5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Question on octane booster

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 03:55 PM
  #1  
sean16921's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 52
Question on octane booster

As we all know gas prices are getting ridiculous. Some gas stations in Massachusetts its 40 - 50 cent difference between regular and premium So my question is could i add a bottle of octane booster to a full tank of regular gas in order to save a few bucks?

18.5 gallons x .50 more for premium over regular gas = 9.25$

18.5 gallons of regular plus one can of octane booster = 6.00$

just throwing the thought out there.. was curious to know your opinions
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 04:06 PM
  #2  
MerlotMaxima's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 52
From: King of Prussia
Thats a good question. I never thought of that but theoretically, it would work out.
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 04:54 PM
  #3  
TunerMaxima3000's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,545
From: Ontario, Canada
Lol.
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 04:58 PM
  #4  
MerlotMaxima's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 52
From: King of Prussia
But in real life.......
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 05:08 PM
  #5  
Chris Gregg's Avatar
Get Off My Lawn
iTrader: (59)
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,631
From: Johnson City, TN


Should be fine running 89.

Last edited by Chris Gregg; Feb 18, 2013 at 05:11 PM.
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 05:19 PM
  #6  
Maxima_Joe's Avatar
4th Gen Parts King
iTrader: (384)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,759
From: Moorhead, MN
lol read the fine print on those octane boosters. When they list adds 7 points you would be going from 89 to 89.7.
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:24 PM
  #7  
T_Behr904's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,344
From: Jacksonville, FL
Don't waste your money on octane booster. Suck it up and pay the price at the pump like the rest of us, or make adjustments in your lifestyle to put more money in your pocket.
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:26 PM
  #8  
SEmy2K2go's Avatar
Go BUCKS!!!
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,557
From: Delaware, OH-IO
I enjoy filling up with 87 and spending the extra $ on Redbox blu rays.
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:27 PM
  #9  
ShocknAwe's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,285
From: Atlanta, Ga
I am not one for additives in gas considering there are already so many as it is, especially one that claims to raise the octane so much. I wonder if anybody has tested it
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:28 PM
  #10  
ShocknAwe's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,285
From: Atlanta, Ga
Originally Posted by SEmy2K2go
I enjoy filling up with 87 and spending the extra $ on Redbox blu rays.
lolz the knock has got to be vicious on that 5th gen though. I know when my dad used 87 on his 5th it was noisy to say the least
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:31 PM
  #11  
SEmy2K2go's Avatar
Go BUCKS!!!
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,557
From: Delaware, OH-IO
Originally Posted by ShocknAwe
lolz the knock has got to be vicious on that 5th gen though. I know when my dad used 87 on his 5th it was noisy to say the least
After 11 years, I gave up caring when I hit 150k.






(I don't run 87 every fill up)
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 07:22 PM
  #12  
george__'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,230
From: Earth
Just use 87 and call it a day
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 07:40 PM
  #13  
cjandura's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,622
From: WestChester,PA.19380
Just buy a Huffy and a case of gatoraide
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 08:09 PM
  #14  
T_Behr904's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,344
From: Jacksonville, FL
Originally Posted by ShocknAwe
lolz the knock has got to be vicious on that 5th gen though. I know when my dad used 87 on his 5th it was noisy to say the least
I get low rpm knock running 87 with my car. I can run midgrade 89 with no problems, and that's what I have in the tank right now. Since gas prices went up 50 cents in the last month (93 is now over $4/gal again) I thought I'd try 89 instead of the 93 I usually run, and it's working so far.
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 08:19 PM
  #15  
Fatboy98maxima's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 333
From: El Barrio N.Y.C
an extra 7 or 8 bucks is nothing dude if u want to keep ur car running well thats a small price to pay
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 12:27 AM
  #16  
Rods03Max619's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,946
From: Diego,California
Originally Posted by cjandura
Just buy a Huffy and a case of gatoraide

Old Feb 19, 2013 | 12:31 AM
  #17  
Rods03Max619's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,946
From: Diego,California
Originally Posted by T_Behr904
I get low rpm knock running 87 with my car. I can run midgrade 89 with no problems, and that's what I have in the tank right now. Since gas prices went up 50 cents in the last month (93 is now over $4/gal again) I thought I'd try 89 instead of the 93 I usually run, and it's working so far.
Ours is like 4.10 and up depending on where you go, Paid 70 bucks to fill up today at Shell 4.29 a gal., with my Blue Mojo Additive....
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 06:17 AM
  #18  
Chris Gregg's Avatar
Get Off My Lawn
iTrader: (59)
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,631
From: Johnson City, TN
I prefer Classic Mojo.
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 08:22 AM
  #19  
ShocknAwe's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,285
From: Atlanta, Ga
Originally Posted by T_Behr904
I get low rpm knock running 87 with my car. I can run midgrade 89 with no problems, and that's what I have in the tank right now. Since gas prices went up 50 cents in the last month (93 is now over $4/gal again) I thought I'd try 89 instead of the 93 I usually run, and it's working so far.
I have heard, not confirmed, that some stations 89 is simply pulling half from the 87 and half from the 93. Seems like it is reasonable enough. I use 89 about every 3rd fill up
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 08:34 AM
  #20  
Shift_A32B's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,865
From: Los Angeles, CA
Just sell the Maxima and buy a civic.

Old Feb 19, 2013 | 08:35 AM
  #21  
Amerikaner83's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11,386
From: WA
Originally Posted by ShocknAwe
I have heard, not confirmed, that some stations 89 is simply pulling half from the 87 and half from the 93. Seems like it is reasonable enough. I use 89 about every 3rd fill up
or 92...same thing.

