Quote:
Originally Posted by Crumpp
No, at any manifold pressure and rpm setting below the knock limited performance of the fuel, the power will be the same.
Basically at any manifold pressure below +9lbs (limit for 87 Octane) in the Merlin, the power is the same for 87 Octane or 100 Octane fuels.
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Merlin engines were limited to 6.25lb boost when using 87 octane. At ~10,000 ft the Merlin III would produce 1310 hp at 12lb/3000rpm versus about 1000hp at 6.25lb boost. It might be possible to go past 6.25lb with 87 octane, but this leaves the engine with no safety margin since detonation is dependant on several factors, not just manifold pressure.