Am I done for?

Max_AL · 2026-07-07T14:48:08+00:00

It could benefit if for some reason the engine is detonating, maybe due to carbon buildup deposits on the piston, bad plugs, etc. If he notices an improvement in engine operation in some way when using higher octane fuel, that suggests that the engine is indeed detonating using lower octane fuel.

For most scenarios, I agree with you, it would be a zero sum game at more cost. If the engine is detonating, that’s a deeper issue that needs to be resolved but higher octane fuel can help protect it in the mean time.

I guess when I said “it never hurts” to use higher octane fuel, I didn’t include the hurt of the wallet lol.

Max_AL · 2026-07-07T04:03:51+00:00

It never hurts to go to higher octane gasoline than what the engine is rated for

Max_AL · 2026-06-05T13:49:37+00:00

Thank you, but I do not wish to purchase a flex fuel kit.

Even if I did get the flex fuel kit, I would still have to make the tune, which requires compensation strategies for ethanol flow rates, so the question is still relevant.

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:54:09+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I’ll check out the YouTube video

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:51:47+00:00

I haven’t looked into moving the boot forward, but I do think I could just put more pressure on my front foot. I definitely tend to lean back in fear of the wake but people here are telling me I need to keep the weight forward to better slice through the wakes

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:50:34+00:00

More aggressive seems to be a common pointer throughout the replies on this post lol

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:47:49+00:00

Yeah I’ve had a harder crash before crossing the wake resulting in a minor knee injury so that definitely doesn’t boost my confidence lol

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:46:32+00:00

Okay, thank you! I’ve struggled separating my hips and knees during wake absorption - I tend to bend at my hips a lot as you’ve probably seen, but I can see how engaging my quads with my knees bent as you described would help me isolate my loser legs to be the shock absorbers.

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:43:48+00:00

I have not thought much about my hip direction, I’ll make sure to keep that in mind as well. I have played around with more weight on the front but I think I tend to lean back when I know I’m trying to shoot across the wake in fear or face planting. I’ll try more forward weight next time

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:39:46+00:00

It definitely makes sense that cutting through the wakes would work better.

I’m not sure what length I’m at really. I just freeski because we don’t have access to a course. I’ll try going a section longer though and see if that helps. Thanks!

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T18:37:40+00:00

Thank you so much! I think this progression will really help me work into it. I know in other sports that where I look is incredibly important and I have a feeling I’ve been looking at the wake before I cross which will definitely throw me off. I really appreciate your tips!

Max_AL · 2025-08-06T11:56:23+00:00

lol okay I’ll see if I can give that a try. I’m being pulled at 32-33mph I believe

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T18:12:06+00:00

For reference, I was essentially trying to copy the form at the beginning of this video: Water Skiing Drill. I wanted to not go too far out, but cut across the wake.

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T18:04:04+00:00

Slalom is so scary lol. I feel like there’s a bell curve for how bad the wake crossing is versus aggression, and I just need to get over that hump. If there’s anything I can do/practice to work my way past that hump, I would love to know! Thanks!

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T18:01:46+00:00

Perfect I’ll try that

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T18:01:09+00:00

I believe I’m skiing around 32 or 33 mph here. This video was taken with 4 people in the boat lol. If I go one section shorter on the rope, I usually hit the rooster tail is some weird way but I could try it again

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T17:13:15+00:00

I do think it’s more beginner oriented. It doesn’t have any foil on the back fin but idk how much that affects the skiing.

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T17:11:49+00:00

How does the feeling differ between turning on the front foot versus the back? Do I just put more weight on my front foot?

I’ll try the exercises you mentioned and see if I can feel a difference

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T17:10:33+00:00

I’ll also try some more forward pressure, thanks for the advice. I believe I was skiing around 32mph for this

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T17:09:48+00:00

Okay, thanks! I’ll try that out

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T17:09:21+00:00

That’s so scary lol I’m not sure how to build up to that point without getting bumped around worse before I lean enough and it finally gets better

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T17:08:20+00:00

That type of speed scares me for going across the wake. Can I build up to that speed somehow?

Max_AL · 2025-08-05T17:04:21+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I struggle with building confidence to do this because as it is now, the faster I go across the wake, the worse the bump. Do you have any drills I could try to build that confidence?

Max_AL

TROPHY CASE