I was wondering what kind of fuel you guys were using for your maximas? I have a 99 Maxima and began using 87 Octane when I first bought it. But one of my friends told me to switch to 92 Octane since it's a V-6. Please let me know what you guys use. Thanks.

 

Definitely use high octane...93.

 

mobil or AAmaco 93 i usually rotate evry few months

 

You don't have to use 92+ octane, but it is recommended for maximum performance. When you use 87 octane, the engine compensates with the knock sensors to retard the timing, so you lose a little power (like a couple hp maybe) in exchange for no pings or knocks.

Using high octane, in my opinion is just psychological. I use it, but I realize that I'm sorta throwing my money away since how often do I really need 2 extra hp. I dunno if it's really 2hp, but I'm just using 2 as an example since I know the hp difference between regular and super is really small.

Also, regular contains just as much detergents as super, no matter what other people will try to tell you.

 

Its alot more than that. After the onwers manual says to use 91 octane or better. If you use 87 octane not only does the ignition timing get retarded but coolant temp increases. This is amplified if the engine is under heavy load, like lights, AC on, radio blasting with 2-4 passengers. It wrecks havoc on your ECU so it has to constantly fight between the ignition timing retard and rising coolant temps. Did you know that JWT found out this causes a feedback loop. The ECU retards timing to stop pinging but in doing so the side effect is higher coolant temps, which increase the likely hood of pinging. Besides I have ran several tanks of 92-93 octane and 89 in my SE-R. I get better performance with 91+. If anything midgrade should be the minumim put in the car. Well put it this way how is spending $1-3 more dollars per tank isn't much. Besides with retarded ignition timing means more fuel has to be used to keep cylinder head temps down. So if your losing 1-2mpg with 87 octane over 91+ I don't see the point. I have seen what happens to engines designed for premimum unleaded that had a bad tank of regular.

 

i use premium, from newer stores.

 

like coolant temp is not a function of the octane of the gas you are using, but more based on thermostat, ambient temperature, and size of the radiator. I guess also load on the engine. My temp gauge has stayed in the same palce, from day 1, and I have varried the grade and brand of gas that i use. JMHO

 

I definitely use 93 octane. I tried the 87 and 89 for a while, and I could notice a definite performance decline...go for premium.
K

 

Nissan recommends fuel with 91 Anti Knock Index. In my area gasoline is available in three grades: 87, 89, and 93 AKI. I tank up with equal amounts of 98 and 93 AKI. That's the economical way to buy 91 AKI.