What gas should I put in my 2015 TLX V6?
02-12-2018, 12:08 PM
#2
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What does your Owner's Manual recommend? If it is anything like the manual in my TL, the recommendation is 91 RON.
02-12-2018, 12:16 PM
#3
02-12-2018, 02:41 PM
#6
Banned
Top tier regular will work just fine.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...h-extra-price/
Your car has the same powerplant as a Pilot which calls for regular (but 10HP less).
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...h-extra-price/
Your car has the same powerplant as a Pilot which calls for regular (but 10HP less).
02-12-2018, 05:36 PM
#7
Senior Moderator
Shell V-Power.....but in general, premium for three reasons:
a) I like having all 290 at the ready
b) I don’t wear a tin foil hat with respect to the manufacturers recommendation
c) if I really couldn’t afford the extra $250 / year, then I would have opted for the Accord V6 instead of the TLX V6 (could probably save >$250/year in insurance premiums by getting the AV6.)
a) I like having all 290 at the ready
b) I don’t wear a tin foil hat with respect to the manufacturers recommendation
c) if I really couldn’t afford the extra $250 / year, then I would have opted for the Accord V6 instead of the TLX V6 (could probably save >$250/year in insurance premiums by getting the AV6.)
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02-13-2018, 12:27 AM
#10
Three Wheelin'
There's so many arguments to this conversation it's beating a dead horse. If you're debating putting in regular or premium in the TLX then you should've bought a different brand car or at least consider cutting expenses elsewhere to put premium in your TLX. I put premium gas because I bought an entry-level luxury vehicle knowing I'd be paying premium price for just about everything and knowing I can afford it (not to mention it is what is recommended by Acura).
Last edited by dezymond; 02-13-2018 at 12:31 AM.
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02-13-2018, 12:29 AM
#11
There's so many arguments to this conversation it's beating a dead horse. If you're debating putting in regular or premium in the TLX then you should've bought a different brand car or at least consider cutting expenses elsewhere to put premium in your car. I put premium because I bought an entry-level luxury vehicle knowing I'd be paying premium price for just about everything and knowing I can afford it.
02-13-2018, 12:48 AM
#12
Three Wheelin'
The difference between the engine of the TLX and an Accord are the compression ratios. The compression ratio in the Accord is lower, so regular fuel will do. The compression ratio in the TLX is higher, where regular fuel will get the job done, but it could possibly result in engine knock, where the fuel ignites from compression versus igniting from the spark plugs, where it should ignite. Since the compression ratio in the TLX is high, Acura strongly recommends premium. What alot of people notice with putting regular fuel in their TLX, or any Acura in general; slower throttle response and lower fuel economy. Putting in premium fuel may fix the hesitation, but that sounds more like a transmission issue or the ZF9 changing gears pretty slowly.
The sensors in today's cars do a good job sensing what type of gas we put in our cars and it certainly can help reduce engine knock, but it may not completely reduce it. In a pinch it is safe to use regular fuel in the TLX, but the long term effects are the real concern. You save anywhere from $4-$8 filling up with regular fuel vs premium fuel, but if your engine needs significant repairs down the line, all that money you saved is being dumped back in towards the repair.
Personally, I bought this car knowing I'd be using premium fuel because that comes with the brand. If I knew I couldn't afford premium fuel then I would've gone to Honda or some other brand. I could easily save the $300-$350 a year in other expenses while continuing to give my car the gas that is recommended from the manufacturer. Again, this topic has been discussed hundreds of times on this board alone, put what you can afford. However, if you're struggling to fork over the extra $300-$350 in fuel each year, then maybe the TLX wasn't the right car for you in the first place.
Just my .02
Last edited by dezymond; 02-13-2018 at 12:53 AM.
02-13-2018, 06:41 AM
#13
Banned
Again, the compression ratio is the same 11:6 to 1 as in the Pilot / Odyssey (very same engine) for which regular is RECOMMENDED. The difference is giving up about 3% of ultimate engine power, hardly noticeable even if (I tested it many times). Detonation is no longer an argument with direct-injected engines. When did you hear the last time that an engine is destroyed because of detonation? In the last 15 years, I don't remember having heard of any.
