What fuel should I use?

[CaptainMTM]

I've heard mixed suggestions when it comes to what type of fuel to run my 1/8 buggy with. They guy at the hobby shop sold me a 20% nitro fuel mixture which I assume would be good for breaking in the car but a few people told me to use 30% nitro for optimal performance, while from what I read online 25% nitro fuel seems to be the preferred mix. Can someone suggest what I should use?

 

[Scrogg]

Byron's Pro 30% with 9% oil. My personal all time favorite.
Sidewinder 30% Worlds or Pro blend.
Torco 30%.
O'Donnell's Race 30%. This fuel offers the best engine protection. My buddy's Savage F4.6 engine has 10 gallons of this fuel thru it, with no maintenance, no ARO ever used in it. It's clean as can be inside and still runs fine. This is an exetremely rare case, especially for a RTR engine!
Bottom line for Big Block engines. High Nitro and low oil content makes the best power, tunes and starts easier and offers plenty of protection. High oil content makes engines run hot and caln lead people to a false tune.
Just because the fuel has less oil does not mean the engine is being lubricated properly. The Higher Nitro content cause the engine to run slightly richer needle settings, there is plenty of lube happening! lol
My engines run just as good at 6 gallons as they did at two gallons. No repinching either.
Just inspect the bearings for play every gallon roughly. Replace them if there is any doubt. Boca makes some of the best engine bearings.

 

[CaptainMTM]

Thanks Scrogg. I was only able to locate Sidewinder 30% by morgan fuel in proximity to my area so I'm going to grab some for the weekend.

 

[olds97_lss]

20% nitro is plenty for a basher. That said, I run 25% and my engines seem to start/run better since the switch. With some engines, exceeding 25% will require you to add another shim under the head button to get proper fuel burn.

I run byrons 25% or 20%/30% 50/50 mix if I can't find the 25%. Although, my LHS only had 30% in stock the last time and I picked up 20/30 of odonnells and mixed it like I do with byrons. It's way more oily and doesn't seem to burn as clean/easy as byrons. Hopefully they will have byrons the next time I need fuel.

 

[Scrogg]

Just run the 30% Olds, your engine will run better and last just as long. I learned this stuff I typed above from Pro engine modders. Adding head shims... never unless you are going to use fuel with over 30%. The only time I'll add a shim is to ease breakin on certain brands, STS for one.
@ CaptainMTM, the Sidewinder is a great choice, I'd run it if anyone would carry it here, I tried a few quarts from towerhobbies and loved it.
I only run the Torco now because I get it at a excellent price.

 

[CaptainMTM]

Thanks Scrogg, I have a shop near by who always carries the Sidewinder blend for $26/gallon which equals out to approximately $7/Litre. I would assume that's a solid deal considering the first fuel I bought (Blue Thunder 20% Nitro) cost me $13/Litre which is nearly double the price.

 

[olds97_lss]

Just run the 30% Olds, your engine will run better and last just as long.

The only reasons I don't, are cost, possible smaller tuning window and possibly require different plugs. I may try it next time though... tired of dealing with mixing the fuel but also tired of not being able to buy what I want for brand because of it.

 

[Scrogg]

I'll find out how to get Torco and let you know. My bud gets it for me ATM. Made in the U.S. 100% pure Nitro and Methanol, no other fuel does. Runs and tunes nicely. A case is under 100 shipped if I remember correctly.
Any medium temp plug will work with most engines. The O'Donnell's purple & red plugs are the best standard plugs on the market for under 4 bucks. The only time they blow out iis if it's time for a rebuild. Otherwise I can't kill them.

 

[moiz4got]

I think 20% - 25% nitro is good... And TORNADO fuel is excellent as I have been using this fuel for quite some time and have not faced any problems yet.