Good Gas vs. Bad Gas
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*6MT*
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From: Central Florida/West Palm
Good Gas vs. Bad Gas
I searched around here and couldn't find a thread like this (in the CL forums).
I wanted everyone on here to start a list of good, quality gas vs. shitty gas.
Personally, I don't know, I normally stick with Chevron and try to stay away from the mom and pop store. Theres a place by my home called "Dodges store" and it is always a good 15c cheaper, but I'm pretty sure that it's straight up ethanol. lol
Let's start a list of what gas is quality, and what gas is bad.
(Mod's, If this has been done before, feel free to delete this)
I wanted everyone on here to start a list of good, quality gas vs. shitty gas.
Personally, I don't know, I normally stick with Chevron and try to stay away from the mom and pop store. Theres a place by my home called "Dodges store" and it is always a good 15c cheaper, but I'm pretty sure that it's straight up ethanol. lol
Let's start a list of what gas is quality, and what gas is bad.
(Mod's, If this has been done before, feel free to delete this)
Racer
Joined: May 2006
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CL-S 6Speed is rarely in
Joined: Feb 2008
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Before I owned my CL, I bought nothing but Mobil Premium (aka Luk Oil) for my supercharged 3.8 cougar. After my CL purchase, I started comparing different stations. Surprisingly I got significantly different fuel mileage with different stations. Here is a list of different stations and the mileage I got. I consistently do around 15% highway and 85% city driving.
These are all mileage when the gas light comes on:
Sunoco -- 225 93 octane
Sunoco -- 215 91 octane
Luk Oil -- 215 93 octane
Exxon -- 215 93 octane
Hess -- 215 93 octane
Wawa -- 200 92 octane
Citgo -- 185 92 octane
Getty -- 180 92 octane
Gulf -- 170-180 92 octane
This took about 6 months of logging every tank and about 3 fill ups per station consistently. There is a shell in my area but they are always 10-15 cents higher per gallon so a boycott it. Sunoco seems to be the best. Luk Oil felt like it made the engine run stronger. Shortly after I finished my research my best buddy told me that Nascar did a test on different fuels. They found Sunoco to have the best mileage and Luk Oil to have the best producing horse power. I must admit they did a good job on their research cause it matches mine. I'm sure they have much better test then my "Mileage per tank" testing. Don't know if this helps anyone but I don't buy anything but Sunoco. When I travel I keep my little list with me to know what my options are. Fortunately most highway rest stops where I travel have Sunoco.
Joe
These are all mileage when the gas light comes on:
Sunoco -- 225 93 octane
Sunoco -- 215 91 octane
Luk Oil -- 215 93 octane
Exxon -- 215 93 octane
Hess -- 215 93 octane
Wawa -- 200 92 octane
Citgo -- 185 92 octane
Getty -- 180 92 octane
Gulf -- 170-180 92 octane
This took about 6 months of logging every tank and about 3 fill ups per station consistently. There is a shell in my area but they are always 10-15 cents higher per gallon so a boycott it. Sunoco seems to be the best. Luk Oil felt like it made the engine run stronger. Shortly after I finished my research my best buddy told me that Nascar did a test on different fuels. They found Sunoco to have the best mileage and Luk Oil to have the best producing horse power. I must admit they did a good job on their research cause it matches mine. I'm sure they have much better test then my "Mileage per tank" testing. Don't know if this helps anyone but I don't buy anything but Sunoco. When I travel I keep my little list with me to know what my options are. Fortunately most highway rest stops where I travel have Sunoco.
Joe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 969
Likes: 40
From: Lancaster PA
Before I owned my CL, I bought nothing but Mobil Premium (aka Luk Oil) for my supercharged 3.8 cougar. After my CL purchase, I started comparing different stations. Surprisingly I got significantly different fuel mileage with different stations. Here is a list of different stations and the mileage I got. I consistently do around 15% highway and 85% city driving.
These are all mileage when the gas light comes on:
Sunoco -- 225 93 octane
Sunoco -- 215 91 octane
Luk Oil -- 215 93 octane
Exxon -- 215 93 octane
Hess -- 215 93 octane
Wawa -- 200 92 octane
Citgo -- 185 92 octane
Getty -- 180 92 octane
Gulf -- 170-180 92 octane
This took about 6 months of logging every tank and about 3 fill ups per station consistently. There is a shell in my area but they are always 10-15 cents higher per gallon so a boycott it. Sunoco seems to be the best. Luk Oil felt like it made the engine run stronger. Shortly after I finished my research my best buddy told me that Nascar did a test on different fuels. They found Sunoco to have the best mileage and Luk Oil to have the best producing horse power. I must admit they did a good job on their research cause it matches mine. I'm sure they have much better test then my "Mileage per tank" testing. Don't know if this helps anyone but I don't buy anything but Sunoco. When I travel I keep my little list with me to know what my options are. Fortunately most highway rest stops where I travel have Sunoco.
