It's a GAS! - re: performance, endurance

[Daydreamin520]

I have always been a "regular" gas user.

I used to use Chevron, for the magical Tekron (lol) in it - whatever that is - as I had read it did help car.

I KNOW, from reading, that being faithful to one brand or another, in general, is a waste of time.

... Even tho' my Dad used to be a Shell guy, I now pretty much fill up wherever, even (gasp) Circle K.

 

I do know ... 1-best to pump slow to get more, 2-best to pump in early morning, 3-best to look at last inspection date of pump for when its accuracy was checked.  Was at a station the other day where Regular was checked in 2014 but the other "better" grades were checked in 2010 and 2011!

 

So, before I keep pumpin' in the 87 stuff... any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

PS - I did not see a "Performance" category to post this in.... if there is one, feel free to move this.  Thanks.

[Chris_CommercialManager]

Speaking very generally you would want to run a higher octane to prevent knocking or pinging.  I've never heard of either of these engines doing that with 87, even under extreme load.  Two things that I am religous about (I can thank my father for this :) 

 

-Changing oil every 3000 miles

-Running "lucas" fuel cleaner every 3000 miles

(both of those are not mandatory but for me why fix what isn't broke) 

 

So if I were you?  87 with lucas every 3k.  If it knocks you'll know it, but I highly doubt it. 

[vanguy]

Almost all vehicles now have variable timing so you can run the regular grade gas without the pinging.

 

If you do a lot of long distance highway driving the mid grade may slightly improve MPG. Not sure if it will compensate for the price difference. 

 

Like Chris said I run the cheap stuff & toss in a can of complete engine treatment in the gas tank every oil change to keep the fuel injectors clean ( Lucas, Techron, Valvoline, Sea Foam, etc.)

 

I never could tell any difference in using any particular Brand gas with all the fancy additives. One seems as good as another.

[Chris_CommercialManager]

When driving cross country I've run 85 a lot as well, never ever had an issue or noticed mileage differences I attribute to gas quality (I pen and paper my mileage at every fill up).

Edited March 18, 2015 by Chris_CommercialManager

[Mc2guy]

Almost all vehicles now have variable timing so you can run the regular grade gas without the pinging.

 

If you do a lot of long distance highway driving the mid grade may slightly improve MPG. Not sure if it will compensate for the price difference. 

 

Like Chris said I run the cheap stuff & toss in a can of complete engine treatment in the gas tank every oil change to keep the fuel injectors clean ( Lucas, Techron, Valvoline, Sea Foam, etc.)

 

I never could tell any difference in using any particular Brand gas with all the fancy additives. One seems as good as another.

 

For the NV's low tech engine options, gas quality really doesn't matter much.  As mentioned, with variable valve timing, the engine will limit advance to avoid pinging. The injectors are "low pressure" injectors upstream of the cylinder head, so gas spec is not as important.  In direct injections engines, however, you will want to be careful and use a high quality "detergent" type fuel that meets the engine OEM specs.  Exxon/Shell/Texaco and the brand names do use additives that will limit carbon build up on valves common with GDI injections systems (WARNING: DON'T USE INJECTION CLEANING AGENTS WITH DIRECT INJECTION ENGINES). 

 

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2014/12/induction-service-cleaners-can-damage-ford-ecoboost-engines.html

 

 

There is no scientifically quantifiable reason to change your oil more than the OEM suggested intervals.  If it makes you feel good, that's fine, but it is merely a placebo.  The OEM intervals are generally set conservatively.  If using a good quality oil and filter, you can extend the intervals considerably with no risk of incremental wear on your engine. If you want confirmation, use an oil analysis service to test your oil at various change intervals.

 

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php