Recognized as a world leader in racing fuel technology, VP Racing Fuels is the official racing fuel of IMSA and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and – much like IMSA fans – shares a passion for motorsport and a competitive will to win.
However, VP offers much more than race fuel such as performance additives and coolants for track and street and that is why they’ve shared some tips on this edition of IMSA’s April is Car Care Month. Here’s how you can get the most out of your engine while using the same products that IMSA teams use to take on some of the toughest road racing facilities in the world.
A Driver of Engine Control Unit (ECU) Performance
Getting the most power out of your engine may not be as easy as it seems. There are a variety of reasons that your engine could be getting held back. One of those reasons is the quality of the fuel going into your vehicle.
Regular pump gas can allow the ECU and knock sensors to limit early engine detonation, meaning overall engine performance drops.
In other words, the earlier detonations your engine experiences, the less it will be able to perform. VP Racing Fuels offers additives that extend the amount of time it takes for the knock sensor to kick in, meaning a later detonation and an increase in overall performance.
Octanium Unleaded™
VP Racing Fuels’ Octanium Unleaded™ product is one such example of a VP additive that can increase pump gas octane up to seven numbers, for dyno-proven increases in horsepower and torque in modern sports cars.
Octanium Unleaded cleans fuel injectors while eliminating gum and varnish build up and improving throttle response and acceleration, giving your engine optimum performance on par with the same machines that do battle on the circuits of the IMSA calendar. A can of Octanium Unleaded is perfect for weekend driving events or track days to boost ECU performance.
VP Can Beat the Heat
Another enemy of engine performance is heat, especially if your vehicle is planned to drive several hours at a time like IMSA teams do. When a vehicle’s engine begins to run hot, especially in the summer months, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) monitors determine whether or not the engine should continue operating at optimal functions, or if it should adjust functions in order to protect ECU systems, decreasing engine performance.
- Cool Down™
VP’s Cool Down™ additive improves coolant performance and can cool down engine operating temps as much as 25°F and cylinder head temperatures up to 100°F, thereby allowing the ECU to safely advance ignition timing and increasing horsepower. You simply add Cool Down to your existing coolant to extend its heat transfer capability and increase protection of sensitive aluminum and other cooling system metals.
- Stay Frosty™
The same cooling technology used in Cool Down is available in a ready-to-pour coolant. VP’s Stay Frosty™ won 2018 product awards at SEMA for its industry-leading ability to transfer heat and protect sensitive cooling system components. It comes in a Hi-Performance street version and a Race Ready version. Both are 100% water based using stabilized R.O. water, but the Race Ready version is also glycol-free. Stay Frosty Race Ready contains wetting agents that improve the coolant’s ability to keep heat away from high temperatures of cylinder heads. Stay Frosty Hi-Performance reduces engine temps up to 14°F while Stay Frosty Race Ready reduces engine temps up to 30°F. This allows ignition timing to be safely advanced, resulting in more power and performance out of your engine.
Diesel Vehicles Need Love Too
If there is one thing IMSA fans love to do, it’s to camp out at their favorite racetrack with their friends and family. In order to bring your camper out to the track however, you most likely will need something to tow it – and VP Racing Fuels is here to take care of you truck owners as well.
One of the biggest challenges with diesel fuel tanks is condensation, as infrequent usage of your diesel vehicle can cause tank corrosion and water-related degradation of your stored fuel. Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) can also negatively impact your engine performance. While it was created to reduce fuel emissions, it also can be damaged by sulfur and reduce fuel economy. ULSD can also attract moisture overtime, which will turn into a slimy contaminant known as “Sludge” that can clog filters and fuel injectors, resulting in even worse fuel economy and increase engine wear.
- Diesel All in One
VP Fuels has created a product that can combat the wear of your diesel engine with Diesel All in One. Diesel All in One cleans injectors and replaces lost lubrication, which can prevent the build-up of sludge. Diesel All in One also can disperse the build-up of water, preventing rust and corrosion of your fuel tank. VP Racing Fuels Diesel All in One reduced the negative effects that age can have on your diesel fuel tank, making your diesel-powered vehicle all the more ready for race day.