In USA gas costs are lower and the delta between premium and regular is less than Canada. Here it represents about $400/year. So, regular for me (and Acura warranty covers it all).
In USA gas costs are lower and the delta between premium and regular is less than Canada. Here it represents about $400/year. So, regular for me (and Acura warranty covers it all).
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02-13-2018, 07:15 AM
#14
Senior Moderator
There's so many arguments to this conversation it's beating a dead horse. If you're debating putting in regular or premium in the TLX then you should've bought a different brand car or at least consider cutting expenses elsewhere to put premium in your TLX. I put premium gas because I bought an entry-level luxury vehicle knowing I'd be paying premium price for just about everything and knowing I can afford it (not to mention it is what is recommended by Acura).
02-13-2018, 08:37 AM
#15
I am no expert on this subject, but know the basics (I think. If I am wrong, someone please correct me)
The difference between the engine of the TLX and an Accord are the compression ratios. The compression ratio in the Accord is lower, so regular fuel will do. The compression ratio in the TLX is higher, where regular fuel will get the job done, but it could possibly result in engine knock, where the fuel ignites from compression versus igniting from the spark plugs, where it should ignite. Since the compression ratio in the TLX is high, Acura strongly recommends premium. What alot of people notice with putting regular fuel in their TLX, or any Acura in general; slower throttle response and lower fuel economy. Putting in premium fuel may fix the hesitation, but that sounds more like a transmission issue or the ZF9 changing gears pretty slowly.
The sensors in today's cars do a good job sensing what type of gas we put in our cars and it certainly can help reduce engine knock, but it may not completely reduce it. In a pinch it is safe to use regular fuel in the TLX, but the long term effects are the real concern. You save anywhere from $4-$8 filling up with regular fuel vs premium fuel, but if your engine needs significant repairs down the line, all that money you saved is being dumped back in towards the repair.
Personally, I bought this car knowing I'd be using premium fuel because that comes with the brand. If I knew I couldn't afford premium fuel then I would've gone to Honda or some other brand. I could easily save the $300-$350 a year in other expenses while continuing to give my car the gas that is recommended from the manufacturer. Again, this topic has been discussed hundreds of times on this board alone, put what you can afford. However, if you're struggling to fork over the extra $300-$350 in fuel each year, then maybe the TLX wasn't the right car for you in the first place.
Just my .02
The difference between the engine of the TLX and an Accord are the compression ratios. The compression ratio in the Accord is lower, so regular fuel will do. The compression ratio in the TLX is higher, where regular fuel will get the job done, but it could possibly result in engine knock, where the fuel ignites from compression versus igniting from the spark plugs, where it should ignite. Since the compression ratio in the TLX is high, Acura strongly recommends premium. What alot of people notice with putting regular fuel in their TLX, or any Acura in general; slower throttle response and lower fuel economy. Putting in premium fuel may fix the hesitation, but that sounds more like a transmission issue or the ZF9 changing gears pretty slowly.
The sensors in today's cars do a good job sensing what type of gas we put in our cars and it certainly can help reduce engine knock, but it may not completely reduce it. In a pinch it is safe to use regular fuel in the TLX, but the long term effects are the real concern. You save anywhere from $4-$8 filling up with regular fuel vs premium fuel, but if your engine needs significant repairs down the line, all that money you saved is being dumped back in towards the repair.
Personally, I bought this car knowing I'd be using premium fuel because that comes with the brand. If I knew I couldn't afford premium fuel then I would've gone to Honda or some other brand. I could easily save the $300-$350 a year in other expenses while continuing to give my car the gas that is recommended from the manufacturer. Again, this topic has been discussed hundreds of times on this board alone, put what you can afford. However, if you're struggling to fork over the extra $300-$350 in fuel each year, then maybe the TLX wasn't the right car for you in the first place.
