Things You'll Need:
- Drag car
- Methanol
- Certified canisters and containers for fuel
- Nitromethane
- Nitrous canisters
- High-octane gasoline
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Step 1
Evaluate the proper fuel mix by knowing the four properties of fuel. Octane measures the ability of a fuel to resist detonation, burning speed measures the rate at which a fuel releases its energy, energy value rates the potential of the fuel to produce energy and cooling effect rates the fuel's ability to cool the intake mixture. All four of these qualities are important when selecting the right fuel mix for your drag car.
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Step 2
Consider using high-octane gasoline when choosing the right fuel for drag racing. This may be the best match for cars that are fairly stock and have not had a lot of modifications for racing. Racing fuels are available from as low as 101 octane all the way up to 110 or 114. Note that the higher octane fuels may require a retuning of your engine.
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Step 3
Install a nitrous delivery system in your drag car to be used in conjunction with a high-octane gasoline fuel. Many high-octane fuels have been formulated for use with nitrous canisters, so check with the gasoline manufacturer to find out how their fuel will mix with nitrous.
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Step 4
Use nitro-methane or methanol as opposed to gasoline for the proper mix to use with a more exotic high-performance drag car. These fuels burn much more quickly than gasoline and increase the horsepower of your engine significantly. Be aware that such explosive mixes also create more wear and tear on engine parts.
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Step 5
Choose a fuel that has already been oxygenated for maximum performance. Oxygenated fuels have more air in the mixture, which also makes them burn more quickly. And a quicker-burning fuel, in conjunction with either a supercharger or turbocharger, can create an large increase in power over a stock application.
