AvGas; 100LL Replacement Edition

Shell Oil has developed a replacement fuel for 100LL.

I think this is good news. Swift Fuels and GAMI have been working on this for a long time. Now so, apparently, also has Shell. The replacement of 100LL wasn't going to go anywhere, to my mind, until one of the major oil companies got involved.

Another issue is how they'll approve it. The Europeans have developed 91/96UL, but they pretty much have required that it be approved by the engine manufacturers. Which doesn't help the orphaned engines (like Franklin) very much. The hope is that the FAA will issue a blanket approval to use 100UL in all engines that now use 100LL.

Shell is also saying, though, that 100UL will cost more, based on the replacement of leaded motor fuels. That sounds like bullshit to me. The explanation for why 100LL cost so much has been that because it is the only leaded fuel remaining*, moving it around required transport by dedicated tanker trucks and other special handling. Apparently, 100UL won't require that.

It'll be great to say goodbye to the persistent problem of leading up spark plugs when one burns 100LL in engines designed for 80/87. There are additives that help (TCP and Decalin), as well as being smart with the mixture knob, though. Most owner-operators know about all that (or they should).
________________________
* Yes, I know that 100/130 is around in a few places and they make 115/145 for Reno. STFU.