idriveatC

I would like to hear some opinions on how the octane changes the preformance in our cars.

My experience is that using lower gas, promotes lower performance. I had a full tank of 93 and everything was perfect. Today i decided to change my gas to 87(it was only the 3rd fill up). Anyways, after i filled it up and started the car, these are the things i noticed. The car is more shakey at idle, and the engine doesnt "purr" as loud as idle and going. The acceleration seems slower and shifting seems smoother. Pros and cons here and there. Is it just me or octane really does make a big difference?

Thanks Im a noob. Sorry for noob question

PunkInDrublic

No

mfbenson

Makes no difference in quarter-mile times at the dragstrip. The differences you are feeling might be due to different levels of detergents in the fuel, or just the cleanliness of the fuel. A high-quality low octane is the way to go.

doxXxob

thats a lie. yes it does help your time. it also keeps your engine healthier and prolongs the life of your engine. why do you think at some drag strips they have special octane fuel that is a little over 100 octane?


dont EVER go low octane if you want to baby your car.

PunkInDrublic

Because they have turbocharged cars and supercharged cars that have compression ratings that require higher octanes to avoid nocking... thats why. There is no benefit to normal N/A cars.

PunkInDrublic

Also the differences in performance that you are noticing are probably psychological, to tell yourself that the extra price of higher octane was, in fact, worth it.

91Mike

Didn't we just have a thread about this? Go to Google, do some research on "octane" and you'll probably realize it's not worth putting in your tC.

doxXxob

it may not be beneficial for horsepower gains

but it is good for your engine it is better for your engine then lower octane.

there is just no argument about it.

KYBoy

higher octane actually robs your MPG, b/c it causes more combustion. our engines are designed to run off low octane fuel and doing anything other than that is harmful to the engine b/c it was not made to run off that fuel. The only people that should probably use higher octane is people running turbo or a supercharger b/c it needs the higher combustion.
if you dont believe me call your toyota dealer and ask them. there is nothing in it for them to lie about it.
as far as better shifts and quality of gas, that might have something to do w/ where the gas was on the truck when the delivered it. gas from the top is usually the best, also make are you getting gas from the same place? some places add extra chemicals to try to improve the quality

doxXxob

well then i guess i can continue using my high octane.

but its your car do with it as you want. thats the number one rule of cars.

PunkInDrublic

^^ Well we can agree to disagree.

I'll just continue saving ~$0.20-$0.30 every gallon

therotman

Most everyone just told you it is a complete waste of money (which it is) and you're still going to buy it?

Why did you ask.......?

PunkInDrublic

He didnt ask, he was a believer in higher octanes at the start.

therotman

.....

PunkInDrublic

Different posters... look at the names...

therotman

Me=owned

PunkInDrublic

It's ok, happens to the best of us.

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=43337

doxXxob

heh and no you said that turbocharged cars need higher octane so i said alright then its still good for me to stick with my higher octane.

and thanks glad to know you got my back lol

Somnambulated

It's more the quality of the gasoline than the octane... Assuming you're putting the correct octane in your car. For instance, you shouldn't try running 87 octane in a car that requires 91.

Somnambulated

Right. That's why Indy cars have such long-life engines, and rarely need to be tuned-up. That's why the pit crew is there. Just to marvel at how reliable the engine is, and to polish the car before it's next run.