Tetraethylead , while increasing the octane rating of gas,also provided "cushioning" for the valve seats in engines. Your 2stroke has no valves, so you have no use for lead.
When 92 octane went to $1.85 last year, I switched to 87 octane and noticed no change at all in performance. I was just as reluctant to switch from leaded gas to 92 octane before and noticed no difference. Your outboard is a late model compared to mine so don't worry about it.<br /><br />Jim
In my part of the world there is no leaded fuel and no octane lower than 92. There are fuels called 95 or 98 'lead substitute'. But as 2-strokes doesn't benefit from lead it doesn't matter. Regarding the octane value I've never noticed any improvement by going up to like 98.
If you have a "stock" motor, going to a higher octane may hurt as it burns hotter. The only reason to go to a higher octane is if you have increased the compression ratio. Once we modify a motor we always re-jet to compensate for the required higher octane. <br /><br />Of course nobody in their right mind increases compression ratios. But it's fun when you do!
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