My Grand Marquis calls for an octane rating of 91 RON, and does not have a knock sensor (although '03+ models do). Since I bought it, I have been using 98 RON because it contains more detergents than the available 91 and 95 RON, despite being a much higher octane rating than called for. It's actually imported here from state-owned Kuwait Petroleum's refineries in the UK. I reckon this type of gas is referred to as "Top Tier" gas in North America.
Yesterday, I finally switched to the recommended 91 RON, and after driving about 120 km (75 miles) noticed the car drove differently. This isn't a performance cars by any means, but acceleration felt much stronger at the ½ and ¾ throttle range, and naturally much better at WOT. The car just had get up and go, and didn't feel 'lazy' if that's the term to use. Just in case it was all in my head, I had a friend, who noticed and commented on my car's acceleration before, drive it and he also said it doesn't drive the same.
Octane wise, I know it isn't going to make a difference due to the lack of a knock sensor. So long as an engine doesn't knock, there's no need for higher octane fuel. But would detergent additives in the fuel really make any noticeable difference to an engine's performance? Thanks!
Yesterday, I finally switched to the recommended 91 RON, and after driving about 120 km (75 miles) noticed the car drove differently. This isn't a performance cars by any means, but acceleration felt much stronger at the ½ and ¾ throttle range, and naturally much better at WOT. The car just had get up and go, and didn't feel 'lazy' if that's the term to use. Just in case it was all in my head, I had a friend, who noticed and commented on my car's acceleration before, drive it and he also said it doesn't drive the same.
Octane wise, I know it isn't going to make a difference due to the lack of a knock sensor. So long as an engine doesn't knock, there's no need for higher octane fuel. But would detergent additives in the fuel really make any noticeable difference to an engine's performance? Thanks!