Joe
These are all mileage when the gas light comes on:
Sunoco -- 225 93 octane
Sunoco -- 215 91 octane
Luk Oil -- 215 93 octane
Exxon -- 215 93 octane
Hess -- 215 93 octane
Wawa -- 200 92 octane
Citgo -- 185 92 octane
Getty -- 180 92 octane
Gulf -- 170-180 92 octane
This took about 6 months of logging every tank and about 3 fill ups per station consistently. There is a shell in my area but they are always 10-15 cents higher per gallon so a boycott it. Sunoco seems to be the best. Luk Oil felt like it made the engine run stronger. Shortly after I finished my research my best buddy told me that Nascar did a test on different fuels. They found Sunoco to have the best mileage and Luk Oil to have the best producing horse power. I must admit they did a good job on their research cause it matches mine. I'm sure they have much better test then my "Mileage per tank" testing. Don't know if this helps anyone but I don't buy anything but Sunoco. When I travel I keep my little list with me to know what my options are. Fortunately most highway rest stops where I travel have Sunoco.
Joe
You can't compare mileage. There are TOO MANY factors in that. Gas is federally mandated to the same specs. There should be zero difference between grades of fuel from station to station.
Anything "top teir" is good enough in my tanks, but I use premium of course. for me its chevron, shell, then 76. all top tier and in my area.
for a list of top teir stations in your area visit www.topteirgas.com
for a list of top teir stations in your area visit www.topteirgas.com
P.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 828
Likes: 7
From: N.C.
I dont know about you guys but I've always put BP Premium 93 Octane in my 2001 CL-S ever since i got it on Sept. 17 Maybe I just am being influenced by their "Invigorate" campaign but I seem to be getting around 230 miles until the as light appears.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
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i wish a major auto magazine or publication would have detailed tests on the differences in mileage of the different gas brands as that is primarily the focus of the industry today, instead of power/speed. I suspect that the gas companies have some sort of influence and ban any reports or tests of this kind.
Having said that, I live in San Francisco, California and pump Shell 89 in my CL and like it.
Having said that, I live in San Francisco, California and pump Shell 89 in my CL and like it.
B A N N E D
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From: The grande.. Riverdale NJ.. Hopefully moving to skyline village in Lincoln park NJ..yes dirty jersey
Wow, i use mom and pops gas (the cheapest) 87 octane cuz i have 150K miles and i get 275-300 miles on regular gas somethings wrong it your getting 220 on high test!
I used to think there was no difference also until I did my test and my cars just run better on Shell and believe me I haven't always used Shell in the past I used less expensive brands and I could definitely tell the difference once I started using Shell.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
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Likes: 3,489
Always get Shell 91 (CA gets stuck with the lower octane rating)
Chances are the cheap gas stations usually have a stupid long line, and I'd rather have the piece of mind that top tier gas is going in my car. If I'm in the middle of bumblefuck Alabama I won't go looking for a Shell either (but then again what would I be doing in AL) I'll just fill up wherever has 91 for a reasonable price.
I don't understand the phenomenon of going to a gas station that isn't top tier and filling up with lower octane. I guess it should be fine if you drive like a grandma but in the end you're only saving a dollar or two at best on a fillup. As far as feeling the difference between Shell, etc. it's probably all in your head. I always hear "it all comes from the same pipeline" but the reason why I go with Shell/Chevron is because they add their proprietary mixture of detergents before it gets to the station. Peace of mind, for only a dollar a fillup? You bet I'm not gonna pass that up.
Chances are the cheap gas stations usually have a stupid long line, and I'd rather have the piece of mind that top tier gas is going in my car. If I'm in the middle of bumblefuck Alabama I won't go looking for a Shell either (but then again what would I be doing in AL) I'll just fill up wherever has 91 for a reasonable price.
I don't understand the phenomenon of going to a gas station that isn't top tier and filling up with lower octane. I guess it should be fine if you drive like a grandma but in the end you're only saving a dollar or two at best on a fillup. As far as feeling the difference between Shell, etc. it's probably all in your head. I always hear "it all comes from the same pipeline" but the reason why I go with Shell/Chevron is because they add their proprietary mixture of detergents before it gets to the station. Peace of mind, for only a dollar a fillup? You bet I'm not gonna pass that up.
Last edited by Costco; Oct 13, 2008 at 07:12 PM.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,030
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Damn, the most I get is about 275-280 per take...but i do 100% city...Shell seems to deplete the worst for some reason. My mileage hovers around 19-20mpg but if I use Sunoco the needle seems to stay in one place longer, although i'd get the same MPG.
socialism= the suck
Joined: Aug 2007
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I used a lot of Clark gas. they are owned by Premcor. Premcor is a oil company based out of the town i went to college at. Plus i've found out Hondas/Acuras like Clark. Honda/Acuras don't like Marathon so i try not to run it.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 4
From: 808
i usually get whatever is the closest to me. I don't think there are too many mom&pop shops around here. Aloha gas is on the top tier list, but there aren't any near by. I have always liked chevron the best, and they are the closest to my home, work, gym, etc.
