Regular vs. Premium gas article in 11/01 C&D
10-07-2001, 01:31 AM
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Regular vs. Premium gas article in 11/01 C&D
Anyone read this yet? It poses the question "does it really matter". They take 5 vehicles and fill them with 87 octane, run them for 2 days and take them to the track and the dyno. Then they drain the tank and fill with 91 octane, run them for 2 days and take them to the track and the dyno again.
Kind of interesting that two cars that require regular gas (Honda Accord LX V-6 & the Mustang GT) gained different results. The Accord lost 2.6%hp & 1.5% acceleration in the combined 0-60 and 1/4 mile when premium was used. The Mustang on the other hand gained 1%hp and 2.7% on the combined acceleration.
The Saab 9-5 Aero dynoed 164hp w/regular & 180hp w/premium. That's a drop of 9.8%hp and comes to a 10.1% drop in combined acceleration.
The bottom line was, whatever your car is rated for - use that or you may be cheating yourself more than what you're spending at the pump.
Kind of interesting that two cars that require regular gas (Honda Accord LX V-6 & the Mustang GT) gained different results. The Accord lost 2.6%hp & 1.5% acceleration in the combined 0-60 and 1/4 mile when premium was used. The Mustang on the other hand gained 1%hp and 2.7% on the combined acceleration.
The Saab 9-5 Aero dynoed 164hp w/regular & 180hp w/premium. That's a drop of 9.8%hp and comes to a 10.1% drop in combined acceleration.
The bottom line was, whatever your car is rated for - use that or you may be cheating yourself more than what you're spending at the pump.
10-07-2001, 01:38 AM
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Basically, the additives in premium that give it its anti-knock capability also reduce its ability to do work. So, only cars that are tuned to make use of it will benefit... and those that don't won't.
10-07-2001, 03:34 AM
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C&D is full of shit.
In that article they say that the Mustang GT has knock sensors. It does not, only the DOHC Cobra motor does.
Usually, I could overlook an error that is seemingly small like that, but in a detailed article discussing/testing effects of octane on performance I can not. It makes me question the validity of their testing methods.u
In that article they say that the Mustang GT has knock sensors. It does not, only the DOHC Cobra motor does.
Usually, I could overlook an error that is seemingly small like that, but in a detailed article discussing/testing effects of octane on performance I can not. It makes me question the validity of their testing methods.u
10-07-2001, 03:36 AM
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Originally posted by RidinLow:
<STRONG>Basically, the additives in premium that give it its anti-knock capability also reduce its ability to do work. So, only cars that are tuned to make use of it will benefit... and those that don't won't.</STRONG>
<STRONG>Basically, the additives in premium that give it its anti-knock capability also reduce its ability to do work. So, only cars that are tuned to make use of it will benefit... and those that don't won't.</STRONG>
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10-07-2001, 05:47 AM
#9
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Originally posted by NOVAwhiteTypeS:
<STRONG>wait so should we put 93 or 89? I thought the manual said premium only.</STRONG>
<STRONG>wait so should we put 93 or 89? I thought the manual said premium only.</STRONG>
10-07-2001, 07:47 AM
#11
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I also use a minimum of 91. I really think the gas in California has really gone down hill. The previous 92 octane seemed good enough. I could notice the difference with regular (tried it for a test).
Also, I still notice the addition of a “few” of gallons of "rocket fuel". (Although I can't prove $hit without going to play dyno master.)
The minimum octane that doesn't roll the back the timing (due to the ping sensors) should produce the most power. It is just my opinion from some semi-formal testing, that the 100 octane in California is a better "blend" than the 91 being sold currently.
Pull_T: -- regarding your comment about "In that article they say that the Mustang GT has knock sensors. It does not, only the DOHC Cobra motor does..." If what you say is true, it does make me wonder about the "results" (as you suggested).
Also, I still notice the addition of a “few” of gallons of "rocket fuel". (Although I can't prove $hit without going to play dyno master.)
The minimum octane that doesn't roll the back the timing (due to the ping sensors) should produce the most power. It is just my opinion from some semi-formal testing, that the 100 octane in California is a better "blend" than the 91 being sold currently.
Pull_T: -- regarding your comment about "In that article they say that the Mustang GT has knock sensors. It does not, only the DOHC Cobra motor does..." If what you say is true, it does make me wonder about the "results" (as you suggested).
10-07-2001, 10:37 AM
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Around me Premium is 93 octane also. Regular is 87, Plus is 89. So I always use Premium. My gas mileage still sucks though. 
I've been getting only around 19 miles/gallon the last few tanks. Probably because I do nothing but city driving day in, day out.
I've been getting only around 19 miles/gallon the last few tanks. Probably because I do nothing but city driving day in, day out.
10-07-2001, 11:07 AM
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I put 4 gals of 100 octane unleaded in per tank. It DOES make a difference. On g-tech I have dropped 1-2 tenths off of 0-60's consistently , and .2-.3 on 1/4 mile runs.
There is also a POLYMER based octane boost which chemically breaks down the molecular structure of the fuel molecules, and changes their combustion properties. I have used this in my 1998 when I had a sample. There is a huge difference and I will report as soon as it is available....
There is also a POLYMER based octane boost which chemically breaks down the molecular structure of the fuel molecules, and changes their combustion properties. I have used this in my 1998 when I had a sample. There is a huge difference and I will report as soon as it is available....
10-07-2001, 11:22 AM
#14
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I use D4 around town a lot (better response in the 40-50 range, which keeps my mileage in the 19-21mpg range.
On the road, if I'm doing a blitzkreig on the interstate, I'll get 27-28mpg; country back roads will net me as much as 31mpg.
Since the EPA city on the car is 20/29, I figure this is right on target.
BTW, the results in C&D's tests on the Saab are so linear because their engine electronics are designed to take best advantage of whatever fuel is in the tank... something I wish every car manufacturer did.
Cool topic, whoever came up with it!
On the road, if I'm doing a blitzkreig on the interstate, I'll get 27-28mpg; country back roads will net me as much as 31mpg.
Since the EPA city on the car is 20/29, I figure this is right on target.
BTW, the results in C&D's tests on the Saab are so linear because their engine electronics are designed to take best advantage of whatever fuel is in the tank... something I wish every car manufacturer did.
Cool topic, whoever came up with it!
Originally posted by Patryn:
<STRONG>Around me Premium is 93 octane also. Regular is 87, Plus is 89. So I always use Premium. My gas mileage still sucks though. I've been getting only around 19 miles/gallon the last few tanks. Probably because I do nothing but city driving day in, day out.</STRONG>
<STRONG>Around me Premium is 93 octane also. Regular is 87, Plus is 89. So I always use Premium. My gas mileage still sucks though.
I've been getting only around 19 miles/gallon the last few tanks. Probably because I do nothing but city driving day in, day out.</STRONG>
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