Do you think I would see any difference in gas mileage or performance going from a 91 octane with 10% ethanol to a 94 Octane with no ethanol added? The price is about 3 or 4 dollars more a tank. Good idea?

 

My guess it won't make much difference unless you're pushing the car to very high limits of performance- like you're racing on a track. Try out a tank of the good stuff on a road trip (less variables) and see how it works versus your normal range with 91. Remember you would need to get an extra 20-50 miles per tank to actually save money on this proposition with the good stuff.

On an average commute, you'll probably be ahead simply saving your money and buying the 91 which meet's Acura's requirements as-is. If you do decide to do the experiment-please followup with your results.

 

Eliminating the ethanol alone should increase your gas mileage, I'm not sure how much. I use ethanol-free gas now and i've seen my gas mileage improve nearly 10% consistently. On the other hand, it costs 10% more so it evens out.

 

Ethanol free gas has not been an option in the Chicagoland area for atleast a decade. Hell, I dont even know what that is anymore ;-)

Rule of thumb is generally ethanol will cause your mileage to decrease thats just a given fact however as mentioned in order for it to be beneficial your going to have to see measureable gains and I personally think youd be surprised at how minimal the differences really are. It wont hurt to try so I say go for it but your going to have to be as consistant as possible between the tanks otherwise any differences cant really be used as even the outside temperature makes a difference in fuel economy.

 

I would do it, the TL was designed to run 94 octane but can run safely on 91. That said this is comming from a performance biased person. I don't think you will get better mileage just more power.

 

Well I think I'll give it a try, I generally get between 440-450 KM per 53 or so L. I drive a mix of highway and city driving. I'm thinking either way it can't hurt. It's only 3 or 4 dollars a week.

 

Where do you get 94 Octane with no ethanol added?

 

Ethanol has about 70% as much energy per gallon as gasoline so at 10% ethanol you'll have about 3% less energy per gallon and at least a 3% drop in fuel economy. There are other factors that go into it as well but it's worth trying the "good" stuff for a few tanks to see if it works out in your favor.

 

94? Even though the majority of the pumps have either 93/92 as their premium?

 

I'd try it a few times and see what you get. Based on your findings, decide from there.

 

Premium here in OK is 91. They did away with 93 few years ago. August of last year I started going to a station that sells ethanol free gas and my mpg increased by 4mpg and I do 90% city driving. I now average 23 city whereas before it was 19. Its usually around .20 to .30 higher at this station since it's ethanol free. Well worth it in my opinion.

 

sigh. Where do you find these ethanol free stations? Any of the major brand names? would love to find one near me...

 

BS with the damn gas prices in the past 3 weeks. Can't wait till the weather gets better so i can ride the motorcycle

 

Prices are fine IMO. I'll start to get upset $6+/gal

 

Exactly. Combine this with the fact that a stock TL pulls timing even on 91 octane and even at part throttle, not just full throttle, you stand to pick up mpg and power from no ethanol and higher octane. It should be a measurable difference. I have a feeling you will at least break even on the cost if not save money in the long run.