Discussion:
Octane
(too old to reply)
David Z
2008-12-03 15:21:15 UTC
Permalink
Lexus recommends 91 octane or above for my 2004 ES330. My experience is
that I get better mileage (and less hesitation/jerking) using premium gas
(93 octane) than using regular gas (87 octane).

Virtually every gas station around me offers 3 grades of gas -- 87, 89 and
93 octane. Does anyone here fill up their tank with two-thirds 93 octane
and one-third 87 octane to get a "blend" of 91 octane?

It seems like a bit of a hassle to save about a dollar a tank, but I was
wondering if anyone has tried it and what their experience has been.
Ray O
2008-12-03 18:02:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Lexus recommends 91 octane or above for my 2004 ES330. My experience is
that I get better mileage (and less hesitation/jerking) using premium gas
(93 octane) than using regular gas (87 octane).
Virtually every gas station around me offers 3 grades of gas -- 87, 89 and
93 octane. Does anyone here fill up their tank with two-thirds 93 octane
and one-third 87 octane to get a "blend" of 91 octane?
It seems like a bit of a hassle to save about a dollar a tank, but I was
wondering if anyone has tried it and what their experience has been.
I just use the mid-grade fuel and do not have any problems with performance,
hesitation, etc. in my LS.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
Colin
2008-12-04 00:49:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ray O
Post by David Z
Lexus recommends 91 octane or above for my 2004 ES330. My experience
is that I get better mileage (and less hesitation/jerking) using
premium gas (93 octane) than using regular gas (87 octane).
Virtually every gas station around me offers 3 grades of gas -- 87,
89 and 93 octane. Does anyone here fill up their tank with
two-thirds 93 octane and one-third 87 octane to get a "blend" of 91
octane?
It seems like a bit of a hassle to save about a dollar a tank, but I
was wondering if anyone has tried it and what their experience has
been.
I just use the mid-grade fuel and do not have any problems with
performance, hesitation, etc. in my LS.
I use 87 on my LS - no problems. I tested the fuel economy a while ago with 93 octane and 87. Filled the
tank with 03 (after it was almost empty) and recorded the mpg per tank than did the same with 87. Both
times driving the same route: a 1000 miles from Delaware to Michigan. The result was 2% or less
difference. I am using 87 now.
--
Read and be merry http://blog.rankarmor.com
j***@hotmail.com
2008-12-04 03:14:41 UTC
Permalink
If the Toyota engine doesn't perform smoothly with 87 then it's a
design problem with the engine, not the fuel. Modern cars do adapt
without problems, including Porsche. Yes, I agree that you may lose a
bit of power and mileage, but it's very slight in typical driving.

Go ahead and read the USA Today article and decide for yourself,
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-07-30-premiumgas_x.htm

"I personally use regular even though my owner's manual says you'll
get better performance with premium," says Lewis Gibbs, consulting
engineer and 45-year veteran at Chevron oil company. He's chairman of
Technical Committee 7 on Fuels, part of the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) Fuels & Lubricants Council. Gibbs knows gas.

"My wife runs midgrade (89 octane) in her car, and it's a turbocharged
engine" meant for 91-octane premium, he says.
Lexus recommends 91 octane or above for my 2004 ES330.  My experience is
that I get better mileage (and less hesitation/jerking) using premium gas
(93 octane) than using regular gas (87 octane).
Virtually every gas station around me offers 3 grades of gas -- 87, 89 and
93 octane.  Does anyone here fill up their tank with two-thirds 93 octane
and one-third 87 octane to get a "blend" of 91 octane?
It seems like a bit of a hassle to save about a dollar a tank, but I was
wondering if anyone has tried it and what their experience has been.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-04 12:31:23 UTC
Permalink
In article
Post by j***@hotmail.com
If the Toyota engine doesn't perform smoothly with 87 then it's a
design problem with the engine, not the fuel. Modern cars do adapt
without problems, including Porsche. Yes, I agree that you may lose a
bit of power and mileage, but it's very slight in typical driving.
It's all about the COST PER MILE, people. Don't worry about the mileage
in and of itself. It's the cost per mile to fuel the car.

Not all fuel is the same. You'd see a difference between, say, Shell
gas and grocery store gas, all at 87 octane.

And the ONLY way to measure it decently is to run several tanks of each
gas and measure it carefully.
David Z
2008-12-06 03:49:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
In article
Post by j***@hotmail.com
If the Toyota engine doesn't perform smoothly with 87 then it's a
design problem with the engine, not the fuel. Modern cars do adapt
without problems, including Porsche. Yes, I agree that you may lose a
bit of power and mileage, but it's very slight in typical driving.
It's all about the COST PER MILE, people. Don't worry about the mileage
in and of itself. It's the cost per mile to fuel the car.
Not all fuel is the same. You'd see a difference between, say, Shell
gas and grocery store gas, all at 87 octane.
And the ONLY way to measure it decently is to run several tanks of each
gas and measure it carefully.
Good idea in theory. However, it's impossible to drive exactly the same on
two different tanks of gas. Anyone who thinks they can do that and use the
data to gage small differences in mileage is kidding themselves.

