Dan Best wrote in message news:K5WWc.305440$a24.52043@attbi_s03...
I am reluctant to jump in on this one since someone appears to have drug
Jax into it, but... being a techie type (and former physics major), I
can't resist. Hopefully, Jax (who often has correct ideas, but just as
often jumps in with either erroneous details or misinterpretations of
previous posts) won't beat up on me too bad.

Dont worry, I think Jax is busy nailing Harry Krause ...


So, are fuel additives available
that would effectively increase the hp/ounce of fuel burned even if
they greatly increase the overall fuel cost? Would octane boosters
help (or cetane boosters)?

The short answer is "no". Contrary to popular belief, the octane rating
of a fuel is not a measure of the energy content of a fuel. Rather, it
is a measure of how fast that fuel burns. As a result, increasing the
octane rating of a fuel does not make the fuel "more powerful". In
fact, contrary to what might be seem to be common sense, a higher octane
rated fuel actually burns slower than a lower rated fuel. This can
prevent premature ignition in high compression engines. Put another
way, it can prevent "knocking" in high performance engines.

Actually octane rating shows how much compression u can have before
fuel self ignites. Higher compression yields more efficient
combustion and thus more power. But for it to not ignite on its own it
needs high octane fuel.

Is it possible to temporarily increase the power
outpuit of a small engine by some means, perhaps a blower, a turbo or
even using NOS?

yes all of the above if its a 4 stroke, but its doubtful that you will
end up with a RELIABLE small motor.


It should also be noted that turbo charging an engine does not produce
more energy (fuel mileage) from a gallon of fuel, it merely allows a
smaller displacement engine to behave as though it were a larger one and
consume more of the air/fuel mixture per gulp.

100% correct. There is so much energy in 1 gallon of fuel. The turbo
simply allows to burn more fuel as it provides the air thats required
for it.

I've never heard of a NOx equipped cruising sailboat. While this could
increase the power of an engine, I see two problems with it. The first
is that I've never seen a fuel dock that could resupply you with NOx.
The 2nd is dealt with below in the discussion dealing with exceeding
hull speed.

indeed a crazy combination a slow sailboat with Nox ... NOx can only
be applied for a short period of time.

It was developed by the Girmins in WWII to give their fighter planes a
short boost of power to outmaneuver other planes.

These days its used for drag racing where it also only has to provide
a short boost.

Matt