Higher Octane?

T1mef1yz · October 16, 2008

Question... are there benefits to running higher octane gasoline in todays engines? I understand that owners manuals for some cars call for it due to having higher compression engines, etc. But most vehicles (my truck included) do not. I am kinda OCD about my truck and typically sacrifice on price to go with what I believe is the best. Does running higher octance prevent/clean deposits as some people say. I have also heard that there are horse power gains to be had by using higher octane.

...at todays gas prices is the higher rating really worth it?

T1mef1yz · October 16, 2008

Was going to add poll to that question...

robertbick · October 16, 2008

A higher octane is a complete waste of money UNLESS your engine requires it or you have pre-ignition. There are no additional benefits with regards to preventing/cleaning deposits.

T1mef1yz · October 16, 2008

I have heard that and tend to agree robertbick if it weren't for the H-D dealer insisting that I use premium in my Harley stating "if you spend the money on good oil, why not good gas?"... I have been doing this yet am unable to find it in print in the owners manual. Filling my Harley doesn't hurt the pocket as much as filling my Silverado.

longhorn_giant · October 16, 2008

I've heard from various places that the higher octane can give you a little on mileage. I've never experimented with it, but I'm runing the mid-grade stuff in my truck on this tank, and maybe the next one, and I'm tracking mileage differences between this and the regular I usually get.

Darkanion · October 16, 2008

...at todays gas prices is the higher rating really worth it?

Well, I don't know what the prices are like where you are.. But, last weekend, I filled-up with Premium for $3.09 or $3.07 / gallon, I forget which... Either way, it's the cheapest gas I've bought in a long long time.

That aside... It really depends on how you define "worth it." If it has to at least break-even monetarily by improving your fuel mileage, probably not.. For me "worth it" is defined more by how my truck runs with Premium vs. Regular. (And they "recommend" Premium for the 6.2's.) I have friends who run Premium because they say their car or truck runs a little smoother / a little better with Premium than with Regular. So, that makes it worth it to them.

If "worth it" has to work out on a math equation, I doubt you'll ever see enough improvements in gas mileage to justify the extra .20 / gallon (or .30 or .50 or whatever it is in your area) to get Premium vs. Regular.

I just wish I could find a place to get gas (at a reasonable price) that didn't have that 10% Ethanol crap in it!

T1mef1yz · October 16, 2008

...at todays gas prices is the higher rating really worth it?

Well, I don't know what the prices are like where you are.. But, last weekend, I filled-up with Premium for $3.09 or $3.07 / gallon, I forget which... Either way, it's the cheapest gas I've bought in a long long time.

That aside... It really depends on how you define "worth it." If it has to at least break-even monetarily by improving your fuel mileage, probably not.. For me "worth it" is defined more by how my truck runs with Premium vs. Regular. (And they "recommend" Premium for the 6.2's.) I have friends who run Premium because they say their car or truck runs a little smoother / a little better with Premium than with Regular. So, that makes it worth it to them.

If "worth it" has to work out on a math equation, I doubt you'll ever see enough improvements in gas mileage to justify the extra .20 / gallon (or .30 or .50 or whatever it is in your area) to get Premium vs. Regular.

I just wish I could find a place to get gas (at a reasonable price) that didn't have that 10% Ethanol crap in it!

Although gas is higher here in Hawaii ($3.50ish) it wasn't really about $ but more so the effects of higher octave over the lower. If it'll run better, I am game!

Thanks Darkanian

Darkanion · October 16, 2008

Although gas is higher here in Hawaii ($3.50ish) it wasn't really about $ but more so the effects of higher octave over the lower. If it'll run better, I am game!

Thanks Darkanion

I'd so go try it... Run it down close to empty, fill it up with premium and drive it around. After somewhere between a 1/4 and a 1/2 tank, IF you're going to see a difference, you'll start seeing it.. If you don't see a difference (or if it's not enough), go back to Regular and you only bought "one" tank of expensive gas. Some people see. Some people don't.

merlin5577 · October 16, 2008

Octane is simply a measurement of resistance to combustion. A gallon of 87 has the same energy content (BTU) as a gallon of 93. There is no benefit in running premium in a vehicle that does not need it. Period. The "benefit" people see is psychological.

Darkanion · October 16, 2008

Octane is simply a measurement of resistance to combustion. A gallon of 87 has the same energy content (BTU) as a gallon of 93. There is no benefit in running premium in a vehicle that does not need it. Period. The "benefit" people see is psychological.

...and to some people psychological benefits are bigger than real benefits. So... Like I said before, if you're curious, try it.. If it works out for you, cool. If not, that's cool too. Buying one tank of Premium isn't going to kill the budget, to answer the question for yourself.

merlin5577 · October 17, 2008

Octane is simply a measurement of resistance to combustion. A gallon of 87 has the same energy content (BTU) as a gallon of 93. There is no benefit in running premium in a vehicle that does not need it. Period. The "benefit" people see is psychological.

...and to some people psychological benefits are bigger than real benefits. So... Like I said before, if you're curious, try it.. If it works out for you, cool. If not, that's cool too. Buying one tank of Premium isn't going to kill the budget, to answer the question for yourself.

Cheers Michael

I like the new Sig BTW.

Darkanion · October 17, 2008

Cheers Michael

I like the new Sig BTW.

Thanks! It came out a little darker than I intended, even after I brightened it up some. I may go try again tonight... I was surprised that there weren't any trains around while I was up there. Maybe I can get a train streaking by, the next time I try.

Zembonez · October 17, 2008

A higher octane is a complete waste of money UNLESS your engine requires it or you have pre-ignition. There are no additional benefits with regards to preventing/cleaning deposits.

+1

Perfectly stated. There is no additional benefit to premium fuel. Money down the drain unless you have an engine designed or tuned for it..

03blackz71 · October 17, 2008

I run 93 in my truck just because of the programmer I have. Plus I don't drive my truck alot so the cost isn't that much for me to put the higher grade in.

Zembonez · October 17, 2008

I run 93 in my truck just because of the programmer I have. Plus I don't drive my truck alot so the cost isn't that much for me to put the higher grade in.

The specs I've seen on a lot of programmers call for Premium fuel. That seems logical to me and worth it.