To punish and enslave
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,833
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From: Long Beach, CA
i used to always use shell's v-power. this was when i was driving the tl that required 91, the best thing was that it was cheapest 91 in my area. now that i'm driving the accord, i just go to chevron and get 87 my motor has been runnin strong since.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 42
From: PK NY
I thought chevron, shell, and exxon. Since they use additives that actually make the gas better. All gas stations essentially use the same gas, it's what they do with it once it gets there, that matters. Besides the above three, most use it like it was in the tanker, with the exception of octane boosters or whatever the stuff is called. Hell I often see any multitude of tankers show up to a hess among the occasional hess truck. From what I hear, Shell has the cleanest fuel.
Another myth is octane, only get high octane if your car requires it. Using high octane fuel in normal cars does nothing at all, besides waste money, it does not give you more power.
Differences in the amount of fuel you get has more to do with temperature than anything else, you get more gas if you fill when it's cold, you fill on a 90 degree day and you're literally getting less gas than say a 50 degree day. If there are still differences, call weights and measures, because ripping you off on gas is very illegal.
My brother once caught a place giving him 7 gallons when it said 10, he called W&M and they got shut down for over 2 months while things got inspected and brought up to snuff.
one more tip, never fill from a station that just filled up with fuel, there's going to be a lot of crap stirred up in the tank and it increases the temperature of the fuel, so again you get less gas. Yeah they have filters, but I dont trust that.
a lot of you probably have it better than me, there is not one exxon, shell or chevron in the county. So I just go to one station; the cheapest and closest to my house, never had a problem. If your in my boat and there is no "name brand" fuel, find one you can trust and stick with it.
Why do I kow all this crap? lots of threads on various sites.
Another myth is octane, only get high octane if your car requires it. Using high octane fuel in normal cars does nothing at all, besides waste money, it does not give you more power.
Differences in the amount of fuel you get has more to do with temperature than anything else, you get more gas if you fill when it's cold, you fill on a 90 degree day and you're literally getting less gas than say a 50 degree day. If there are still differences, call weights and measures, because ripping you off on gas is very illegal.
My brother once caught a place giving him 7 gallons when it said 10, he called W&M and they got shut down for over 2 months while things got inspected and brought up to snuff.
one more tip, never fill from a station that just filled up with fuel, there's going to be a lot of crap stirred up in the tank and it increases the temperature of the fuel, so again you get less gas. Yeah they have filters, but I dont trust that.
a lot of you probably have it better than me, there is not one exxon, shell or chevron in the county. So I just go to one station; the cheapest and closest to my house, never had a problem. If your in my boat and there is no "name brand" fuel, find one you can trust and stick with it.
Why do I kow all this crap? lots of threads on various sites.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 23,451
Likes: 54
Shell V-Power FTW.
I don't fill up with it religiously, but if I'm around and I'm pretty low, I'll usually jump for the Shell.
On a highway trip going 60mph with the cruise control set and about 10% city, I got 575 miles. I only did that once though cause I'm usually not patient enough to stay at 60. I'm wondering if I did 100% highway with 60mph cruise set, I could reach 600 miles.
I don't fill up with it religiously, but if I'm around and I'm pretty low, I'll usually jump for the Shell.
On a highway trip going 60mph with the cruise control set and about 10% city, I got 575 miles. I only did that once though cause I'm usually not patient enough to stay at 60. I'm wondering if I did 100% highway with 60mph cruise set, I could reach 600 miles.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 42
From: PK NY
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 23,451
Likes: 54
I could be wrong, but I actually think it is a result of more refining. Not necessarily more crude, but just more refining.
I'm no expert though.
I stick to the same station if I can. Since I moved to PA, I try to fill up at BJs all the time since it's cheaper and the turnover is great. Never had a problem. When I'm on the road, I try to find a Shell or BP.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 42
From: PK NY
Fuel octane requirements for gasoline engines vary with the compression ratio of the engine; diesel cetane requirements also vary with the compression ratio. Engine compression ratio is the relative volume of a cylinder from the bottom most position of the piston's stroke to the top most position of the piston's stroke. The higher an engine's compression ratio, the greater the amount of heat generated in the cylinder during the compression stroke.
Posted octane numbers on gasoline pumps are a result of testing fuel performance under laboratory and actual operating conditions. The higher the octane rating on fuel the less volatile (evaporative qualities) and the slower the fuel burns. Higher octane fuel contains more POTENTIAL energy but requires the higher heat generated by higher compression ratio engines to properly condition the fuel to RELEASE that higher potential energy. In the refining process, fewer gallons of higher octane fuels are yielded from a barrel of raw crude.