Just my .02
02-13-2018, 09:37 AM
#16
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Again, the compression ratio is the same 11:6 to 1 as in the Pilot / Odyssey (very same engine) for which regular is RECOMMENDED. The difference is giving up about 3% of ultimate engine power, hardly noticeable even if (I tested it many times). Detonation is no longer an argument with direct-injected engines. When did you hear the last time that an engine is destroyed because of detonation? In the last 15 years, I don't remember having heard of any.
In USA gas costs are lower and the delta between premium and regular is less than Canada. Here it represents about $400/year. So, regular for me (and Acura warranty covers it all).
In USA gas costs are lower and the delta between premium and regular is less than Canada. Here it represents about $400/year. So, regular for me (and Acura warranty covers it all).
02-13-2018, 09:54 AM
#17
Senior Moderator
Read the manual 
Put what it says in there
Put what it says in there
02-13-2018, 11:02 AM
#20
Banned
My "policy" is that if you don't use it or benefit from it, it is a waste. Nothing to do with affordability.
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02-13-2018, 11:36 AM
#21
Azine Jabroni
Use what the manufacturer recommends. Premium
02-13-2018, 02:20 PM
#22
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I would not hang my hat on its the same as the PILOT. The engines might be physically the same but IMHO they have different tunes. Not unlike my 440 which has the same compression ratio & is physically the same as the base engine but more horsepower. This is due to the factory MPPK power kit that changes the ECU programming with a more advanced ignition curve that requires more octane.
I believe the TLX engine is a PILOT engine with a factory performance tune as standard.
PILOT & TLX V6
280BHP @ 6,000 290BHP @ 6,200
262FLB @ 4700 267FLB @ 4,500
HONDA says Regular Unleaded for the PILOT
ACURA says Premium Recommended for the TLX
ACURA also lists foot note #19 which says19 Recommended Fuel Premium
19 Some models require premium fuel and for others, it's recommended.
Don't see any point in not doing what the gas cap says to do to save a few bucks.
I believe the TLX engine is a PILOT engine with a factory performance tune as standard.
PILOT & TLX V6
280BHP @ 6,000 290BHP @ 6,200
262FLB @ 4700 267FLB @ 4,500
HONDA says Regular Unleaded for the PILOT
ACURA says Premium Recommended for the TLX
ACURA also lists foot note #19 which says19 Recommended Fuel Premium
19 Some models require premium fuel and for others, it's recommended.
Don't see any point in not doing what the gas cap says to do to save a few bucks.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 02-13-2018 at 02:22 PM.
02-13-2018, 02:40 PM
#23
Burning Brakes
Kidding guys. In the end, I just go with what's recommended. To be fair to the "tin foil hat" guys, I think for them, it's more of a matter of optimization / efficiency rather than not being able to afford premium.
02-13-2018, 05:26 PM
#25
One plus of the TLX is that is does run fine on regular grade with no knocking or pinging which is a signature of too low octane for the engine.
02-13-2018, 07:50 PM
#26
Burning Brakes
I still don't know why this discussion always shows up, is Acura not premium enough to avoid using premium gas?
Honestly if you must save the $5 in gas per week, you shouldn't be looking at luxury cars since they always ask for better gas. If reliability is the #1 reason to go with Acura, shouldn't a clean fuel burning engine be the top thing on your list?
Gas is the last thing I think about with cars, just put what it says.
Honestly if you must save the $5 in gas per week, you shouldn't be looking at luxury cars since they always ask for better gas. If reliability is the #1 reason to go with Acura, shouldn't a clean fuel burning engine be the top thing on your list?
Gas is the last thing I think about with cars, just put what it says.
Last edited by pyrodan007; 02-13-2018 at 07:54 PM.
02-13-2018, 10:08 PM
#27
I still don't know why this discussion always shows up, is Acura not premium enough to avoid using premium gas?
Honestly if you must save the $5 in gas per week, you shouldn't be looking at luxury cars since they always ask for better gas. If reliability is the #1 reason to go with Acura, shouldn't a clean fuel burning engine be the top thing on your list?
Gas is the last thing I think about with cars, just put what it says.
