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octane

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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 12:35 AM
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From: Ontario
octane

Okay, I know the manual says get the best octane you can, but I've always just used regular 87 octane. I've been told that the whole antiknock thing was for older engines, and that today, it's not really much of a problem.

Do people here use just regular fuel, or do you use premium because it really is better for the engine somehow (aside from HP increase)?
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 12:39 AM
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fuel economy factors in too, i think... and yes the knocking thing has been a problem... but i think the g37 has knock sensors or something... not totally sure though i just pump premium because gas is relatively cheaper than before... and sure there are performance gains... in the long run you don't really save money because you get worse mpg? dunno
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 01:19 AM
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Well, I was under the impression that the knocking in the G was due to some funky engine issue, and didn't have anything to do with the oil. Apparently using the Nissan Ester oil solves the knock. But in general, is using fuel of a lesser octane rating actually bad for an engine (fuel economy and HP aside). Like, are there impurities in the crappier gasoline that leaves residue or corrodes your engine?
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 05:57 AM
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high compression engines require higher octane because it burns cleaner and therefore has no knocking. dont be cheap.
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 08:56 AM
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Oh I wasn't planning to be. I mean, if someone gives me a good reason to use premium fuel, I will. It's just that I've heard from a bunch of people that for the newer engines, higher octane doesn't really affect anything. But thx, you're the first person to suggest otherwise. And yeah with cheap gas prices these days, getting premium is really no big deal.
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by 2009G37
Oh I wasn't planning to be. I mean, if someone gives me a good reason to use premium fuel, I will. It's just that I've heard from a bunch of people that for the newer engines, higher octane doesn't really affect anything. But thx, you're the first person to suggest otherwise. And yeah with cheap gas prices these days, getting premium is really no big deal.
Your engine will run better, make better power, and stay cleaner over the long run using premium gasoline. It is recommended by the manufacturer for a reason.

Yes, you can use regular 87 octane unleaded and it will run on it. But it's not recommended. I wouldn't and don't. Enjoy the fact that premium unleaded is less than half the price of what regular unleaded was less than a year ago (at least here in the States). It will probably be reasonably priced for the next 6 months to a year at least. Use the good stuff.
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 11:05 AM
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Actually, higher octane gasoline burns slower, making less prone to pre-detonation (knock) in higher compression or forced induction engines. Our cars require premium as the compression is higher in our engines.
I am sure that our cars have knock sensors, but the problem is that once they sense knock, they cure the problem by pulling ignition timing (retarding the timing). Pull the timing and it feels like he car falls flat on it's nose.
In my Turbo Regal, when it senses knock, it literally slows down as the ignition timing is pulled.
There are also additive packages added by the refiners that are nice such as detergents. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the premium gas at the pumps is usually manufactured by the brand of station you are at (Exxon, Shell, etc.), while the regular is usually from the closest manufacturer depot.
Do yourself a favor and put in 91 or better
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 12:32 PM
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i fill up with 98 octane
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 08:59 PM
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Yeah 91 is the most I can find where I live, so I do plan to use that. I dunno what the dealer put in when the car was first delivered to me....
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by G37Sam
i fill up with 98 octane
Are you serious or are you lying your *** off. The highest I get here in Dallas is 93 but back to the topic. Premium fuel is alot better for your engine especially with a 40k car why would you put in cheap gas in the first place. Also, in the long run it gives up better gas mileage.
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by DashKid
Are you serious or are you lying your *** off. The highest I get here in Dallas is 93 but back to the topic. Premium fuel is alot better for your engine especially with a 40k car why would you put in cheap gas in the first place. Also, in the long run it gives up better gas mileage.
Not only does he have 98 octane in Dubai, it's cheaper than water is here. Literally.

UAE FTMFW!

BTW, higher octane does NOT give you better mileage, it actually worsens your mileage but not to any appreciable degree.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by G37Sam
i fill up with 98 octane
So Sam, just how much is gas ova' there
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 06:03 AM
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yup it is cheaper than water BB.. $1.83 for a Gallon of 98 Octane and $1.69 for the 95 Octane
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Old Dec 29, 2008 | 06:47 PM
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damn can you mail us some?
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Old Dec 29, 2008 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by w0ady
damn can you mail us some?
+1 on that. god 98 octane and its cheaper there wow
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