Sylvie Willis
Race fuels are specialized fuels designed to maximize performance and meet the unique requirements of high-performance racing engines. They offer several advantages over regular fuels, including higher octane ratings, consistent performance, and engine protection. Race fuels are formulated to deliver high power outputs, improved combustion characteristics, and consistent performance under extreme conditions. These fuels have higher octane ratings, enabling engines to run at higher compression ratios without detonation, thus maximizing performance. Race fuels are also designed to provide lubrication and cooling properties, reducing wear on engine components and enhancing durability. Additionally, oxygenated race fuels incorporate oxygenating compounds such as ethanol or methanol, which enhance combustion efficiency and increase power output. The selection of the right race fuel depends on factors such as the type of racing, engine specifications, regulations, and track conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Race fuel type | Diesel |
| Purpose | To maximise performance and meet the unique requirements of high-performance racing engines |
| Advantages over regular fuel | Higher octane ratings, consistent performance, engine protection |
| Common additives | Alcohol, toluene, xylene, oxygenating compounds (e.g. ethanol, methanol) |
| Additive functions | Increase power, thin fuel, improve combustion efficiency, lubrication, cooling |
| Commercial products | RACE GAS Diesel Performance Plus, Power Mist, Renegade Race Fuel |
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What You'll Learn
Using toluene or xylene
Toluene and xylene are aromatic hydrocarbons that can be used to make homemade race fuel. They are common aromatics with similar density, burn speed, and BTU content, and can be found in some of today's race fuels. They can be purchased for less than $5 per gallon at chemical supply houses or paint stores.
Toluene and xylene are octane boosters and can be used to increase the octane rating of fuel. Octane is the measurement of gasoline's resistance to pre-ignition, and higher octane ratings mean greater ability to run higher compression, more boost, increased engine speeds, etc. Toluene and xylene are aromatic compounds, composed of just hydrogen and carbon arranged in a ring structure. They are products of crude oil that contain high BTU levels.
To increase the octane rating of fuel, you can mix it with toluene or xylene. For example, to increase the octane rating of 93 octane gas to 100 octane, you would need to mix 1 gallon of toluene with 2 gallons of 93 octane fuel. It is important to note that toluene and xylene are not the only components of race fuel. F1 rocket fuel, for instance, contains 84% toluene and 16% n-heptane.
While toluene and xylene can increase the octane rating of fuel, there are some concerns about using them. One concern is that they can degrade rubber and plastic parts in the fuel system, which could lead to fuel system failures. Additionally, they may slow down burning speeds due to their strong chemical bonds. It is also important to ensure that the toluene or xylene is well mixed with the fuel, as improper mixing could damage the engine.
Some people have reported using toluene or xylene in their cars without any issues. However, others have cautioned against it, stating that it is not worth the risk. It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and ensure that the fuel is properly mixed before using toluene or xylene as race fuel.
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Adding alcohol
Firstly, alcohol is a fuel option for specific racing classes and types of cars, such as Open Wheel and some closed-wheel cars. It is important to ensure that your race falls into these categories before considering alcohol as a fuel additive. Additionally, alcohol is more challenging to ignite compared to gasoline, and it lacks the same level of availability worldwide.
One of the critical considerations when adding alcohol to diesel race fuel is the potential for corrosion. Alcohol has a chemical composition that can be highly corrosive to the coatings typically found on metals in fuel systems. This can lead to surface oxidation and pitting of metal components. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain and clean the fuel system frequently, ideally after each race, to prevent the alcohol from becoming a strong corrosive agent.
Another factor to consider is that alcohol is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the surrounding air if exposed to the environment. This can lead to fuel contamination and affect the performance of the race car. To mitigate this issue, it is recommended to store alcohol in unvented containers and minimise its exposure to the environment.
When adding alcohol to diesel race fuel, it is essential to pay attention to the percentage of alcohol in the mixture. Some race cars have been known to run on fuel mixtures containing up to 50% alcohol. However, it is important to note that a higher percentage of alcohol may require adjustments to the fuel pump and other engine components to handle the extra flow.
To ensure the safe and effective use of alcohol in diesel race fuel, it is recommended to consult with experts or experienced individuals, such as tractor folks or racing teams, who have firsthand knowledge of using alcohol in their fuel mixtures. Additionally, there are commercial products available, such as lubricants or dispersants, that can be added to the fuel mixture to help reduce corrosion and improve engine performance.
