Thoughts on Quality Gas?

Drex · 10-26-2012, 04:25 PM

some interesting posts on this topic in this thread on another forum: Why is Sunoco not a top tier gas - Corvette Forum

look for posts by "LDB" (his first one is #45 in the thread)

SmallermouseZ · 10-26-2012, 05:16 PM

Chevron 94 all the way. 0% ethanol

sparky · 10-26-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmallermouseZ

Chevron 94 all the way. 0% ethanol

Z370Z011 · 10-26-2012, 06:48 PM

Does 93 make a difference?
I guess i can see it on a boosted car, but on a NA, would it improve milage or HP??

PaulZ370 · 10-26-2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z370Z011

Does 93 make a difference?
I guess i can see it on a boosted car, but on a NA, would it improve milage or HP??

The higher the Octane Rating, the less "knocK" you get (ie premature detonation of the gas in the cylinder prior to the spark plug firing - ie pre-ignition). As the computer detects these pre-ignitions, it starts to retard the timing to compensate. This robs the engine of Horsepower. So, in effect, the higher the octane rating, the more Horsepower you retain as you get less knock. This translates to better response, and better gas mileage.

That's about it in a nutshell.

2011 Nismo#91 · 10-26-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z370Z011

Does 93 make a difference?
I guess i can see it on a boosted car, but on a NA, would it improve milage or HP??

Not in a NA car. Some people do it because they just feel better.

PaulZ370 · 10-26-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011 Nismo#91

Not in a NA car. Some people do it because they just feel better.

Hmmm so in your opinion, we could use 87 Octane gas just the same as the 91/93 or 94 Octane? I'd hate to throw money down the drain just to feel better...

Roadster4Us · 10-26-2012, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulZ370

Hmmm so in your opinion, we could use 87 Octane gas just the same as the 91/93 or 94 Octane? I'd hate to throw money down the drain just to feel better...

You had it right in your previous post.

bvl · 10-27-2012, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulZ370

Hmmm so in your opinion, we could use 87 Octane gas just the same as the 91/93 or 94 Octane? I'd hate to throw money down the drain just to feel better...

Could? Probably. Should you? No.

You are correct in how a knock detection system behaves: its there to preserve the *health* of the pistons and rods with a retarded timing map typically. Some may even splash a bit more fuel in.

The stock Z map is tuned for 91 octane. Engineers spent many man hours crafting the map. There is some conservative values in there for things like Cali Cat Piss (what they call 91 octane), but its not an 87 map.

If you can't afford the extra few washingtons per tank, perhaps an Altima Coupe would be a better choice of vehicle is my perspective.

I have owned cars tuned for 91-93 octane for near 20 years now by choice. Some I have altered (Flyin' Miata turbo, stage 2 WRX), some are stock that way (Z, Cayman, G35, GS-R). On the east coast we are fortunate enough to have a healthy supply of 93 (used to be Sunoco 94 before the gov hosed us all with ethanol) so the extra 2 points of octane is a safety point for aggressively tuned 91 octane cars.

Stock maps typically have some slop in them for sure. Aftermarket maps, or if you have access to a computer (as I did with the miata: tuned both maps myself), you see how critical octane is when you are riding the edge of maximum performance. Knock events are *not good*

- b

MarkGideon · 10-27-2012, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvl

If you can't afford the extra few washingtons per tank, perhaps an Altima Coupe would be a better choice of vehicle is my perspective.

I have owned a few cars over the years that require "premium" only. The extra cost for the gas is just part of owning the car. I have always said that if you have to skimp at the pump for that extra few dollars per tank, then you really cannot afford the car.

Chan Chee Hoe · 10-27-2012, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z370Z011

Does 93 make a difference?
I guess i can see it on a boosted car, but on a NA, would it improve milage or HP??

No up in H.P.,but noticed to be more smoother when using high octane petrol.

Z370Z011 · 10-26-2012, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwight Frye

I have been running nothing but ARCO in my Z and G35 before that and a couple of other cars before those with no problems or poor performance at all. It's BP gas if I recall. We have about the highest gas prices in the country here in CA, I paid $4.74.9 last week for 91 Octane and I need all the price break I can get. Arco is the least expensive "name brand"
I do not buy from the no-name "Thrifty Gas" stations.
Regarding additives, I add 6 oz of MMO (That's Marvel Mystery Oil for those of you in Rio Linda) to a tank every thousand miles, and a bottle of Techron to the tank before each oil change. These seem to compensate for the additives that Shell or Chevron add and I come out ahead in the long run.

The MMO is good for the lubing the upper cylinder area, fuel pump and sending unit in the tank, which helps prevent the erroneous fuel level readings that many report, and the Techron cleans the injectors with a high dose of PEA.

MMO goes in your fuel tank? Never heard of it but you made me want to buy some of this stuff lol

dudesky · 10-27-2012, 10:12 AM

I put zippo fuel and works perfect! just jk lol anyway, there is no Shell in my town, so I always go to BP. how you guys like BP? good or bad?

10-26-2012, 04:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Drex Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 498 Drives: '11 370z MB 6MT SP Rep Power: 14	some interesting posts on this topic in this thread on another forum: Why is Sunoco not a top tier gas - Corvette Forum look for posts by "LDB" (his first one is #45 in the thread) __________________ 2011 Nissan 370z \| 6MT \| Magnetic Black \| Sport Package

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10-26-2012, 05:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
SmallermouseZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Vancouver Posts: 368 Drives: 2012pw 6mt sport/nav Rep Power: 14	Chevron 94 all the way. 0% ethanol

10-26-2012, 06:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Z370Z011 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 1,052 Drives: PearlWhite 370z 6MT Rep Power: 15	Does 93 make a difference? I guess i can see it on a boosted car, but on a NA, would it improve milage or HP??

10-27-2012, 10:12 AM	#13 (permalink)
dudesky Track Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Kraid's lair Posts: 516 Drives: E46 M3 6MT Rep Power: 15	I put zippo fuel and works perfect! just jk lol anyway, there is no Shell in my town, so I always go to BP. how you guys like BP? good or bad?