Race fuel conversion to pump gas

[epeterson]

Hey guys I have a quick question. I found my fathers dream car he has been wanting since he was a younger man, a 1972 Chevelle. Its got new paint, gorgeous interior and no rust at an affordable price for what these cars are, his birthday is coming up so my family is thinking of getting it for him. Ive had many classic cars but they've been just daily drivers or weekend cruisers to have fun with and learn some work along the way. But here's where my knowledge does not stretch. RACING FUEL. The guy selling it has a 427 in it that runs on race fuel. In the ad he specifies that It will tun on pump gas but wont like it. My question to you is are there any ways to convert a race fuel engine over to just pump gas? Ive had great difficulty finding it out but nothing. Would it require a change in the fuel delivery system? Would it be taking off some parts and adding different ones? Or would there be no way of changing it over? I would appreciate any help. Thank you

[astroracer]

This depends on HOW the engine was built. If it's a high compression engine it will run better on "race gas". It is possible to change the motor so it is a bit tamer and pump gas friendly but I would let "dad" worry about that. Get him the car as it is and have some fun with it. If he wants to do some changing later he can make that choice.

P.S. I called my family lawyer and he will be contacting you to start the adoption procedure... Son. (By the way... my dream car is a white '73 SD T/A)
Mark

[epeterson]

Thanks for the info mark, and I look forward to hearing from your lawyer! But the stars are really lining up here. Moneys right, he's been moaning about getting one for the past 6 or 7 years. And his birthday is right around the corner, not to mention christmas!

[72BBSwinger]

About 3 heat ranges colder of a plug and around 3-5 degrees less total timing is the difference between race gas and pump in my experience.

[astroracer]

About 3 heat ranges colder of a plug and around 3-5 degrees less total timing is the difference between race gas and pump in my experience.

It's all relative to the engine layout. If this is a 13:1 iron headed, solid roller cammed "thumper", PING is in the air and it's not going to live on 92 octane pump gas...
Hey "Son"... Can you post up some engine specs? Doesn't really matter 'cause I think your dad has a new car anyway, just curious...

[sam 74]

this depends on the build, high compression may be able to be "tuned" for pump gas with a cam, you'll need to drop the timing and change spark plug heat range. it sounds like its on the very edge of running pump gas but should have race fuel, maybe an octane booster with pump gas is in order. you'll need to get exact engine specs and you'll also want to look into the trans and torque converter stall speed, if its setup to race and you're buying it to be a daily driver/cruiser you may have some issues that need to be looked at and possibly changed.