Bracket Talk
Warm up on regular gas

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February 02, 2026, 04:59 PM
Don Higgins Crew Chief Pro Software
Warm up on regular gas
I have a 16 to 1 compression ratio 638 ON GAS, usually 116 octane, and wondered if anyone warms up their engine on regular gas, at idle, then switches to race gas in the tank.

I did this at my farm and didn't see any issues, but wondered if this was a good idea. I don't mean decking it on the trans brake, just idle, under 2000 rpm.



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February 02, 2026, 05:17 PM
Lenny5160
My dragster is only 14:1, but when I use my primer I keep an unscientific mix of roughly 4 parts premium unleaded and one part 110 race gas.

With just unleaded, it would tend to 'run on' a little bit when shutting off the engine after it was warm/hot.

I believe most people do just run pump gas in the primer, or at least that is what I was told to do.


Tony Leonard
February 02, 2026, 05:33 PM
Big Steve
I mix 3 gallons regular unleaded to 2 gallons 110 race gas in a 5 gallon jug, done that for years with the Ron's primer plus.
February 02, 2026, 07:03 PM
183N
We drive around on 90 octane pump gas then switch to methanol at head of staging with the terminators.

If I run 87 it will diesel sometimes when hot at 14.5:1. Blower motor never has at 12.2:1.

Something like Tony's unscientific mix of about a gallon of race fuel to 4 of pump gas will probably work well.

What's the objective here?
February 02, 2026, 07:22 PM
markemark
Mine is 14-1 sbc and run exclusively on 91/93 pump gas with a primer plus plate when not on the racing surface.
February 03, 2026, 12:39 PM
Joe C
We do the same as markemark. Never a problem.
February 03, 2026, 01:09 PM
ski_dwn_it
14:1 with primer and never had a problem on 87 octane
February 03, 2026, 01:15 PM
CURTIS REED
I think you kind of have to try it. I have a gas carb for cold weather and if I use regular 100% gas 87 octane I get run on after it warms up. I run my engine on gas at the end of the year to put it away if I'm not pulling it out.

I have started using the 94 octane VP lawn mower fuel from Tractor Supply and have no problems with it. I know you aren't doing what I am but my 13-1 small block doesn't like 87 is what I am long windedly saying. LOL I think you have to test it.
February 03, 2026, 03:23 PM
329L
I am alky injected, but i have a rons primer plus, and warm mine up with everyones left over race gas, or worse case by the cheapest 110 i can find. the primer plus works with a carb as well.


Jeremiah Hall
February 04, 2026, 08:31 AM
Goob
On 116 fuel that's easily a $30-$35 warm up cycle.
Consider putting an oil and coolant heater(s) on it.
Kats engine heaters work really well.


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