Sorry I've been long on this, but maybe 1 day I can post my car and story and pic it also. God Bless.