Topic: What Fuel Type Are You

[inco]

Could be wrong, but it appears that we are heading towards more and more vehicles that are using premium fuels instead of regular. Ford is probably leading the way with their Eco-boost engines. Performance and better fuel economy are the two main reasons cited.

Also gaining some momentum is diesel. A few more vehicles are trickling in than three years ago with a lot more that 'could' be brought in if oil prices continue to climb. Americans are not as enamoured having been previously tortured on a mass scale the GM Shake'n'Bake offerings of the 80's.

Today's engines are 500% better, but still people think of them as 'oil burners' with a stinky smell and only available at those greasy old truck stops.

So what fuel type are you?

[footlong58]

Whatever the car calls for and in this case that would be "regular" 87 ocatane.

[safristi]

..I'm NOBODYS FUEL.................Premium 94 fer Millie, cheapest deal REGULAR fer RANGER BOY.........and the best Malts and Barley products fer ME...... ...


     It's a GAS GAS GAS....................phttt.......excuse me...........

[initial_D]

The best we can get here is 91.

[vdk]

Nothing but sweet, sweet Ultra 94.

On the topic of fuels C&D did a recent comparison using a Bentley GT. I can't recall off the top of my head but their performance numbers were significantly improved between 91 and (in their case) 93. It was something like a half second off the 1/4 mile time. It's in this months letters to the editor section.

Corn? 

[ktm525]

The best we can get here is 91.

Yeah but it is cold here and at a bit higher elevation. 93 not required IMHO.

That being said Husky carries 94 octane but that is the ethanol stuff.

[TopGun]

92...and lots of it!

Use a little leaded-100 octane every now and then too.

[garytam]

Does it worth to use Premium Gas for what so called "BETTER" fuel economy?

The Cost of Premium Gas are almost 20% more than Regular gas, if an engine cannot save 20% of fuel by using premium gas, or if it cannot deliver 20% more HP, whats the point of using premium? from $$$ and performance point of view? It does not make sense at all!!!!!
 

Example:
- Honda accord v6, 3.5L, using regular gas: 271 HP.
- Acura TL 3.5L, premium gas: 280HP.

Who can tell me why to the the 280HP engine in TL, instead of the 271HP engine, other than it is a pure Marketing purpose. i.e. Acura car use premium and have more HP (in this case, 3% more).

I think unless you are driving very high performance cars like M3 or S2000 etc...., there is no need for premium gas, is just another way to grab our hard earned after tax income.

[ktm525]

Does it worth to use Premium Gas for what so called "BETTER" fuel economy?

The Cost of Premium Gas are almost 20% more than Regular gas, if an engine cannot save 20% of fuel by using premium gas, or if it cannot deliver 20% more HP, whats the point of using premium? from $$$ and performance point of view? It does not make sense at all!!!!!
 

Example:
- Honda accord v6, 3.5L, using regular gas: 271 HP.
- Acura TL 3.5L, premium gas: 280HP.

Who can tell me why to the the 280HP engine in TL, instead of the 271HP engine, other than it is a pure Marketing purpose. i.e. Acura car use premium and have more HP (in this case, 3% more).

I think unless you are driving very high performance cars like M3 or S2000 etc...., there is no need for premium gas, is just another way to grab our hard earned after tax income.

I would pay 20% more for a 10% increase in HP. Cheapest performance mod out there. But that is just me...

[ovr50]

I have never seen the spread as great as 20% - I think that's a bit high. Here in Kelowna, 94 octane (more pricey than 91 premium) is !.24L; regular 87 is $1.08L; that's a 14.8% spread. And 91 is less.

[johngenx]

At the Petro Canada near me, 91 is 13c per liter more than 87, and with gas at $0.87 right now, that is a 15% charge, which I think is very high.  There is no car that recovers the extra charge through increased fuel economy.  I only put premium in cars where the maker specified it, otherwise it is a waste of money.

[ovr50]

At the Petro Canada near me, 91 is 13c per liter more than 87, and with gas at $0.87 right now, that is a 15% charge, which I think is very high.  There is no car that recovers the extra charge through increased fuel economy.  I only put premium in cars where the maker specified it, otherwise it is a waste of money.

Agreed.

[CanuckS2K]

^ Agree as well.

Both my G35 and the S2000 drink Premium.

[Bubba]

Does it worth to use Premium Gas for what so called "BETTER" fuel economy?

Financially, it doesn't appear to make sense for my Sebring.  However, it appears that I get slightly better highway fuel economy with Premium as the motor can take a little more spark advance (40-43 BTC vs high 30s on regular, as indicated via Scanguage).

[ktm525]

At the Petro Canada near me, 91 is 13c per liter more than 87, and with gas at $0.87 right now, that is a 15% charge, which I think is very high.  There is no car that recovers the extra charge through increased fuel economy.  I only put premium in cars where the maker specified it, otherwise it is a waste of money.

Agreed.

Agree with that as well. The other side is cars that either require or recommend premium. Yes the engines can run on the lower octane by retarding the timing but why give up the performance? If the small amount of cash is a deal breaker then the owner should have bought a vehicle that is set up for 87.


As for my experience the Land Rover is happiest on Premium (Premium requires) and returns more performance and perhaps 5-10% better economy. The G8 definately has more snap running the higher octane (Premium recommended)

[blur911]

I was at a Crappy Tire gas bar the other day and they were selling premium for regular price.  Figures I had my F150, the only vehicle I have that doesn't require premium. 
Anyhow, the guy who was changing the prices told me it's so that they could empty their tanks and then put in the "new gas" which has to have at least 10% ethanol, that is, in everything except premium.

[overtakeyouintheleftlane]

Regular 87 Octane at Esso. I go there because it's the only gas station where I don't have to prepay when it's dark. I can pump and then walk in and pay. It's also a lot easier to get in and out of as well compared to Petro Canada across the street.

Putting anything higher than what's stated in the vehicle manual is a WASTE OF MONEY.

[tpl]

91 for the GTI as per the label.   The Fit takes 87.  It is a bit more lively on 89 but not enough to be worth using it.    The GTI does not seem to be improved by 94 but if it was chipped I am sure it would notice.

[mp3butt]

91 for the GTI as per the label.   The Fit takes 87.  It is a bit more lively on 89 but not enough to be worth using it.    The GTI does not seem to be improved by 94 but if it was chipped I am sure it would notice.

The TSI engine can actually take regular gas with reduced output. I haven't nevery it myself. Has any of you done that before?

[rrocket]

91 for the GTI as per the label.   The Fit takes 87.  It is a bit more lively on 89 but not enough to be worth using it.    The GTI does not seem to be improved by 94 but if it was chipped I am sure it would notice.

Most engines that require "Premium" are optimized for 91, since since is as good as it gets in some places.