Premium, middle grade or regular? (merged threads)
#16
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I only see 87, 89 and 91 here is SoCal and I always put 89 octane in just cuz I think its better for the car but my reasoning is pretty unfounded. I would be interested if different grades of gas effect performance and reliability of the car.
I am proned to think that higher octane gas burns cleaner and leaves the engine with less residue perhaps reducing the chance of some malfunction of some sort.
And I always hear that the brand of gas you buy makes a difference.
People in SoCal say that ARCO gas is crap and you should not put it in your car- but its almost always the cheapest. It seemd like Chevron has the best reputation but is typically more expensive.
I am proned to think that higher octane gas burns cleaner and leaves the engine with less residue perhaps reducing the chance of some malfunction of some sort.
And I always hear that the brand of gas you buy makes a difference.
People in SoCal say that ARCO gas is crap and you should not put it in your car- but its almost always the cheapest. It seemd like Chevron has the best reputation but is typically more expensive.
#17
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Originally posted by kreativ
The V6 Camry and ES use the same engine, but the ES has VVT-i and is tuned for more power (or, you could say the Camry V6 was detuned). I'm assuming the almost 20HP more is at least partly dependant on the use of 91 octane fuel.
Good point.
Although didn't previous ES owner's manual specify 87 octane?
The V6 Camry and ES use the same engine, but the ES has VVT-i and is tuned for more power (or, you could say the Camry V6 was detuned). I'm assuming the almost 20HP more is at least partly dependant on the use of 91 octane fuel.
Good point.
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oh and did the ES owners manual say 87 ? it sounded like they weren't sure?
#18
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Originally posted by SDSC300
ok well in 98 I beleive the ES got VVT-i and a slight power gain but compression is still the same 98-01 which means 87 octane should be fine its still the same engine just without vvti which shouldn't affect detonation. But I wouldn't personaly uses anything lower than 89 really 88.5 in cali :-( it rounds up
oh and did the ES owners manual say 87 ? it sounded like they weren't sure?
ok well in 98 I beleive the ES got VVT-i and a slight power gain but compression is still the same 98-01 which means 87 octane should be fine its still the same engine just without vvti which shouldn't affect detonation. But I wouldn't personaly uses anything lower than 89 really 88.5 in cali :-( it rounds up
oh and did the ES owners manual say 87 ? it sounded like they weren't sure?
So in these engines, what octane fuel that's required is only dependant on the compression ratio?
#19
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Originally posted by kreativ
ya know...I read that the compression ratio was the same for the '02 V6 Camry and ES as well (10.5:1 right?) Which makes sense since the '02 engine is a carryover from the previous generation. Lexus claims to have made many internal improvements...probably to be able to meet ULEV standard.
So in these engines, what octane fuel that's required is only dependant on the compression ratio?
ya know...I read that the compression ratio was the same for the '02 V6 Camry and ES as well (10.5:1 right?) Which makes sense since the '02 engine is a carryover from the previous generation. Lexus claims to have made many internal improvements...probably to be able to meet ULEV standard.
So in these engines, what octane fuel that's required is only dependant on the compression ratio?
if anyone has tried 87 and then 89 and the car seems to run better, or get better mpg on 89 then use it but I think that 91+is overkill. generally high performance engines use high octane and have high(er) compression
but I myself use 91.
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#20
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Here is a great article from the FTC on octane. The bottom line, unless your owner's manual requires higher octane, you are wasting $$$$$
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm
#21
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Hey guys/gals,
I've had my car for over 6 months now, and have been using regular 87 octane since I got it. I read in an old article somewhere that the pre '94 cars required premium fuel. Is this correct??? I have had no pinging on acceleration, and I don't push the car anyway (it's slow compared to my GN and bike)![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Just curious. I don't see any signs/stickers that dictate the exclusive use of premium fuel.
Who's right and who's wrong???
Thanks!
Erik Quick
I've had my car for over 6 months now, and have been using regular 87 octane since I got it. I read in an old article somewhere that the pre '94 cars required premium fuel. Is this correct??? I have had no pinging on acceleration, and I don't push the car anyway (it's slow compared to my GN and bike)
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Just curious. I don't see any signs/stickers that dictate the exclusive use of premium fuel.
Who's right and who's wrong???
Thanks!