If fuel octane is too low for a given compression ratio, the fuel prematurely and spontaneously ignites too early and the fuel charge EXPLODES rather than BURNS resulting in incomplete combustion. The net effect is a loss in power and possible engine damage. The operator hears an audible "knock" or "ping", referred to as detonation. Detonation may vary from a faint noise on light acceleration to a constant, deep hammering noise while driving at a constant speed. Improper timing adjustments, vacuum leaks, or excessively lean fuel mixtures may also cause detonation.
Many vehicle owners believe that higher octane fuels are better for their vehicles since they are labeled "PREMIUM." The logic is that since it is a premium fuel it must be better. In reality, the premium label originates from the higher cost to refine and the resultant higher retail cost. Some refiners label their high octane fuels "SUPER." Some owners think that these fuels will make their vehicles more powerful. Only engines with high compression ratios can deliver all the potential energy from higher octane fuels! Always consult the manufacturer's octane recommendation to determine the proper octane requirements for any given vehicle. Generally, engines with compression ratios of 9.3 : 1 or less will safely operate with unleaded 87 octane fuel. Engines with higher compression ratios usually require higher octane fuels.
Many owners who operate vehicles designed to operate on 87 octane fuel experience ping and knock. They usually "fix" this problem by purchasing the higher priced, higher octane fuels. Most owner's manuals indicate that some light and intermittent ping is normal but that heavy or sustained ping or knock should be attended to by either purchasing the correct octane fuel or servicing the engine.
Most fuel refiners blend fuels for geographic areas and adjust their blends seasonally. These blending techniques compensate for the decrease in oxygen content with an increase in altitude and compensate for volatility during the warmer or cooler seasons. Significant ambient temperature changes (40 degrees Fahrenheit) or altitude changes (4,000 feet) may cause some serious engine detonation. This problem is usually corrected by filling the tank with "local" fuel that has been properly blended for season and altitude.
http://dnr.louisiana.gov/sec/execdiv.../trans/b/b.htm
Posted octane numbers on gasoline pumps are a result of testing fuel performance under laboratory and actual operating conditions. The higher the octane rating on fuel the less volatile (evaporative qualities) and the slower the fuel burns. Higher octane fuel contains more POTENTIAL energy but requires the higher heat generated by higher compression ratio engines to properly condition the fuel to RELEASE that higher potential energy. In the refining process, fewer gallons of higher octane fuels are yielded from a barrel of raw crude.
If fuel octane is too low for a given compression ratio, the fuel prematurely and spontaneously ignites too early and the fuel charge EXPLODES rather than BURNS resulting in incomplete combustion. The net effect is a loss in power and possible engine damage. The operator hears an audible "knock" or "ping", referred to as detonation. Detonation may vary from a faint noise on light acceleration to a constant, deep hammering noise while driving at a constant speed. Improper timing adjustments, vacuum leaks, or excessively lean fuel mixtures may also cause detonation.
Many vehicle owners believe that higher octane fuels are better for their vehicles since they are labeled "PREMIUM." The logic is that since it is a premium fuel it must be better. In reality, the premium label originates from the higher cost to refine and the resultant higher retail cost. Some refiners label their high octane fuels "SUPER." Some owners think that these fuels will make their vehicles more powerful. Only engines with high compression ratios can deliver all the potential energy from higher octane fuels! Always consult the manufacturer's octane recommendation to determine the proper octane requirements for any given vehicle. Generally, engines with compression ratios of 9.3 : 1 or less will safely operate with unleaded 87 octane fuel. Engines with higher compression ratios usually require higher octane fuels.
Many owners who operate vehicles designed to operate on 87 octane fuel experience ping and knock. They usually "fix" this problem by purchasing the higher priced, higher octane fuels. Most owner's manuals indicate that some light and intermittent ping is normal but that heavy or sustained ping or knock should be attended to by either purchasing the correct octane fuel or servicing the engine.
Most fuel refiners blend fuels for geographic areas and adjust their blends seasonally. These blending techniques compensate for the decrease in oxygen content with an increase in altitude and compensate for volatility during the warmer or cooler seasons. Significant ambient temperature changes (40 degrees Fahrenheit) or altitude changes (4,000 feet) may cause some serious engine detonation. This problem is usually corrected by filling the tank with "local" fuel that has been properly blended for season and altitude.
http://dnr.louisiana.gov/sec/execdiv.../trans/b/b.htm
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 42
From: PK NY
I guess so, but one could say it's reflected in the cost. but yeah in the scheme of things, you are burning more hydrocarbons even if you get the same gas mileage as a non high-octane car.
