Myth's about Premium Gasoline

[don_davi]

I got my 90k service + timing belt done at the dealership this week. I asked one of the service guys how I can improve my gas mileage. I told him I use 87 and he looked at me all shocked.
He asked me if i ever get pinging with 87, and I was like not ever. Then again, i don't know what it sounds like. So what does pinging sound like? and does anyone know anything about the V6 Engine in the 4Runner? should I be using 87 or 89?

Thanks

Davi

ps. love the forum!

[Neb]

Originally posted by don_davi
I got my 90k service + timing belt done at the dealership this week. I asked one of the service guys how I can improve my gas mileage. I told him I use 87 and he looked at me all shocked.
He asked me if i ever get pinging with 87, and I was like not ever. Then again, i don't know what it sounds like. So what does pinging sound like? and does anyone know anything about the V6 Engine in the 4Runner? should I be using 87 or 89?

Thanks

Davi

ps. love the forum!

thats interesting that the service guy asked if you got pinging, since most cars nowadays are programmed to lower the timing if the car pings/knocks, so after the inital knock/ping, you won't be able to hear any because the car has adjusted. Check your manual, it should say what grade gasoline you should be using.

[don_davi]

if the timing is adjusted (in theory), would it hurt my engine or longevity to keep using 87 octane?

Price, I'm not to picky about since my folks own a kwiky mart and I get free gas.

At the same time I rather use 87 if it won't harm my truck, save my folks some money. BTW, any insights on CITGO gas? hee hee

Oh yah, I don't have a manual for my vehicle. I'll ask the dealership later, maybe they have one.

Thanks.

Davi

[Neb]

in theory, it shouldn't, because your car is detecting the knocking and reducing the timing; but I wouldn't reccomend you to continue doing it. Car manufacturers do have a reccomended gas for a reason

[G35stilez]

Back from the dead ...

So I have an Integra GS-R. A lot of engine bolt-ons. I have researched them and for the money, they give me the gains exactly where I want (not sure if this is relevant info, but I'm listing it just in case).

ANYWAYS, my body shop guy told me sometimes he runs 110 low-lead from the airport in a 1:4 mixture (i think) with 1 gal 110, 4 gals premium 93. This 110 low lead is for the small personal airplanes. He claims better performance and a cleaner burning engine with it. He runs it in his 2001 Camaro SS with some bolt ons.

My question is...Are there any advantages to this or is he just thinking he is getting gains?

BTW: I am pretty close with him, I don't think he'd BS me, but he might just not have the knowledge.

[Ben Z.]

You can definately get gains if you are currently running at the edge of detonation, otherwise its silly. In this case it is a horrible idea if you have stock emmision controls because "low lead" AV gas still has enough lead to kill your cat and possibly O2 sensor.

[bet993]

I agree with Ben.

If you need higher octane because of the modifications and fuel mixtures you are running then get unleaded racing gas. Usually comes in 100-110 octane. As local track junkies where they get their gas. It is usually quite expensive.

[Gonzo]

My manual say to use premium (or the highest octane available). Gotta do that with a blown engine or detonation will reduce it to scrap in a heartbeat. I am even leery of the 91 octane and had my tuner burn me a "Momma" mode on the 4-way for fuel economy on the interstate using 91 octane.

[blackcaraddict]

Originally posted by don_davi
I got my 90k service + timing belt done at the dealership this week. I asked one of the service guys how I can improve my gas mileage. I told him I use 87 and he looked at me all shocked.
He asked me if i ever get pinging with 87, and I was like not ever. Then again, i don't know what it sounds like. So what does pinging sound like? and does anyone know anything about the V6 Engine in the 4Runner? should I be using 87 or 89?

Pinging is actually not a good way to describe the noise in that pinging evokes thoughts of a high pitched noise...most detonation sounds more like a slapping noise--that is--lower pitched. Its difficult to describe, but unmistakeable if you hear it.

I have only experienced pinging once and that was when I bought an '87 Toyota 4x4 that had been sitting outside for some time so the gas was old--it was probably the equivalent of 82-84 Octane or thereabouts--due to moisture buildup and the elements. Once that gas burned and I filled the tank, the pinging was gone.

It is my opinion that high octane gasoline (93) is only beneficial in high performance motors or in supercharged applications. Most owners manuals only require a minimum of 87 Octane.

Davi--today's modern engines are engineered to not need high octane gas...go with 87. People who say there is no difference between 87 and 93 are incorrect--detergent levels are different between them, its just that for most vehicle owner's the difference is not noticeable.

[blackcaraddict]

Originally posted by don_davi
i

BTW, any insights on CITGO gas? hee hee

Davi

Yes, its one of the few gasoline providers that does not use foreign oil sources to create fuel.

[FalconGuy]

Citgo uses a lot of oil from outside the USA, its just not from the Mideast. Most of the Citgo Crude comes from Venezualean sources, Citgo is a Veneuzualean corporation.

Strange that they HQ in Oaklahoma, I deal with the corprate flight department all the time. Outside the USA they are called PDVSA

[DavidB]

Originally posted by Green Monster
When you put an after market computer chip in (Super Chip or Jet Chip) they say to run Premium gasoline, is true or just a marketing thing??? Any thoughts?

Very true! The chip tuners play with ignition mapping and air/fuel ratios. If they have tuned the ignition advance and air fuel ratio to require faster/hotter detonation of the fuel, you'd better be running premium.