Actually, the SVT does have a higher compression ratio...
Per Greg's site
2.5L
44.5cc = 9.70 to 1
50cc = 8.91 to 1
44.5cc 98-99 SVT = 10.02 to 1
44.5cc 00 SVT = 10.31 to 1
50cc 98-99 SVT = 9.28 to 1
50cc 00 SVT = 9.49 to 1
Originally posted by Bugzuki:
What the problem with low octane fuel is as compression ratio goes up the fuel burns more quickly. The SVT has the same compression ratio as the non-SVT, so can technically handle regular gas. But to get more out of each combustion the spark event is started sooner. With the regular gas this early spark can cause the combustion to reach higher pressures sooner causing engine problems. When the Ford manual says that the computer will account for it it means that it will adjust the spark later in the stroke.