Honestly if you must save the $5 in gas per week, you shouldn't be looking at luxury cars since they always ask for better gas. If reliability is the #1 reason to go with Acura, shouldn't a clean fuel burning engine be the top thing on your list?
Gas is the last thing I think about with cars, just put what it says.
All my driving career (8/9 cars) most of my cars have required premium so when it comes to buying a car the last thing that comes to mind is what kind of gas I need because I’m used to it now. However my father has never had a car that needed premium so when he goes with me places and I stop to fill and put premium he always scoffs at it. So it is a matter of perspective.
02-14-2018, 06:43 AM
#28
Banned
Similar experience with my BMW I6. It didn't tolerate regular gas at cold. The J35Y6 (shared TLX/Pilot/Ridgeline/Odyssey) was designed to run on regular, right from the start.
02-14-2018, 08:51 AM
#29
I was just wondering what gas should I put in because my transmission is screwing up. Already got it replaced once and its still acting up. Hesitation when I press the gas pedal, jerks when coming to a stop, etc. I'll put in 91 octane next time and let you guys know if anything changes!
02-14-2018, 09:23 AM
#30
Moderator
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Yes the J35Y6 is in the TLX and various Honda models, they however weren't designed for "Precision Crafted Performance". The TLX has different camshafts, intake valves & ECU tune to take the J35Y6 to peak performance.
Saying the J35Y6 was designed to run regular from the start is correct, for the Honda models. The TLX on the other hand, was designed to run 91.
This site has been based off quality information for many years & is why we're one of the top automotive forums on the internet. We don't need ppl spewing false information based off their opinion, especially with no facts to back up their claims.
Cliff notes: The TLX + 91 = Doing it right
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02-14-2018, 09:52 AM
#31
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Its a weight & usage differential. They RDX is about 700LBS heavier to start before both are loaded with people & stuff. Same engine pulling different weights the heavier one will knock first. In addition to the fuel recommendation the RDX also has it static compression ratio dialed back to 10.5 close but still more then the Accords 10.3 but less then the TLX 11.5. The reduced CR also helps push off knock onset of knock on a heavier car.
I would expect with an 11.5CR the RDX would be a premium mandatory.
Still all falls back on the on the internet experts vs the engineers with designed & built the engine as to who is better to recommend fuel. For $5.00 a tank why is this even a question.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 02-14-2018 at 09:59 AM.
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02-14-2018, 10:08 AM
#32
Senior Moderator
Its a weight & usage differential. They RDX is about 700LBS heavier to start before both are loaded with people & stuff. Same engine pulling different weights the heavier one will knock first. In addition to the fuel recommendation the RDX also has it static compression ratio dialed back to 10.5 close but still more then the Accords 10.3 but less then the TLX 11.5. The reduced CR also helps push off knock onset of knock on a heavier car.
I would expect with an 11.5CR the RDX would be a premium mandatory.
Still all falls back on the on the internet experts vs the engineers with designed & built the engine as to who is better to recommend fuel. For $5.00 a tank why is this even a question.
I would expect with an 11.5CR the RDX would be a premium mandatory.
Still all falls back on the on the internet experts vs the engineers with designed & built the engine as to who is better to recommend fuel. For $5.00 a tank why is this even a question.
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02-14-2018, 12:30 PM
#33
Banned
After all you are the one who wrongly wrote this
And now you know that all J35Y6 have the same CR, even the ones that run on regular.
Last edited by Saintor; 02-14-2018 at 12:44 PM.
02-14-2018, 01:45 PM
#34
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Camshaft overlap & duration effect the dynamic compression ratio so if they are different the onset of knock will be different all else equal. Static is just a physical measurement of the swept cylinder volume full piston down vs full piston up. The fuel never sees this ratio.
Dynamic Compression ratio always lower then the static compression ratio. It is the compression ratio after the intake valve actually closes & determines about how the engine will perform with a particular cam and octane.
Ignition timing advance & curve shape also are a factor in octane requirement. These perameters can also stand alone to effect knock fuel economy & power.
