since we are on the topic of gas lets talk about brands...

I hear the Chevron and any off brand (albertsons) could potentially use the same gas, it just depends on what the manager of the store wants, they decide which one to use.

any comments to that ??

 

I read that article before, it says not to put premium (91+) in cars that only require regular gas (86+), not put in regular gas for cars that require premium. It only states in the other article you linked that while it is ok to run regular in a car that requires premium temporarily, they still recommend following the manufacturers minimum.

If you had looked at your owners manual, it specifically states that using 91 octane gas is the recommended MINIMUM for both the SC300 and 400. I don't see why there is any confusion here.

And I agree with the other person, if the op of this thread can afford to own and drive a modified Viper around, then he can afford the few extra bucks it takes to run the recommended fuel for the SC.

There was a time the gas station ran out of 91 octane fuel so I used 87. The car ran noticeably slower and the gas mileage went down. As much as the ECU tries to compensate for the reduced octane fuel, it can only do so much under heavier loads such as when you're going up hills and when you punch the throttle to pass another vehicle. Which is when I started hearing some pinging from the engine.

 

I've run regular for years in my 95 SC400 and GS300 and have never heard a ping or felt a hesitation in either. SC get 20+ on regular and the GS gets 25+ on regular.

If anyone can tell the difference, they should buy what they feel comfortable with.

The computer is set for timing adjustments to burn regular.

Lots of threads on the forum and others.

 

+2 .I used 87 once and it was only because of a hurricane ,my car was pinging and driving like crap.

 

I've recently switched to using regular, and have not noticed any difference in performance. I just went on a 300+ mile trip and got 21 Mpg using regular. Why run premium when you can run regular? Unless you are racing all day long you are just wasting your money.
Oh, and you must not have read that part of the article where the Porsche Tech said they make their cars to run every fuel, since Premium is not available everywhere.

 

I did read that part as well, it still doesn't prove that the engine will last as long when running on a motor that was tuned for premium. Those who haven't heard the knocking and pinging probably don't know what to listen for in the first place. It's fine that you like running regular but don't try to advise people when you don't have the evidence to back up your claims. I'm a home mechanic and also have friends that are professional mechanics and we agree that running regular octane gas for extended periods does reduce the engine performance noticeably and increases fuel consumption negating any benefits from saving that 6-10 cents/per gal difference we pay for premium v. regular.

Lastly, if you can't afford to pay the slight difference, then why not get a car that only requires 87 octane.. There are plenty of cars out there..

 

Dougspeed,

“Those who haven't heard the knocking and pinging probably don't know what to listen for in the first place.”

I sense the response of someone whose feces does not smell. In my life time the term “home” has also been referred to as “shade tree.” Before making such an absurd observation/comment, you should get your feces together and produce the technical proof of you statement that you ask for, not “also have friends that are professional mechanics.” Do they work at Pep Boys?

So please, provide us the technical proof of your position. No, not the one where you have your head up your.....

 

Instead of trying to bash a member who is trying to explain something to you why dont you listen and learn something .Most high end toyotas recommend premium gas because of the compression ratio and sensors and ecu timing etc .only idiots will run 87 on a car that requires 93.Ask any real mechanic if you can and they will laugh at you so loud .Even my little brother knows to run 93 on his car

 

Please note the quote that the response refers to it the ping statement.

Now look at your "only idiots will run 87 on a car that requires 93." and I would put you in the same my feces, yada, yada, yada, class as him.

This thread is sooooooooooooooooooo old and no one to my knowledge has provided the documentation to disprove either point.

You should learn how to communicate in less offensive ways and pull your head out of... never mind because reality often time doesn't sink in and some never see the light of day once their head is implanted there...

And your professional knowledge comes from where? Maybe your little brother knows more than you do if he can provide technical proof.

People have even gone to the point of driving until empty and have had different results.

 

I put in 87 octane all the time, but from a reputable gas company (BP, Mobil) as I've noticed quality differences. The only reason why the manufacturer tells you to put 93 is so that you can obtain full performance and maximum horsepower of the car as claimed. I don't drive my car hard. I cruise in it instead. It's very seldom that I need to "use" all 225 hp the car has.

 

jpvarghese, now that is reality. You can buy junk gas, 10% ethanol, or you can pay a penny more and get a reputable gas and if you're not going to the track, save some money for repairs. You make good sense and I hope others will take note.

Thank you for your intelligent post...

 

^Thank you for the compliment!! Reading many of the "theories" in this thread got me rolling. A lot of you make it seem like the car is going to blow up if you don't strictly use 91/93+ octane. Some cars strictly need it (M3, S2000, Porsche GT-3, F.I. cars, and other high strung motors), but our glorified Toyota isn't one of them. I know the benefits of high octane feel, but it is not absolutely necessary for our cars.

 

Your absolutely RIGHT!!! If fellow forum members would use the search function, they'd see how beat to death this topic is. I was posting to it years ago during the last gas crunch and my 400 is still rolling strong with NO pings or hesitation.

Some people are just self impressed that they can own an old Lexus worth a few grand. Maybe it compensates for a short..........

With that said, you said it good. Thanks

 

Here is what happenes to the car with you use the lower grade then engine and ecu was made for: 1. Valves and lifters are building up carbon and over time will mess your car up and you will need a top end job! 2. Car will run like crap cause the proper egnitment is not happening in the pistons as the ecu is becoming confused. 3. The Sensors will go to hell cause they are set for the higher fuel rating. etc. ect.....

Just caugh up the ectra $1.50 for the week! Not goign to kill you and will save you a pricey top end job later down the road!

 

Wait, so you're telling us to post in a less offensive manner yet YOU yourself are personally attacking us by saying that all our arguments are fecal matter and that we should get our heads out of our @sses? Do you know the definition of "hypocrite"? Look it up if you don't because that's who you are at this moment. And you complain that this thread hasn't provided any meaningful information, but what have you done to help contribute? Having read your last couple responses, you haven't contributed anything other than pissing the rest of us off.

Maybe if you would take your own advice and stop posting such offensive comments, people might actually listen to anything you have to say..

And the mechanics I know are trained Honda and Toyota mechanics who know quite a bit more than you do.