What is considered to be pump gas? Options

[Mitsu 77]

As I've been sitting around with family these last couple of days may DSM related things have crossed my mind. Do I need two fuel pumps, should I pick up new suspension? Then the question of questions crossed my mind. What constitutes pump gas? By definition one would think that just as it comes out of the pump at your local gas station and has road taxes paid on it, it would be categorized as pump gas. People on the east coast have access to Sunoco 94 octane, however people in the Midwest do not have the access to this miracle unleaded blend, but it is still called “pump gas”. Then I realized that in Chicago a person can go and buy "race gas" out of the pump at any Gas City. Also there are the new ethanol based fuels E85, and E98 being sold and taxed at your local petrol station.

The question I bring up for debate is what is considered Pump Gas? What criteria must a fuel meet before obtaining the name “Pump Gas”?

[SCCA Stang]

Good discussion topic.

I feel that the phrase 'Pump gas' is meant to mean any fuel which you can get at any and all gas stations.  Around hear that is obviously 87-92 or 93 octane.  There are stations that sell 104 octane, but you usually have to go out of your way to find it.  That requires a special trip for a special purpose. 

I think that someone will want to modify the meanings for their own gain because you can even pump 116 octane into your car at the drag strip.  But I believe the term refers to fuel commonly available to any commuter without any special tasks required.  This puts everyone that uses 'Pump Gas' on a measurable base line.

That's my .02

I agree here!!!! pump gas is gas available to anyone and every one.

without special trips or accomidations to obtain it.

other wise, aviation fuel comes from a pump, thus could be considered pump gas right??? I don't think so.

and on the other hand... my friends that run formula V race cars have race gas at the farm, but they pump it out of the barrels with a hand pump, that is a pump too, right??? should it be "pump gas"???

In my opinion, the most octane that is "pump gas" in the central IL or even northern IL area is 93 octane... everything higher is race gas.