Engines and Fuels for Formula SAE

Engines and Fuels for Formula SAE

3.5.1.1 of the Formula SAE Rules states that “The engine(s) used to power the car must be four-stroke piston engine(s) with a displacement not exceeding 610 cc per cycle.”

Also 3.5.2 of the same rules states that “During all performance events, the cars must be operated with fuel provided by the organizer at the event.” And for the Formula SAE Event (Michigan) “Fuels will include 94 and 100 octane unleaded gasoline, and E-85.” The fuels at the other events in the Formula SAE Series will be announced in the Collegiate Design Series Newsletter or via the individual competition websites. However, the principal fuels will be gasoline. E-85 may, or may not, be offered.

The FSAE organizers keep getting questions on whether a team can use other types of engines or fuels. This includes rotary, 2-stroke, “6-stroke” and turbine engines, or diesel fuel.

This topic is discussed on a regular basis by the Rules Committee.

The vast majority of FSAE rules are safety related. Hence, if we allow any alternative type of engine, the safety implications would have to be fully evaluated and the rules adjusted.

As far as fuels are concerned, at the Formula SAE event in Michigan, the organizers and the fuel supplier already provide three (3) different types of fuel. Offering a fourth, or fifth for one or two, or even a handful or cars, is a complication we do not wish to undertake.

In either case, if we were to allow alternative engines or alternative fuels, the questions of equivalency would have to be addressed (again).

While the Committee’s philosophy is to allow the teams as much design freedom as possible, for a combination of safety and logistical reasons, these particular rules will not change in the foreseeable future.

Michael Royce,

Chairman,

FSAE Rules Committee.

Last Revised 10-10-2006