Gas for RX330? (Official position?)
#17
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Originally Posted by Rx900
yeah, that's what i meant. I read that in the owners manual in one of the new loaners i got a few months ago (because i was curious on what to fill it up with). i think the "only premium" vehicles are the LS and LX, and maybe the SC (not sure)
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Originally Posted by LexusChris
Actually the only premium vehicles I believe are the IS, GS, LS, SC and the regular include the ES, RX, GX, LX from what I saw in www.fueleconomy.gov
IS is premium?? I'm kinda surprised if that's true!
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#19
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Originally Posted by Rx900
IS is premium?? I'm kinda surprised if that's true! ![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
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#20
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As I understand it from my service manager the 3.3L's ECU advance curve is mapped for premium fuel. If a lesser grade is run in the engine, the knock sensor simply dials back the advance to optimize performance for the fuel available. While the difference in RWHP is probably undetectable to the butt dyno, there may be some throttle lag (most noticible at shift points) as the ECU quickly recalculates the advance. "Quickly" is the operative word here.
Regular fuel or a mid grade is perfectly OK from the standpoint of engine durability. If an RX will run on Pemex (Premium hopefully, Magna otherwise), it should be able to run on anything (providing it is at least strained first).
IMHO the difference of a dime a gallon or so is not a deal breaker - at least after shelling out for a Lexus . . .
Regular fuel or a mid grade is perfectly OK from the standpoint of engine durability. If an RX will run on Pemex (Premium hopefully, Magna otherwise), it should be able to run on anything (providing it is at least strained first).
IMHO the difference of a dime a gallon or so is not a deal breaker - at least after shelling out for a Lexus . . .
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Last edited by Lil4X; 01-02-05 at 06:16 AM.
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I was wondering why the computer is rated for 91 octane because that octane level is hard to find around here. So I have been putting in 93 octane. My other choices are 87, 89, and 93. I have been trying to find a place that has 91 octane but didnt seem to find any. Does any one know of any way of finding places by a websearch? or somehting?
I own a 2004 RX 330 that i just got May 2006
I own a 2004 RX 330 that i just got May 2006
#24
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If you can't find 91, (and I can't find it either), remember that you can mix grades in your tank. Very often this is what the stations do, as they usually have only 2 grades in the big tanks, and the pumps mix those two different grades in various proportions to get the desired octane output.
I often fill it up with 98, then at the half way point, fill it up again with 93. Now I have a tank of 91. Be sure to slam on the brakes to be sure it is mixed well.
I often fill it up with 98, then at the half way point, fill it up again with 93. Now I have a tank of 91. Be sure to slam on the brakes to be sure it is mixed well.
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Hmm....a 98 and 93 you get 91...fuzzy math!! But I know what you're saying. Just curious, is there a disadvantage of filling it up full of 93 octane besides making a small hole in your in pocket??
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I'd like to try a tank of 98 sometime.
Obviously, I meant to say mix 89 and 93, and I think you would get 91, although math was never my strong suit.
There is no disadvantage to using 93 (or even 98 if you can find it) in a car designed for 91. Extra octane is just not used and is burned off, with no extra power or performance. It's wasted. Lower octane causes the computers to retard the timing, which does reduce performance.
If a car is designed for "regular" there is no advantage to using "premium," providing that the premium does not also contain detergents or other stuff that the regular does not -- although it is my understanding that all major brands have all the same additives in all grades (since they mix them in the pump anyway).
Obviously, I meant to say mix 89 and 93, and I think you would get 91, although math was never my strong suit.
There is no disadvantage to using 93 (or even 98 if you can find it) in a car designed for 91. Extra octane is just not used and is burned off, with no extra power or performance. It's wasted. Lower octane causes the computers to retard the timing, which does reduce performance.
If a car is designed for "regular" there is no advantage to using "premium," providing that the premium does not also contain detergents or other stuff that the regular does not -- although it is my understanding that all major brands have all the same additives in all grades (since they mix them in the pump anyway).
#27
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"Octane rating" is actually a measure of the burn speed of the air/fuel mix. Higher octane actually burns slower to allow higher compression without premature detonation. Higher octane fuel in itself doesn't produce any additional power, but allows a higher compression ratio to be employed . . . which does.
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#28
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Originally Posted by tfischer
I'd like to try a tank of 98 sometime.
Obviously, I meant to say mix 89 and 93, and I think you would get 91, although math was never my strong suit.
There is no disadvantage to using 93 (or even 98 if you can find it) in a car designed for 91. Extra octane is just not used and is burned off, with no extra power or performance. It's wasted. Lower octane causes the computers to retard the timing, which does reduce performance.
If a car is designed for "regular" there is no advantage to using "premium," providing that the premium does not also contain detergents or other stuff that the regular does not -- although it is my understanding that all major brands have all the same additives in all grades (since they mix them in the pump anyway).
Obviously, I meant to say mix 89 and 93, and I think you would get 91, although math was never my strong suit.
There is no disadvantage to using 93 (or even 98 if you can find it) in a car designed for 91. Extra octane is just not used and is burned off, with no extra power or performance. It's wasted. Lower octane causes the computers to retard the timing, which does reduce performance.
If a car is designed for "regular" there is no advantage to using "premium," providing that the premium does not also contain detergents or other stuff that the regular does not -- although it is my understanding that all major brands have all the same additives in all grades (since they mix them in the pump anyway).
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
Talk about hitting into a triple play: paying additional $ to get less performance and clogging up the cat. That is a extremely bad at bat to kill a rally
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#29
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Originally Posted by Lexterious
Yes, I do know of and have read the numerous threads on the type of gas for the RX.
My question is re: the RX330 specifically and I'm looking for the official Lexus "position" on this. I'm confused by the Lexus manual's statement that Premium fuel is "recommended".
My question is re: the RX330 specifically and I'm looking for the official Lexus "position" on this. I'm confused by the Lexus manual's statement that Premium fuel is "recommended".
Furthermore, if gas prices are that much of a concern to you I suggest getting a Prius (2005 fully loaded) or a RX400h. My Prius got 45 MPG on average. I could go a week and a half before I had to fill up. From memory, I think the RX400h gets 28 MPG hwy.
No offense but most ppl that buy a Lexus do not weith fuel economy as the to priority. For me it was Looks, luxury, dependability, value and MPG is a bonus.
#30
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Originally Posted by TunedRX300
Talk about hitting into a triple play: paying additional $ to get less performance and clogging up the cat. That is a extremely bad at bat to kill a rally ![EEK!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/eek1.gif)
![EEK!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/eek1.gif)
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