Also, it's not only about cost. It's about performance, too.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-06 13:16:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
And the ONLY way to measure it decently is to run several tanks of each
gas and measure it carefully.
Good idea in theory. However, it's impossible to drive exactly the same on
two different tanks of gas.
But if you do each gas over several tanks, it all comes out in the wash.
Overall, over a couple thousand miles per type of gas, your driving is
generally all the same.
Post by David Z
Also, it's not only about cost. It's about performance, too.
And you'll discover that, too.
David Z
2008-12-07 00:07:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by j***@hotmail.com
If the Toyota engine doesn't perform smoothly with 87 then it's a
design problem with the engine, not the fuel. Modern cars do adapt
without problems, including Porsche. Yes, I agree that you may lose a
bit of power and mileage, but it's very slight in typical driving.
It's all about the COST PER MILE, people. Don't worry about the mileage
in and of itself. It's the cost per mile to fuel the car.
Not all fuel is the same. You'd see a difference between, say, Shell
gas and grocery store gas, all at 87 octane.
And the ONLY way to measure it decently is to run several tanks of each
gas and measure it carefully.
Good idea in theory. However, it's impossible to drive exactly the same on
two different tanks of gas.
But if you do each gas over several tanks, it all comes out in the wash.
Overall, over a couple thousand miles per type of gas, your driving is
generally all the same.
That's about as scientific as astrology. It would be foolish to rely on
such data.
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Also, it's not only about cost. It's about performance, too.
And you'll discover that, too.
Apparently you haven't discovered it yet. That's why, in response to "you
may lose a bit of power and mileage," you said "It's all about the COST PER
MILE, people" (see above, you know, the part you deleted).
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-07 14:38:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
But if you do each gas over several tanks, it all comes out in the wash.
Overall, over a couple thousand miles per type of gas, your driving is
generally all the same.
That's about as scientific as astrology. It would be foolish to rely on
such data.
To the thousandths place, sure.

But try it--you'll be surprised at the information you can glean.
David Z
2008-12-07 15:47:44 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
But if you do each gas over several tanks, it all comes out in the wash.
Overall, over a couple thousand miles per type of gas, your driving is
generally all the same.
That's about as scientific as astrology. It would be foolish to rely on
such data.
To the thousandths place, sure.
But try it--you'll be surprised at the information you can glean.
Nonsense. Astrologists make the same claim.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-07 14:39:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Also, it's not only about cost. It's about performance, too.
And you'll discover that, too.
Apparently you haven't discovered it yet. That's why, in response to "you
may lose a bit of power and mileage," you said "It's all about the COST PER
MILE, people" (see above, you know, the part you deleted).
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the cost of
getting that extra 2mpg.

Performance is a completely different, and subjective, matter.
David Z
2008-12-07 15:50:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Also, it's not only about cost. It's about performance, too.
And you'll discover that, too.
Apparently you haven't discovered it yet. That's why, in response to "you
may lose a bit of power and mileage," you said "It's all about the COST PER
MILE, people" (see above, you know, the part you deleted).
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the cost of
getting that extra 2mpg.
I taught you well, I see.
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Performance is a completely different, and subjective, matter.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-07 16:13:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the cost of
getting that extra 2mpg.
I taught you well, I see.
You didn't teach me shit.
David Z
2008-12-07 16:58:57 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the cost of
getting that extra 2mpg.
I taught you well, I see.
You didn't teach me shit.
No, you're a self-taught shit.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-07 17:47:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the cost of
getting that extra 2mpg.
I taught you well, I see.
You didn't teach me shit.
No, you're a self-taught shit.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
David Z
2008-12-07 18:29:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the cost of
getting that extra 2mpg.
I taught you well, I see.
You didn't teach me shit.
No, you're a self-taught shit.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
Haven't looked the mirror lately, have you?
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-07 18:50:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the cost of
getting that extra 2mpg.
I taught you well, I see.
You didn't teach me shit.
No, you're a self-taught shit.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
Haven't looked the mirror lately, have you?
It's ALL about the cost per mile.
David Z
2008-12-07 18:53:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's not about the MILEAGE, it's about the COST PER MILE. People think
"oooo, I'm getting 2mpg better" then they never factor in the
cost
of
getting that extra 2mpg.
I taught you well, I see.
You didn't teach me shit.
No, you're a self-taught shit.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
Haven't looked the mirror lately, have you?
It's ALL about the cost per mile.
It's also about performance. And yours is very predictable.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-08 02:37:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's ALL about the cost per mile.
It's also about performance. And yours is very predictable.
Your wife complained to me just last night about your performance.
David Z
2008-12-08 03:00:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
It's ALL about the cost per mile.
It's also about performance. And yours is very predictable.
Your wife complained to me just last night about your performance.
Like I said, very predictable.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-08 11:15:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Your wife complained to me just last night about your performance.
Like I said, very predictable.
That you can't get it up? Absolutely.
David Z
2008-12-08 11:47:57 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Your wife complained to me just last night about your performance.
Like I said, very predictable.
That you can't get it up? Absolutely.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2008-12-08 18:23:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Your wife complained to me just last night about your performance.
Like I said, very predictable.
That you can't get it up? Absolutely.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
It's ALL about the cost per.....asswipe.
GIga
2008-12-12 19:31:33 UTC
Permalink
David -- stop having a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. It's just
not fair! (but it IS amusing).

GIga
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Your wife complained to me just last night about your performance.
Like I said, very predictable.
That you can't get it up? Absolutely.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
It's ALL about the cost per.....asswipe.
David Z
2008-12-13 03:44:57 UTC
Permalink
The funny thing is I could keep this moron going on in perpertuity if I
wanted.
Post by GIga
David -- stop having a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. It's just
not fair! (but it IS amusing).
GIga
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by David Z
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Your wife complained to me just last night about your performance.
Like I said, very predictable.
That you can't get it up? Absolutely.
hehehehe Keep going, asswipe, for the world to see.
It's ALL about the cost per.....asswipe.
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