Just as an aside for flexibility. With the same cams I can run a number of different tunes in the COBRA because the ECU can effectively CHANGE cam timing. This change in timing effects the SCR.
One tune long duration early intake opening will simulate a 66 427 Le mans race engine with a very rough idle. Another is street performance for 93 octane & the third is track for 100 octane. Takes about 10 minutes with a handheld to switch tunes.
Cant imagine HONDA does not do this with their ECU on how Vtec is employed.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 02-14-2018 at 01:58 PM.
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02-14-2018, 02:30 PM
#35
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TLX Front camshaft - 14100-5J6-A00
TLX Rear camshaft - 14200-5J6-A00
Pilot Front camshaft - 14100-RLV-A00
Pilot Rear camshaft - 14200-RLV-A00
TLX Intake valve - 14711-RYE-A00
Pilot Intake valve - 14711-RKG-000
TLX ECU - 37820-5J2-A85
Pilot ECU - 37820-RLV-A85
Just for shits and giggles, the intake manifold is different as well. I can do this for days...
TLX manifold - 17160-R9P-A00
Pilot manifold - 17101-RLV-A01
I'm sure with more digging there are even more differences.
02-14-2018, 02:37 PM
#36
Its a weight & usage differential. They RDX is about 700LBS heavier to start before both are loaded with people & stuff. Same engine pulling different weights the heavier one will knock first. In addition to the fuel recommendation the RDX also has it static compression ratio dialed back to 10.5 close but still more then the Accords 10.3 but less then the TLX 11.5. The reduced CR also helps push off knock onset of knock on a heavier car.
I would expect with an 11.5CR the RDX would be a premium mandatory.
Still all falls back on the on the internet experts vs the engineers with designed & built the engine as to who is better to recommend fuel. For $5.00 a tank why is this even a question.
I would expect with an 11.5CR the RDX would be a premium mandatory.
Still all falls back on the on the internet experts vs the engineers with designed & built the engine as to who is better to recommend fuel. For $5.00 a tank why is this even a question.
02-14-2018, 02:42 PM
#37
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I feel like you assumed I was saying it’s fine to put regular in the RDX because it almost makes the same power as the accord. I was just saying what I think people’s thought process is on it. I would without a doubt put premium (and have in my RDX and MDX) in any car that even recommended it let alone required it. I sometimes even put 94 in as well, it’s only a couple cents more than 91 so why not?
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02-14-2018, 04:21 PM
#38
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I feel like you assumed I was saying it’s fine to put regular in the RDX because it almost makes the same power as the accord. I was just saying what I think people’s thought process is on it. I would without a doubt put premium (and have in my RDX and MDX) in any car that even recommended it let alone required it. I sometimes even put 94 in as well, it’s only a couple cents more than 91 so why not?
Why people wet their pants over an 11.5 to one vs a 10.5 or other lower number is from the old muscle car days when the big dogs ran 11.5 & the others ran 9 9.5 10.0 etc.
There is a lot more involved then the raw SCR#
02-14-2018, 05:29 PM
#39
We typically get 87, 89, 91 in most stations. Some will offer 94 as well. Never seen 93 ever. Very interesting.
No problem. RDX is heavy so I would go with the recommended fuel Premium. Point I would make is even identical engines subjected to different expected loads can require different grades of gas. Also that the static compression ratio is an interesting number but not the operative number.
Why people wet their pants over an 11.5 to one vs a 10.5 or other lower number is from the old muscle car days when the big dogs ran 11.5 & the others ran 9 9.5 10.0 etc.
There is a lot more involved then the raw SCR#
Why people wet their pants over an 11.5 to one vs a 10.5 or other lower number is from the old muscle car days when the big dogs ran 11.5 & the others ran 9 9.5 10.0 etc.
There is a lot more involved then the raw SCR#
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02-14-2018, 06:08 PM
#40
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Pretty sure the whole east cost runs 87/89/93 + some extras. One of my stations sells 100 octane in addition to the main 3 grades others have the main three + 90 no ethanol. Auto diesel is also pretty common but not at every station. In Raleigh there are no E-85 stations anymore.