I decided to run 91 octane yesterday and there was a considerable difference between 87 and 91. The pick-up is a lot faster, feels more torque, hwy driving is better, can pass quicker, and just generally feels better. I was just wondering what you guys were running and is a high octane level gasoline better for the engine?

 

I use Exxon 89 on my Pro. I was told that Exxon gas worked like rocket fuel in Pro's so I tried it to see if they were telling the truth or not... and wadoya know... it really does work... unless it was just mine and that guys Pro...

I did notice the slowness in the morning... but I noticed that with any grade gas in the car at cold weather...

However... the 91 octane in my car actually made my car drive worse. I felt like I was in a beat up Pinto or something...

Anywayz... try Exxon gas... dunno if it will make a diff in yours but it did in mine...

 

Like Psuedo said, unless you are running advanced timing or some type of power adder....higher octane is a waste of cash. I ran 111 octane at the track a few weeks ago and there was absolutely no difference (except that I paid 10 bucks for 2 gallons.)

My buddy with a 97 TT Supra noticed a seat of the pants difference..but I didn't with simple bolt ons and stock timing.

 

93 octane, Pseudo? Gosh, I hate living in CA with 91 the best you can get.

Even with advanced timing, my Protege won't ping. There is SOOOO much ping resistance built into these things, it's ridiculous. The octane requirement is actually 86. Add to that richening the mixture heavily above 4500 rpm at WOT.

Anyway, there isn't much to be gained to running higher octane, even if you advance the timing...unless you are running about 10 degrees advanced.

Now, with my Nissan Altima V-6, it's worth about 10-12 hp and 0.3-0.4 secs in the 1/4 upping the octane from 91 to 94-ish (2 gal. of 103 in 5-6 gals of 91).