Sunoco Optima 95 Octane Ethanol-Free Fuel
Stable, Unleaded Fuel for Small Engines, Powersports, Seasonal Equipment and Long-Term Storage
Sunoco Optima is a 95 octane unleaded fuel formulated for gasoline-powered equipment that may operate seasonally or sit unused for extended periods. It contains no ethanol, no MTBE, and no other oxygenates, making it well suited for small engines, powersports equipment, vintage vehicles, marine applications, and other fuel systems where long-term stability is important.
Optima is blended from highly refined hydrocarbon components and includes detergents, antioxidants, and corrosion inhibitors to help maintain engine cleanliness and fuel stability during storage.
When stored properly in an airtight, opaque fuel container, Sunoco lists a shelf life of more than three years. Additional gasoline stabilizer is not required.
Key Features
- 95 octane Anti-Knock Index (R+M)/2
- 98 Research Octane Number (RON)
- 92 Motor Octane Number (MON)
- Unleaded
- 0% ethanol
- 0% MTBE or ether
- Oxygenate-free
- Designed for long-term fuel storage
- Shelf life exceeds three years when properly stored
- No additional gasoline stabilizer required
- Contains detergent additives for engine cleanliness
- Contains antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors
- Formulated to be compatible with gaskets and O-rings
- Promotes quick mixing with 2-stroke oils
- Suitable for air-cooled and water-cooled 2-stroke applications
- Compatible with oxygen sensors and catalytic converters
- Intended for non-road, off-road and racing applications
- Not street legal
Why Use Ethanol-Free Fuel in Small Engines and Seasonal Equipment?
Many small engines and recreational vehicles spend long periods sitting between uses.
Ethanol-containing gasoline can absorb moisture from the surrounding air and may create storage and material-compatibility concerns in some fuel systems, particularly older equipment or equipment that is stored for extended periods.
Sunoco Optima eliminates ethanol entirely while providing a consistent 95 octane fuel specifically formulated for storage stability.
Typical applications include:
- Lawn mowers
- Chainsaws
- String trimmers and weed trimmers
- Leaf blowers
- Snowblowers
- Generators
- Farm equipment
- Industrial equipment
- ATVs and UTVs
- Snowmobiles
- Karts
- Motorcycles
- Boats and personal watercraft
- Seasonal and collectible vehicles
Long-Term Fuel Storage
One of Optima's main advantages is storage stability.
Sunoco includes antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors to help slow fuel degradation and protect fuel-system components during periods of inactivity.
When stored in an airtight, opaque, fuel-compatible container, Sunoco lists Optima's shelf life at more than three years.
For best storage results:
- Keep the fuel container tightly sealed
- Use an opaque container that blocks sunlight
- Store fuel where temperatures remain relatively stable
- Keep fuel away from excessive heat and ignition sources
- Minimize unnecessary exposure to outside air and moisture
No Fuel Stabilizer Required
Sunoco specifically states that gasoline stabilizers are not needed when using Optima.
The fuel is already formulated with additives intended to enhance storage life, including antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors.
Adding an aftermarket stabilizer is therefore unnecessary unless specifically directed by an equipment or engine manufacturer.
2-Stroke Engine Compatibility
Sunoco Optima promotes quick mixing with 2-stroke oils and can be used in both:
- Air-cooled 2-stroke engines
- Water-cooled 2-stroke engines
Use the correct oil type and fuel-to-oil mixing ratio specified by the engine or equipment manufacturer.
Optima is not pre-mixed with oil.
Fuel-System Material Compatibility
Optima is formulated to be easy on:
- Gaskets
- O-rings
- Other common fuel-system components
This can be particularly valuable for older equipment and seasonal machines where fuel may remain in contact with seals and other components for long periods.
Always verify compatibility when working with unusual, modified, or specialized fuel-system materials.
Oxygen Sensors and Catalytic Converters
Sunoco Optima is unleaded and does not contain ethanol or oxygenates.
Sunoco states that Optima will not harm oxygen sensors or catalytic converters.
This does not make the fuel street legal. Optima remains intended for non-road, off-road and racing applications only.
95 Octane Rating
Sunoco Optima has an Anti-Knock Index of 95 (R+M)/2, along with:
- 98 Research Octane Number (RON)
- 92 Motor Octane Number (MON)
The 95 octane rating provides greater knock resistance than typical regular pump gasoline.
