Regular vs Premium fuel
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: Athens OH
Regular vs Premium fuel
I thought this was an interesting read. Probably nothing most here don't already know, but interesting nonetheless.
It's not a direct link. Click "contents" and drop down to "running on 87: is premium gas worth it"
http://windingroad.nextautos.com/win...810/?folio=103
It's not a direct link. Click "contents" and drop down to "running on 87: is premium gas worth it"
http://windingroad.nextautos.com/win...810/?folio=103
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Premium vs regular fuel...this gets discussed a lot. There's plenty of past threads in C5 Tech to read.
You're not really saving that much in the grand scheme of things with an average 10 gallon fill up as reference. And, if you drive the car hard, the computer will reset the timing for reduced power.
Not worth it in my book, but then fuel prices have dropped quite a bit lately.
In the end, it's the owners car to do with as the owner pleases...
You're not really saving that much in the grand scheme of things with an average 10 gallon fill up as reference. And, if you drive the car hard, the computer will reset the timing for reduced power.
Not worth it in my book, but then fuel prices have dropped quite a bit lately.
In the end, it's the owners car to do with as the owner pleases...
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,001
Likes: 487
From: South Florida
Julio from Cartek told me when it gets colder (below 60*), you don't need premium fuel on a bolt on car. He said the extra octane isn't needed, and you may run faster on 89 as opposed to 92-94 octane.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 2
From: Cedarburg, WI
Premium vs regular fuel...this gets discussed a lot. There's plenty of past threads in C5 Tech to read.
You're not really saving that much in the grand scheme of things with an average 10 gallon fill up as reference. And, if you drive the car hard, the computer will reset the timing for reduced power.
Not worth it in my book, but then fuel prices have dropped quite a bit lately.
In the end, it's the owners car to do with as the owner pleases...
You're not really saving that much in the grand scheme of things with an average 10 gallon fill up as reference. And, if you drive the car hard, the computer will reset the timing for reduced power.
Not worth it in my book, but then fuel prices have dropped quite a bit lately.
In the end, it's the owners car to do with as the owner pleases...
For an example take how many miles you actually drive in a year and multiply by the difference in premium. If you do the math you will see it is really not worth discussing! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 87
From: Largo FL
I haven't read all the articles and details but I did my own real world resesarch. I have always used 93 octane and average 22.3 over a period of time. Switched to 87 octane for about a month and although the car ran fine, the average dropped to 21 - I lost about 1 mile per gallon - that's a lot in my book. Simple calculations let me know it was cheaper in the long run to use the 93 -
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 47
From: Helotes TEXAS
I use regular or medium grade all week long while driving to and from work. I usually put some premium on the weekends or when I head to the track.
I've seen or felt no ill effects from this.
I've seen or felt no ill effects from this.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: Athens OH
I haven't read all the articles and details but I did my own real world resesarch. I have always used 93 octane and average 22.3 over a period of time. Switched to 87 octane for about a month and although the car ran fine, the average dropped to 21 - I lost about 1 mile per gallon - that's a lot in my book. Simple calculations let me know it was cheaper in the long run to use the 93 -
BTW, I wasn't looking for advice on what to use. I always use the highest available. I thought it was a good article for those that do question it.
