1qiktoy

Is there any advantage in running a higher octane gas or octane booster through your Saleen than what they spec (92 octane)? I've heard of people that say they can tell a difference in their cars performance. There is a place by me that sells 98 octane and then racing fuel which is over 100 octane.

mk49

I'm no expert on this subject, but my understanding is that you really would not benefit very much from higher octane unless you modify the computer tune on the engine. Higher octane will allow a tune for greater horsepower, but then you need to always run that fuel (or have a flash tuner to switch your tune based on what fuel you are running).

Birdieman4

Saleens use their own 'powerflash calibration'. wich dictates high octane gas. But, the powerflash program is pretty conservative, so going to 98 octane might actually hurt your performance. Running 98, the big gains would come if you could bump your timing up a decent amount. You could put on a Steeda timing adjuster and run the 98, and pick up around 20-30 hp if you wanted. The powerflash program is more conservative than it used to be. Back in 01 it was more aggressive, and required 92 octane, minimum. In 02, California started selling only 91 at the pumps. So, Saleen backed off the already conservative program even more.

smed

If you ran 93 octane without adjusting timing will you see any gains. Or should you stick to running 91.

Birdieman4

If you call Saleen and ask them that same question, they will tell you to run the 93. They prefer you run the highest pump octane you can get, short of racing gas or the like. My personal opinion is to run the 93; the main reason why is it could possibly be a cheap band-aid for your fuel system if something ever caused it to go lean vs. the 91.

smed

Thanks for the reply Birdie, 93 it is.