RickSE
08-26-2002, 04:03 PM
I made some engine changes 2-years ago, 2-barrel to 4-barrel with a new cam and prop. I've always run the boat on 87-octane figuring it really didn't need more (basically a stock 1996 Mercruiser 350). With the engine changes and a new prop my best speed was around 58-MPH, made me happy since the 2-barrel speed was 53-MPH, 18-Classic running at 3700-ft. elevation.
Well since I'd recently read some info on octane levels dropping during winter storage I decided to top off the tank last week with 89-octane instead of 87. Took the boat out this weekend and it ran a best ever speed of 61-MPH. I'm assuming it's the octane since nothing else has changed. The higher octane/slower burn must be allowing me to get more power out of the fuel. I'll try some 92 but I'm assuming it won't make as much of a difference.
Anyone else experience this?
Well since I'd recently read some info on octane levels dropping during winter storage I decided to top off the tank last week with 89-octane instead of 87. Took the boat out this weekend and it ran a best ever speed of 61-MPH. I'm assuming it's the octane since nothing else has changed. The higher octane/slower burn must be allowing me to get more power out of the fuel. I'll try some 92 but I'm assuming it won't make as much of a difference.
Anyone else experience this?