@OldBlueDually
I understand and respect your opinion. And I agree 100% when talking about actual race gas.
But as I’ve understood (I could be wrong) 100LL, 100octane is the MON octane. Which is about 10 points less than the RON octane rating. So where R+M/2 rated fuel is say 93 octane for premium as we know it, the real world octane of 100LL is not the equivalent of a 100octane R+M/2 fuel but more like 95 RM2 equivalent when it comes to speed of burn and detonation resistance. So it’s NOT that much slower burning than normal unleaded pump premium.
So back to the “why”.
1. Stability. I never have to worry about how old the gas is in my little engines tanks. I used to religiously dump out and run dry every year spring or fall. Until you miss one. (No excuse but there have been several times due to my family situation where that stuff is not on the priority list…long story and my business) so no matter how well I take care of my stuff I’ve dealt with the occasional gummy bear carb.
2. Cost. Gas tax around here is $.60/gal and non ethanol is always at least $1 more than premium. Last 100LL I bought, filled up the 74 Jeep to park it for the winter, well half way, tank leaks otherwise lol. 100LL was $6.73/gal and premium was/is running $5-5.50 currently and non E about $6.50.
So same price as non E, lasts 2 years, smells good AND has good lead for high revving 4s like my 450 snobike.
Bottom line, I’m not spending more and I get the Stabil for free and it lasts twice as long if stored.
If I know I’m going to run through the gas quickly in anything (except the snobike since it calls for 94 or 95 octane anyway) I’ll just run pump gas. Usually cheap 87.