I am currently in the process of blue printing my engine that i am going to build for my 79 camaro z28.

I am using an 64 to 66 283 cid with a 3.25 stroke. I have calculated my static compression ratio to be 10.2:1. I am having trouble figuring out what octane to start out with. If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

Depending on what i can figure out with this i may also contemplate running on E85!

 

Well, I'd suggest running premium. But you could start with regular, and if you get some pinging/knocking switch to mid. If it continues, put in premium. If it keeps going, put in some 110! :P If it STILL does it, you've got issues. haha

 

if it still pings after that, u put ur cam position sensor in backwards lol
no.... not really

I recommend running premium for pretty much anything other than stock. its just me, i dont like to risk my components. 110 will most likely be overkill for what ur doing. 10.2:1 isnt that crazy. a good 92 will probably do u just fine. im sure there are calculators out there. can you adjust timing by hand? start with a mid grade, see if you have knock, if u do back the timing down until u can fill up with something better

 

You definitely don't need more than premium. You may even get away with using mid-grade. I used to have a 69 Vette, 350 with 10:1 c.r. and I never got a ping from using mid grade. I alternate between mid and high (every other tank) with my Camaro with no issues, and it's c.r is in the high 10's.
And if you're going with aluminum heads, they'll be more forgiving in the octane department.

 

I never got a ping with regular but I switched to plus because I got about five miles to the gallon then with plus I got way better performance and eight to ten miles per gallon.

 

Ifyou have iron heads, and I am guessing you do witha 283 if you are being true to the original, premium will be the only fuel you can really use.

 

Just go to the nearest airport and fill up. Always makes a good sight in my town. You get all of the old farmers and their crop dusters and your fillin up your car. Plus then you can say that your car is so fast you have to fill up with rocket fuel haha

 

You talking about using AV fuel? Not a very good idea, unless you like to periodically open up the engine and clean out all the crusty crud you'll be getting built up in the cylinders.
And, jet fuel is pure kerosene.

 

And Naphtha, you could always throw in some acetone to increase the octane. Between Kerosene and a little acetone you can get some high octane fuel. The kerosene reduces the flash point of gas and the acetone helps to atomize the gas. I you look at most octane boosters they will say that is contains kerosene, it is also good for cleaning your fuel system in small amounts. Be careful with the acetone because if you have cheep plastic parts in your fuel system it will dissolve them other than that it works great.

 

I am with Spec, I put premium in anyways. I see an increase in gas millage and the price difference is made up by that.