Folks need to log their cars to see firstly is any timing being pulled/knock retard detected to determine IF running higher octane fuel has any value. If so, sure, premium may clean that up or even running a few gallons of E85 to clean up the timing but you take a slight hit in mpgs but it's cheaper so probably still saving money. It's almost always cheaper to run 87 b/c the slight performance improvement/efficiency in engines that gain from running higher octane fuels will never offset the cost per gallon increase. Disclaimer is of course this is for vehicles rated to run a min. of 87. Butt dynos do not count - it's a data-driven discussion.
Cheap alternative to premium?
- Thread starter AJB0009
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a recent rerun of Engine Masters on Motor Trend TV showed there was little to know advantage to running 87/91/race gas on an engine that didn't want a timing change for engine knock...they tested using a GM LS-3 (without a knock sensor) in their tests but did mention they wouldn't run the 87 octane in that particular engine (recommended by GM to run 91 or better octane) as it had no real load on it, was cool as was the coolant running through it on their engine test...if this engine was in an actual car being run with different temps and loads they didn't feel 87 would not cause engine knock...
Bill
Bill
Then IMHO that test means almost nothing. I'm guessing every modern vehicle today has a knock sensor and is pushing timing. This proves nothing for a modern engine.
they were able to change timing to see if there was any "power" to be made and found zero power when changing timing on the LS3...
Bill
Bill
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