Erik Quick
#22
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If you have your owner's manual, it should state that 87-octane is good enough to use. The knock sensors will adjust the car accordingly, but having higher octance isn't a necessity. Your engine is a 3VZ-FE, same as my Camry, and I haven't had any troubles with using 87-grade. Now, for you GN, you would probably need to use a higher octane due to forced induction.
Luc
Luc
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Just purchased a '95 ES 300. Have ordered a manual (didn't come with one). Anyway, have read from a couple sources that premium fuel is required. This really necessary to maintain a clean motor and performance?
I know my son has a '91 Acura Legend Coupe which is said to require premium fuel. But he's been burning regular since purchasing last year, without any drop off in performance.
thanx.
I know my son has a '91 Acura Legend Coupe which is said to require premium fuel. But he's been burning regular since purchasing last year, without any drop off in performance.
thanx.
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premium gas has better cleaners and other additives that are higher than regular gas
octane makes a really big diff in turbos and supercharger cars not so much in ours as to keep the engine from predetonating (causing an explosion too early)damaging it
just changes the timing by advancing or retarding it to compensate.
using regular gas will have an effect over a few tanks of gas as the engine (1mzfe) constantly readjusts
just a fun fact i learned when i was in school(as an automotive tech ).
In the 80's when premium gas came out with 2 grades the new premium was the same old regular one with a new price(higher of course)
while the regular gas was a new & improved lower grade of gas for the same price
makes you just want to hug an oil exec ( really hope none are on this board)
oh and in regards to the spoiler post you made
there are alot out there of them out there that fit but they don't look right to me
i really want a m5 lip spoiler just a little kick at the back but not enough to see from space
hope this helps
www.deucecom.net buy&sell anything in T.O.
octane makes a really big diff in turbos and supercharger cars not so much in ours as to keep the engine from predetonating (causing an explosion too early)damaging it
just changes the timing by advancing or retarding it to compensate.
using regular gas will have an effect over a few tanks of gas as the engine (1mzfe) constantly readjusts
just a fun fact i learned when i was in school(as an automotive tech ).
In the 80's when premium gas came out with 2 grades the new premium was the same old regular one with a new price(higher of course)
while the regular gas was a new & improved lower grade of gas for the same price
makes you just want to hug an oil exec ( really hope none are on this board)
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oh and in regards to the spoiler post you made
there are alot out there of them out there that fit but they don't look right to me
i really want a m5 lip spoiler just a little kick at the back but not enough to see from space
hope this helps
www.deucecom.net buy&sell anything in T.O.
#26
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the manual will probably call for an octane rating of 91. (the '02 does) Hug that oil exec again (and the lexus exec), the gas stations in New England sell three octanes: 87, 89, and 93 (94 is a fourth one at Sunoco only).
So where is the 91?
I run the 93 and utter a few obsenities as I'm pumping. I tried the 89 and got some knocking.
Someone suggested every 1/2 a tank, alternate between 89 and the 93 to create the 91. Frankly, I wouldn't remeber which was pumped last so I just go with 93 and play it safe.
steviej
So where is the 91?
I run the 93 and utter a few obsenities as I'm pumping. I tried the 89 and got some knocking.
Someone suggested every 1/2 a tank, alternate between 89 and the 93 to create the 91. Frankly, I wouldn't remeber which was pumped last so I just go with 93 and play it safe.
steviej
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SK: what's the M5 spoiler? Stevie posted the spoiler at this link:
http://www.spoilerdepot.com/Catalog....Year=1995&idB=
whatcha think ?
http://www.spoilerdepot.com/Catalog....Year=1995&idB=
whatcha think ?
#28
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I think the owner's manual for the 94-96 only called for 87. The 3VZ-FE in the 92-93 requires premium, but I'm pretty sure the 1MZ-FE doesn't (the older ones without VVT-i, 94-98). I use 89 in my '96, have great power, and never noticed knocking. I dump Techron in the tank every 3000 miles.
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wow that spoiler is real nice not as sutle as the m5 one but nice
the bmw m5 2001 up is just about 1 1/2 inches deep and 1 inch high but it just adds a perfect edge i love it
but that one at that price on the site i like alot
the bmw m5 2001 up is just about 1 1/2 inches deep and 1 inch high but it just adds a perfect edge i love it
but that one at that price on the site i like alot
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the manual will probably call for an octane rating of 91. (the '02 does) Hug that oil exec again (and the lexus exec), the gas stations in New England sell three octanes: 87, 89, and 93 (94 is a fourth one at Sunoco only).
So where is the 91?
So where is the 91?
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