100 octane question

[MFRMSHO]

I am running a 91 octane unleashed tune (no 93 in my area). Torrie sent me a 93 octane tune as well when I bought my tuner. Would it be beneficial (or safe) to run the 93 tune on 100 octane race gas at the drag strip?

 

[SHOdded]

You could do that, assuming the 100 is unleaded of course. But since you will likely be flashing the tune at the track after adding the race gas, you will need to drive around a bit for the PCM to adjust before putting the SHO back on the strip. If you let the PCM adjust while you are on the strip, it will net you slower times, though it may "feel" faster.

To get to 93, you would take the amount of 91 remaining in the tank and add 2/7ths of that of the 100 octane race gas to get to 93 octane. The assumption is though that the two fuels are of similar makeup (for example, both are E10 based). Even though mathematically the octane numbers "look" right, there is a slight difference in how the engine will perceive and use the fuel if the makeup is different. A little higher end result in octane rating is fine, just don't go lower.

Or you could go all out, minimum 91 in the tank by the time you get to the track, add the race gas, load a race (100 octane) tune (get it from Torrie) to do it right. Then drive around a bit to let PCM adjust, then get on the strip.

 

[MFRMSHO]

Thanks for the feedback!
Here is where I'm at after running tonight:

2013 non pp
91 octane tune from Torrie ONLY. Stock spark plugs, 2 bar map etc.
Didn't get to try the 100 oct idea because the gas man left after my first run...
My best run was 13.48
How am I doing??
I'm on an extremely tight budget at the moment but I convinced the wife to let me spend a little more on the car After Taking Her With me tonight!
Will I see noticeable gains if I go for the 3 bar, properly gapped plugs, 170 THERMO, and race gas? Or should I just save up for some other mods?
I really appreciate the help (as you can tell I am inexperienced and lookin to learn as much as possible)!!
Thanks!!

 

[SHOdded]

Post your timeslips Seems about right for tune on 91 gas. I assume the plugs were properly gapped?

2013 Taurus SHO PP (same as 2010, only 0.2 mph faster)
0-60 MPH 5.2 sec
QUARTER MILE 13.7 sec @ 103.2 mph

After 3bar/thermostat/plugs/tune update, you should more typically be around the 13 second mark @ 105-7 mph. Might even break into the 12's on a good day! Add downpipes & catback (update tune also) to establish a solid "infrastructure" for further updates, get you to around the 12.7 mark.

Great 0-60 ft times is what you are after as a first goal. So racetrack prep, tires, tire pressures, vehicle weight, all play into the grip & traction. What was the DA (density altitude) at the racetrack last night? That can have an effect on the times. See if your racetrack is on this list:
http://airdensityonline.com/tracks/
If so, you can go to its' page, then click on VIEW FORECASTED DATA to see how weather changes affect the DA.

Helpful info on optimizing your time at the track

To see how the common powertrain mods affect power/torque:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,808

Using higher octane gas & a tune developed around it will definitely help the timeslips.

You can also use E85 judiciously to mix into the gasoline and improve the timeslips, but that requires a) proper self-education, b) checking the E85 source for consistency, and c) tuning for the particular mix you will be running. This is NOT for everyone. Expect lower mpg's the higher the E content of the final mix. I believe 2013+ are explicitly labeled to be able to handle a final E content of 15.
Mix Calculator:
http://www.intercepteft.com/calc.html

A water-methanol injection kit can cut off as much as 1/2 second in the 1/4 mile, but again, self-education & proper maintenance are key (not bad at all once you get used to it). This kit will also help keep the intake valves clean

The more frequently you race, the more important shortening the maintenance intervals will become. PTU/RDU/trans fluids & spark plugs being at the top of the list to do. Keep an eye out for accumulations in the intercooler. All hoses should be intact and clamps tight.

 

[MFRMSHO]

SHODDED thank you for the help! I will post my slips in the morning.
Here is what I can tell you now:
First time to the track 3 weeks ago:
Best ET: 13.59
60ft: 2.02
Mph:104.xx
60 degrees TRACK TEMP

Tonight:
Best time: 13.48
60ft: 2.10
MPH: 106.XX
52 DEGREE track temp

Slower 60ft times, better ET and MPH
I did not adjust tire pressure tonight and had just a slight bit more wheel spin.
Exact same mods as 3 weeks ago

Once again, I am EXTREMELY inexperienced with the SHO, and very slightly experienced with running previous cars at the track (ls1 Trans am and 08 Mustang gt)
No idea about density altitude or its affects my times...

 

[MFRMSHO]

Used your link
DA was -498.41
I'm not sure what that means though

Thanks!!

 

[SHOdded]

Great DA, not so good 0-60 (should see high 1.8's/low 1.9's). Def comes on strong after, so improving the 0-60 will be a big help.

Don't do burnouts, not effective with AWD. Avoid the waterbox. Find the appropriate launch rpm for your setup (typically 22-2400 rpm stock, 1800-2000 rpm tuned, but this can change with your setup). What tires are you running, the stock all-seasons or ...?

The lower the DA, the better the operating conditions for your vehicle. Colder air = denser air = more available power, for example.

 

[MFRMSHO]

I was launching at about 2100-2300 rpm avoiding the water box.
I'm sure I'm not maximizing my launch still. Should I have some wheel sipn or no spin at all. I know my driving skills are part of the problem!!
I'm running michelin's which I believed to be good tires.
I only got 3 runs in tonight. the track had a diesel truck shootout with a few trucks breaking which caused long delays for clean up...