Ultimate Guide to Race Fuel Cross Reference: VP, Sunoco, and Klotz

When it comes to high-performance racing, the choice of fuel can make all the difference. With leading brands like VP Racing Fuels, Sunoco, and Klotz offering a variety of options tailored to specific needs, navigating through the maze of leaded, unleaded, oxygenated, and ethanol-blended fuels can seem daunting. This blog post aims to demystify race fuel choices by providing a comprehensive cross-reference guide, helping you make an informed decision that propels you to the finish line.

Racing Leaded Fuels

Leaded fuels are often preferred for their high octane levels and the ability to cushion and protect engine components. Despite environmental concerns leading to a decrease in their use in street vehicles, leaded fuels remain popular in certain racing circles for their performance benefits.

• VP Racing Fuels offers VP110, a versatile leaded option with a 110 octane rating, suitable for naturally aspirated engines up to 12:1 compression ratio.
• Sunoco counters with Sunoco Standard, a 110-octane leaded fuel designed for competition engines operating over a wide rpm range.
• Klotz provides KL-108, a leaded fuel with a 108 octane rating, engineered for high-revving engines with high compression ratios.

Racing Unleaded Fuels

The push for environmentally friendly options has led to the development of high-performance unleaded fuels. These fuels are designed to provide the high octane and clean burning characteristics required in racing scenarios without the harmful emissions associated with lead.

• VP Racing Fuels shines with its unleaded VP MS109, offering a stout 105 octane rating, making it ideal for high-performance engines.
• Sunoco offers Sunoco 260 GT Plus, a 104 octane unleaded fuel that provides excellent performance across a wide variety of engines, including those equipped with turbochargers and superchargers.
• Klotz enters the mix with Octane Booster, an unleaded option designed to increase gas octane up to 10 numbers, perfect for enhancing pump gas for racing purposes.

Racing Oxygenated Fuels

Oxygenated fuels are formulated with chemical compounds that contain oxygen, which helps to improve combustion efficiency and increase power output. These fuels are particularly popular in high-altitude racing, where oxygen levels are lower.

• VP Racing Fuels offers the U4.4, known for its versatility and power gains in both stock and modified engines.
• Sunoco responds with Sunoco EXO2, which boasts a high oxygen content to maximize horsepower in classes that allow oxygenated fuels.
• Klotz does not have a direct equivalent in this category but recommends blending their additives to achieve desired oxygenation levels.

Racing Ethanol Fuels

Ethanol-blended fuels have gained popularity for their high octane, clean burning, and renewable attributes. These fuels are especially appealing in racing formats that prioritize environmental sustainability alongside performance.

• VP Racing Fuels introduces C85, designed for those seeking the advantages of ethanol but requiring a consistent, race-ready product.
• Sunoco matches with Sunoco E85-R, a racing ethanol blend that provides the high octane of traditional race fuels with the cooling benefits of ethanol.
• Klotz offers Flex Fuel, which can be mixed with gasoline in various ratios to create a custom ethanol blend suited to specific engine requirements.

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the right race fuel involves considering several factors, including your engine's compression ratio, the type of racing you're doing, and the specific rules of your racing class. It's also important to consider the availability of these fuels at your racing events and the cost per gallon. Experimenting with different fuels under controlled conditions can help you find the perfect match for your setup, potentially giving you an edge over the competition.

Remember, the goal is to choose a fuel that not only maximizes performance but also protects your engine under the extreme conditions of racing. Consulting with your engine builder or tuner, along with leveraging the expertise of fuel manufacturers, can provide additional insights tailored to your particular situation.