<VV> Economics - Regular Gas and Fuel Economy / Thermal

[Jim Burkhard]

Mike-
No flame ... you didn't read what I wrote closely though (or maybe I 
was confusing -- an engine that I call 'knock-happy' is not a happy 
engine).  I am advocating NOT dropping the compression ratio or 
retarding the timing to run regular.  I think both are dumb things to 
do. In other posts I've already spoken in favor if chamber mods to 
increase effective squish by reducing the clearance height. You call 
this "quench", but keep in mind quench is a bad thing whilst squish is 
good.  That said, we are in favor of the same thing even if we use 
different terminology...

Jim Burkhard


Mikeamauro at aol.com wrote:
>  
> "... a slightly hotter engine will help fuel economy, but not if it makes  
> the car more knock happy and you need to retard spark timing or drop the  
> compression ratio to counter it..."
>  
> Or, to maintain or improve engine efficiency (gas mileage and  power) modify 
> the combustion chamber to more closely mimic a modern design:  reduce the 
> quench space (to about .032)  while maintaining stock (or  possibly a little 
> higher) compression ratio.
>  
> Mike Mauro
> of various Corvairs (and flame suit standing  by)