I drive a n/t and my buddy tells me to put the 92 octane in the car. I tell him it wont make a diff. b/c im a n/t . So is it really worth the extra .20c a gallon to get the 92 or stay with the 87. I dont see why it would make a diff. Im a n/t .

Editted: For Spelling


Running a higher octane fuel does not equate to more horsepower. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner. Higher octane fuel is used in engines where extra heat is generated due to high compression, turbos, or superchargers. The higher octane fuel is used to prevent the gas from burning too soon (detonation). It also does not burn burn as quickly as lower octane fuels.

Detonation is when fuel pre-ignites before the piston reaches top dead center. The force of the explosion tries to force the piston in the direction opposite of it's normal rotation. When this occurs, the usual outcome is a broken piston ring landing. Detonation, if serious enough, will destroy your engine in a matter of seconds.

The general rule of thumb for choosing the octane level is the minimum octane required to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent it from pinging or knocking (a rattling). If your engine pings at the lowest grade, bump the octane level up to the next grade. If you are running the highest octane and your engine doesn't need it, you are wasting your money.


I haven't looked in the manual, but the manufacturer usually prints the recommended or minimum fuel octane for the vehicle.


Hope this helps,
Kurt

higher octane also must be used while spraying....looks like no more skimping on points for meh!

I've used only 93 or above since day 1 with my car.

i went from 85 to 87 and i get EASILY an extra 50 miles per tank. there is no difference between 87 and 91, but definitely from 85 to 87. im also non turbo

running 89 octane all the time can cause your injectors and fuel system to foul up. running 93 every once and awhile will clean your fuel system and allow the car to run better.

we have 87, 89 , and 91 . ive been using 91 in n/t ever since oct 6, 2003 , ( when i bought her) . Would it be safe to go to 89 ?

I don't agree with running higher octane will clean your fuel system. Most higher octanes, such as Mobil's Super+ Gasoline (93 octane) have added detergents to help "keep your engine clean". It has nothing to do with the octane.

Personally, I wouldn't waste my money on higher octane gasoline if it was not needed. If your injectors are clogging, it isn't from the octane of the gas as I have seen injectors clog on cars that run only 93 octane every tank.


--Kurt

Hmmm yes and no..

If you have NO engine mods then its not worthwhile..but if you do annything like raise compression(milled head, piston swap) /turbo/SC/nitro/aggressive cams...then 93/91 is the way to go...if you knock your ECU retards the timing and you loose power...lower octane more knock..our stock eclipses dont have high compression #'s so might not make a diff...