Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sunoco Race Fuels

A: Race fuels are engineered for consistency, higher octane ratings, and specific combustion characteristics to support performance under extreme engine loads. Pump fuels are made for general consumer use and include additives for emissions and longevity, not peak performance.

A: Variability in fuel composition can affect engine tuning, power delivery, and overall performance. Sunoco's Double Distilled™ process ensures consistent fuel properties batch to batch, which is critical in competitive motorsports.

A: It refers to Sunoco's proprietary refining process that uses a unique distillation tower to create highly consistent and thermally stable race fuels.

A: Most Sunoco race fuels have a shelf life of at least 1 year when stored properly in opaque, tightly sealed containers at stable temperatures. 

A: Only specific fuels such as 260 GT and SS 100 are street legal in most states and California, respectively. Most Sunoco race fuels are not street legal and are intended for off-road or competition use only.

A: Start by identifying your engine type, compression ratio, RPM range, and whether you're using power adders like turbochargers or nitrous. Sunoco offers a wide range of fuels tailored for everything from bracket racing to high-boost drag applications. For expert, personalized guidance, call the Sunoco Race Fuels helpline at 1-800-RACE-GAS. You can also explore your options using the Fuel Selector at https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/fuel-selector to compare specifications and recommended uses.

A: High-octane fuels like SR18, MaxNOS, and Maximal are designed for high-compression, high-RPM applications. These fuels resist detonation under extreme pressures and temperatures.

A: Oxygenated fuels like EXO2 or E30-R add more power by introducing additional oxygen for combustion, beneficial for crate motors or altitude performance. Non-oxygenated options like Supreme and Standard offer stability and are preferred where regulations or engine tuning do not support high oxygen content.

A: Use leaded fuels like MaxNOS or Supreme if your engine isn't equipped with catalytic converters and requires maximum detonation resistance. Unleaded options like 260 GT and Green E15 are designed for modern engines and emissions-compliant systems.

A:

• Standard (110 octane): Suits small block V8s with mild modifications
• Supreme (112 octane): Targets high-RPM engines and 2-stroke compatibility
• Maximal (116 octane): For extreme high-RPM and high-compression engines

A: Store in tightly sealed, opaque containers away from direct sunlight and temperature swings. This prevents oxidation and moisture contamination. Proper storage extends shelf life—most Sunoco race fuels last 1–2 years under ideal conditions.

A: Most fuels like Green E15 exceed 1 year. Non-oxygenated fuels like Optima have a shelf life of over 2 years.

Not with stable formulations like Green E15, which does not require draining or flushing. For long-term storage, Sunoco offers purpose-formulated solutions: Optima for unleaded applications and Surge for leaded applications. Both fuels are specifically designed to protect fuel systems and engines during seasonal storage. For other race fuels or sensitive systems, draining may still be a best practice.

A: Higher oxygen content requires a richer air/fuel mixture to prevent lean conditions. Fuels like EXO2 and E30-R often necessitate recalibration of your fuel maps or carb jets to extract peak performance.

A: Detonation is uncontrolled combustion that can damage engines. High-octane race fuels resist detonation under high pressure and temperature, allowing for advanced timing and increased boost.

A: EXO2 is a highly oxygenated, high-octane race fuel designed for classes where power adder limitations exist but fuel regulations are flexible. It's ideal for crate engines, two-barrel setups, and high-altitude racing. Because of its 10% oxygen content, it requires a 10–15% richer air/fuel mixture than conventional fuels.

A: MaxNOS is formulated for engines using power adders like nitrous, superchargers, or turbochargers. It contains additives that enable it to withstand ultra high-pressure and high-temperature conditions without detonation, making it ideal for drag racing and supercharged pulling trucks.

A: Yes. With a motor octane of 109, Supreme is specifically blended for engines operating above 7000 RPM. Its fast burn speed enhances timing precision and protects high-revving engines, especially in bracket racing and 2-stroke applications.

A: Standard is a non-oxygenated 110-octane fuel that works across a broad range of motorsports. It includes additives to enhance shelf life and is suited for stock and mildly modified V8s, including those using nitrous or boost at moderate levels.

A: Cyclone 17 is ideal for high-compression, high-RPM engines—especially those with large intake runners. It offers quick throttle response and superior atomization, making it perfect for drag racing, truck pulling, and cold-weather use such as boosted snowmobiles.

A: 260 GT provides 100-octane, street-legal fuel for muscle cars, classics, turbocharged, and supercharged street cars.

A: Yes, SS 100 meets CARB standards and provides 100-octane, unleaded performance for vehicles in California and other regulated markets.

A: Sunoco race fuels offer higher octane, better stability, and consistent performance, ideal for high-compression, high-horsepower engines.

A: Yes, Optima and 260 GTX are ethanol-free options designed to improve storage stability and prevent fuel system issues.

A: Yes, Optima is designed for long-term storage and protects against moisture, corrosion, and fuel breakdown.

A: E30-R and E85-R are formulated with high oxygen and ethanol content to maximize performance in boosted engines.

A: Yes, both E30-R and E85-R require increased fuel flow and tuning adjustments to fully optimize power and efficiency.

A: Sunoco's Double Distilled™ process ensures fuel consistency race to race, batch to batch, trusted by top engine builders.

A: Yes, leaded options like Standard, Supreme, and Maximal provide superior octane for off-road and competition engines.

A: Yes, fuels like MaxNOS, SR18, and E98 are popular for drag racing, offering high oxygen content and tolerance for extreme conditions.

A: Moto RP6 is designed for high-RPM motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs, providing cooler engine operation and reliable performance.

A: Yes, Moto RP6 is not premixed, allowing you to use your preferred 2-stroke oil.

A: Yes, Moto RP6 delivers performance benefits for both engine types.

A: Yes, Moto RP6 absorbs more heat during evaporation, helping engines run cooler under extreme conditions.

A: Moto RP6, EXO2, and 260 GT Plus are designed for off-road racing, providing power and engine protection.

A: Visit https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/become-a-dealer and complete the dealer inquiry form or call 1-800-RACE-GAS to learn more.

A: Store fuels in opaque, tightly sealed containers at stable temperatures away from direct sunlight.

A: Most Sunoco fuels remain stable for one to two years if properly stored. Optima provides extended storage life.

A: Yes, many fuels, including 5-gallon pails, can be shipped directly. Always follow regulations for flammable liquids.

A: 260 GT and SS 100 meet the needs of street performance customers seeking higher octane and reliability.

A: https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/ offers detailed data sheets including octane ratings, oxygen content, ethanol levels, and more.

A: Higher ethanol fuels like E30-R and E85-R require increased fuel flow and richer air/fuel mixtures to maintain performance.

A: Specific gravity impacts fuel metering and burn characteristics. Sunoco publishes accurate SG values for precise calibration.

A: Through proprietary Double Distilled™ technology and rigorous testing to maintain identical performance specifications batch to batch.

A: Moto RP6, Maximal, and Supreme are optimized for engines operating at high speeds and demanding conditions.