I have used Shell V-Power 93 since the first time I filled up the tank in my then brand new 2007 Civic LX. The owners manual states that I may use "87 octane or higher" fuel. With this in mind, I decided to use V-Power 93 for the extra detergent additives. I have added ~4 ounces of Lucas UCL to each tank of fuel without fail. Additionally, I add one 15 ounce bottle of Red Line SI-1 to the tank of fuel used before every other oil change, which works out to once per year (6 month OCI due to low mileage).
I recently talked to the Superintendent of the Lab at the oil refinery where I work to get his take on using 93 octane fuel in an engine designed for 87 octane fuel. He told me that he had seen carbon buildup in engines that were designed for 87 octane fuel, but had been operated using 93 octane fuel instead. I found this hard to believe, but accepted his challenge to try 87 octane fuel.
Long story short, my engine seems to run a little smoother using 87 octane fuel. My fuel economy did fall by ~1/2 mpg, but this may be due to winter blend gasoline. There was also a slight loss of horsepower, but it is barely perceptible and may also be related to winter blend gasoline.
I have found that adding Lucas UCL to 87 octane fuel does not seem to make much of a difference in my application. In fact, adding Lucas UCL to 87 octane fuel actually seems to make my engine idle a little rougher. For reference, Lucas UCL made my engine idle smoother and reach speed with less effort when I used V-Power 93 octane fuel.
Bottom Line:
Shell 87 octane gasoline seems to work better in my engine than V-Power 93 octane gasoline. Though fuel efficiency and horsepower has fallen by a negligible amount, this may be due in part to the higher C4 content found in winter blend gasoline. The jury is still out on Lucas UCL. I am currently on my 3rd tank of 100% Shell 87 octane gasoline. Perhaps I will add Lucas UCL to a few tanks of 87 octane fuel to see if my fuel economy improves.
Please keep in mind that the above is subjective and is based solely on my experience. I welcome any questions, comments, suggestions or feedback.
I recently talked to the Superintendent of the Lab at the oil refinery where I work to get his take on using 93 octane fuel in an engine designed for 87 octane fuel. He told me that he had seen carbon buildup in engines that were designed for 87 octane fuel, but had been operated using 93 octane fuel instead. I found this hard to believe, but accepted his challenge to try 87 octane fuel.
Long story short, my engine seems to run a little smoother using 87 octane fuel. My fuel economy did fall by ~1/2 mpg, but this may be due to winter blend gasoline. There was also a slight loss of horsepower, but it is barely perceptible and may also be related to winter blend gasoline.
I have found that adding Lucas UCL to 87 octane fuel does not seem to make much of a difference in my application. In fact, adding Lucas UCL to 87 octane fuel actually seems to make my engine idle a little rougher. For reference, Lucas UCL made my engine idle smoother and reach speed with less effort when I used V-Power 93 octane fuel.
Bottom Line:
Shell 87 octane gasoline seems to work better in my engine than V-Power 93 octane gasoline. Though fuel efficiency and horsepower has fallen by a negligible amount, this may be due in part to the higher C4 content found in winter blend gasoline. The jury is still out on Lucas UCL. I am currently on my 3rd tank of 100% Shell 87 octane gasoline. Perhaps I will add Lucas UCL to a few tanks of 87 octane fuel to see if my fuel economy improves.
Please keep in mind that the above is subjective and is based solely on my experience. I welcome any questions, comments, suggestions or feedback.