Higher octane does not automatically increase power in an engine that does not require it. Optima's key advantages for many small-engine and storage applications are its ethanol-free composition, consistency, and long-term stability.
Street-Legal Status
Sunoco Optima is not street legal.
It is intended for:
- Non-road applications
- Off-road applications
- Racing applications
In California, it is legal only for racing vehicles used in sanctioned racing events.
Current Technical Properties
| Property |
Typical Value |
| Fuel Type |
Unleaded |
| Color |
Undyed |
| Octane (R+M)/2 |
95 |
| Research Octane Number (RON) |
98 |
| Motor Octane Number (MON) |
92 |
| Specific Gravity |
0.72 |
| Density |
6.0 lb/gal |
| Reid Vapor Pressure |
8.0 PSI |
| 10% Evaporated |
131°F |
| 50% Evaporated |
215°F |
| 90% Evaporated |
228°F |
| Ethanol / Alcohol |
0.0% by volume |
| MTBE / Ether |
0.0% by volume |
| Oxygen |
0.0% by weight |
| Leaded |
No |
Typical properties are based on the current 2026 Sunoco Technical Bulletin and should not be treated as guaranteed batch specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunoco Optima?
Sunoco Optima is an unleaded 95 octane, ethanol-free fuel designed for small engines, powersports equipment, seasonal vehicles, off-road applications and equipment that may remain stored for extended periods.
Is Sunoco Optima ethanol free?
Yes. Sunoco Optima contains 0% ethanol.
Does Sunoco Optima contain MTBE?
No. Sunoco Optima contains no MTBE or other ether oxygenates.
What octane is Sunoco Optima?
Sunoco Optima has an Anti-Knock Index of 95 (R+M)/2, a Research Octane Number of 98 and a Motor Octane Number of 92.
Is Sunoco Optima good for small engines?
Yes. Sunoco specifically recommends Optima for gasoline-powered yard, farm and industrial equipment as well as other small-engine applications that may not be used regularly.
Can Sunoco Optima be used in lawn equipment?
Yes. Its ethanol-free formulation and storage stability make it suitable for compatible lawn equipment such as mowers, trimmers, chainsaws and leaf blowers.
Is Sunoco Optima good for generators?
Optima can be a useful fuel for compatible gasoline generators, particularly equipment stored for extended periods, because it contains no ethanol and is designed for long-term storage.
Can Sunoco Optima be used in 2-stroke engines?
Yes. Sunoco states that Optima promotes quick mixing with 2-stroke oils in both air-cooled and water-cooled applications.
Is Sunoco Optima premixed with 2-stroke oil?
No. Optima is gasoline only. Add the appropriate 2-stroke oil at the ratio required by the engine manufacturer.
Does Sunoco Optima need fuel stabilizer?
No. Sunoco states that gasoline stabilizers are not needed when using Optima because the fuel already contains antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors designed to enhance storage life.
How long does Sunoco Optima last in storage?
Sunoco lists a shelf life of more than three years when Optima is stored in an airtight, opaque, fuel-compatible container.
How should Sunoco Optima be stored?
Store it in an airtight, opaque, compatible fuel container away from sunlight, heat and large temperature swings.
Is Sunoco Optima good for winter storage?
Yes. Long-term and seasonal storage are among the product's primary intended uses. It can be used during the operating season and left in compatible equipment during storage when the manufacturer's storage procedures allow it.
Is Sunoco Optima safe for oxygen sensors?
Yes. Sunoco states that Optima will not harm oxygen sensors.
Is Sunoco Optima safe for catalytic converters?
Yes. Sunoco states that it will not harm catalytic converters. However, Optima itself is not street legal.
Is Sunoco Optima street legal?
No. Sunoco Optima is intended for non-road, off-road and racing applications only.
Is Sunoco Optima race fuel or small-engine fuel?
It can serve both purposes, but Sunoco specifically emphasizes Optima's stability for small engines, powersports equipment, seasonal vehicles and equipment that sits unused for extended periods.
What is the difference between Sunoco Optima and pump gas?
Optima is a consistently blended 95 octane fuel containing no ethanol, MTBE or other oxygenates. Its additive package is specifically designed for engine cleanliness, corrosion protection and long-term storage stability.
Product Videos
SAVE ON SHIPPING!