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Using oxygenated fuels
Oxygenated fuels are a great way to boost the power of race diesel fuel. Oxygenated fuels can be either leaded or unleaded, and have a wide variety of octane levels. They are particularly useful for road racing or circle track racing, where there is rapid acceleration and deceleration. The extra oxygen in the combustion chamber means more fuel can be added, resulting in additional energy.
Oxygenated fuels can be created by adding an oxygenate, such as ethanol, to the fuel. Ethanol has a high octane rating and can increase power. However, ethanol-based fuels can negatively impact the fuel system and engine. They can also be hydroscopic, absorbing water from the atmosphere, which can lead to deposits and clogging. Therefore, it is important to manage expectations and understand the potential drawbacks of using ethanol.
Another popular oxygenate is propylene oxide. Oxygenated fuels were first developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. However, it is important to note that oxygenated fuels have a shorter shelf life than non-oxygenated fuels. For a 5% oxygen automotive race fuel, a good shelf life is around a year to a year and a half.
There are some potential drawbacks to using oxygenated fuels. They are more susceptible to heat and can go into vapor lock, so it is recommended to insulate fuel lines and run a return line to the fuel cell. Additionally, oxygenated fuels can burn more fuel to produce more power, resulting in less mileage per tank.
Overall, oxygenated fuels can be a powerful tool for improving race diesel fuel performance, particularly for racing scenarios that involve rapid acceleration and deceleration. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and take the necessary precautions to avoid any negative impacts on the engine and fuel system.
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Race Gas Diesel Performance Plus
One 32-ounce can of Race Gas Diesel Performance Plus will treat 32 gallons of diesel fuel. Alternatively, blend one ounce of Diesel Performance Plus per one gallon of diesel fuel. This product is to be added to diesel fuel only and should not be added to the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.
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Engine protection
Race fuels are designed to maximise performance and meet the unique requirements of high-performance racing engines. They are formulated to deliver high power outputs, improved combustion characteristics, and consistent performance under extreme conditions.
When it comes to engine protection, specialised additives in race fuels provide lubrication and cooling properties, reducing wear on engine components and enhancing durability. These additives can include performance-enhancing substances that improve combustion properties, provide anti-wear protection, and maintain fuel system cleanliness.
For instance, stabilisers and antioxidants are added to race fuels to prevent fuel degradation over time. They help prevent fuel oxidation, maintain fuel consistency, and prevent the formation of deposits that could negatively affect engine performance.
Race fuels also optimise combustion, resulting in improved power output and acceleration. This can be further enhanced by the use of oxygenated race fuels, which incorporate oxygenating compounds such as ethanol or methanol. Oxygenation enhances combustion efficiency, leading to increased power output.
Additionally, race fuels address issues caused by low-sulphur diesel fuel, such as anti-gel, anti-fungal, and stiction. For example, Race Gas Diesel Performance Plus focuses on replacing the lost CETANE, oxygen, and lubricity in today's low-sulphur diesel fuel.
It's important to note that some fuel additives may come with risks. For instance, while toluene is a common ingredient in octane boosters, it can be risky if not properly mixed, and it may require heating the fuel tank to assist with vaporisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Race diesel fuels have higher octane ratings than regular fuels, enabling engines to run at higher compression ratios without detonation, thus maximising performance. Race fuels also offer consistent performance, reducing the likelihood of engine misfires or loss of power.
Race diesel fuels can be made using additives such as toluene, xylene, and Marvel Mystery Oil. Toluene and xylene are common ingredients in octane boosters and can be purchased at chemical supply houses or paint stores. Marvel Mystery Oil can be applied through an inverse oiler to achieve top-end lubrication without affecting fueling.
Using additives in race diesel fuel may come with risks. For example, paint-grade hydrocarbons may contain impurities that can affect the engine and fuel delivery system. Additionally, ethanol-based fuels can have a negative effect on the fuel system and engine, degrading components like fuel pumps and seals.
Commercial products such as Race Gas Diesel Performance Plus and RACE GAS ULTRA can be used to improve the performance of diesel fuel. These products are designed to address issues caused by low sulfur diesel fuel and enhance power and performance.
