Jatropha curcas shell was slow pyrolyzed in pilot-scale fixed bed reactor at 500 degrees C. Fuel properties of moisture free bio-oil (MFBO) and diesel were compared, which advocated MFBO's applicability in CI engines. Negligible corrosion effect of MFBO was experienced for SS-316 and anodized Al, whereas significant corrosiveness was observed towards Cu. For all three metals, diesel was found to be less corrosive. MFBO was mixed with diesel in proportions of 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% (% v/v) and operating variables of single cylinder VCR engine were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with the blends. A central composite design (CCD) was employed to examine the effects of three independent variables - CR, load and blend %, whereas the investigated response variables were brake thermal efficiency (eta(Bth)), brake specific fuel consumption (bsfc), unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC), CO, and CO2. The obtained data were analyzed with the help of Design Expert software. Response prediction was accomplished by following a second-degree polynomial model. The optimum conditions were CR 18.00, load 6.665 kg, and blend 12.22%. Under optimum conditions, the experimental values of response variables were fairly comparable with the model predicted values. The designed model achieved overall desirability of 0.786. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.