CONFIRMED. Gas stations only have 2 main tanks, the regular and the premium. To get the midgrade, they siphon from both tanks. I used to work at a Shell gas station a few years ago.
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 08:36 AM
  #22  
ShocknAwe's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,285
From: Atlanta, Ga
Good to know
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 08:39 AM
  #23  
user name001's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 336
From: vancouver
Originally Posted by cjandura
Just buy a Huffy and a case of gatoraide
Lmao!
Octane booster is a joke! 10 point high octane boster in 87 takes it to 88..
.1 point not a whole point.
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 10:56 AM
  #24  
carsnwomen91's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,218
From: Mississauga, ON, CANADA
Originally Posted by Shift_A32B
Just sell the Maxima and buy a civic.

this times a million. If you don't like the idea of 91 octane fillups go buy somethin else.

you can run 89 on a full stock car going without full throttle (higher load May knock). The difference between 91 and 94 up here in Canada is only $0.02 Per liter which is awesome and only ends up being like 1.50 extra per tank! a full tank costs like $90 lol

octane booster is a joke, stop being cheap where it counts
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 01:01 PM
  #25  
Chris Gregg's Avatar
Get Off My Lawn
iTrader: (59)
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,631
From: Johnson City, TN
Some stations in my area offer supreme gas for mid-grade price, but only on Fridays. Have anything like that in your area? Some grocery stores that have gas stations (even Walmart) will offer 10 cents off per gallon with $X spent. May be another way to save.

Overall, changing your driving habits will save you the MOST at the pump. Time I think for all of us to take some cues from our grannies!
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 01:34 PM
  #26  
user name001's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 336
From: vancouver
Originally Posted by Chris Gregg
Some stations in my area offer supreme gas for mid-grade price, but only on Fridays. Have anything like that in your area? Some grocery stores that have gas stations (even Walmart) will offer 10 cents off per gallon with $X spent. May be another way to save.

Overall, changing your driving habits will save you the MOST at the pump. Time I think for all of us to take some cues from our grannies!
Dont around my area! But, if your lucky and catch a gas station thats out of regular you get 94 for the pruce of regular since u cant get 89 or 91 because regular and supreme + are mixed for those grades. Im right on the border of 2 towns. If I drive 10 minutes out of my town I can get gas anywhere from 8- 10cents cheaper. Damn gas taxes!
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 01:43 PM
  #27  
cjandura's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,622
From: WestChester,PA.19380
Just get another job or ride the damn bike stop Bishing about it use either 93-97 or GTFO! This is a big boys world and things cost money how would you like to fill up with GT Race Fuel 2x a week.
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 02:00 PM
  #28  
The Wizard's Avatar
Administrator
iTrader: (43)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,718
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by cjandura
Just buy a Huffy and a case of gatoraide
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 04:10 PM
  #29  
Thorzdad's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 436
From: Muncie, IN
We've been using 89 octane in the Maxima for years with no ill effects.
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:27 AM
  #30  
tcb_02_max's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 294
From: WI
Originally Posted by user name001
Im right on the border of 2 towns. If I drive 10 minutes out of my town I can get gas anywhere from 8- 10cents cheaper. Damn gas taxes!
And even then, you have to ask if it is worth it. Hypothetical case:
You drive 10 min out of your way (and back) at an average speed of 30 mph. You average 20 mpg and pay $3.50 out of town ($3.60 along your normal in-town route). On an 17.5-gallon fill-up, you save a maximum of $1.75, most or all of which is used up by your trip to get the cheaper gas.

10 mi / 20 mpg = 0.5 gal --> $1.75 (cost to get cheaper gas)
17.5 gal * $0.10 less per gal = $1.75 (savings)
Total savings = $0.00

Each person should seriously consider their own situation. Maybe it is not that far out of your way to get the cheaper gas. On the other hand, how often do we really fill up 17.5 or 18.5 gal? It is probably more often 15-16 gal. If we are honest, how often is it $0.10/gal cheaper -- usually it is more like $0.06-$0.08/gal cheaper. Also, if you drive completely out of your way to get cheaper gas, you have less gas in your tank when you get home (or wherever you are going) because it is not along your normal route. And then there is the time you spend making the extra trip.

At the end of the day, is that warm fuzzy feeling you get by "saving $0.10/gal" really worth it? I bet not.

My advice: find a quality station near your home, fill up with higher octane fuel and learn to drive more efficiently. And keep prices in perspective: I usually fill up my 2001 530i in Germany for between 100-125€, or $130-165. And it has the same size tank as my Maxima. That is 1.659€/L or $8.29/gal.

Last edited by tcb_02_max; Feb 20, 2013 at 12:37 AM.
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:50 AM
  #31  
mrjasonlyrics's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,245
I've heard Redbull is good to add to your gas. LOL. Joking man don't put Redbull in your gas thank. Don't waste your money on these gimmicks claiming to do what clearly won't. These so-called boosters are well marketed to attract the motorist who's just trying to save money. When the gas is high just use the 91 octane and atleast once a month hit it with the 94 octane. I use 89 most of the time and atleast once a month I use the 94 and haven't had any issues with my engine for the pass 7yrs plus
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 04:17 AM
  #32  
TunerMaxima3000's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,545
From: Ontario, Canada
3.0 liter uses 89
3.5 uses 87

you can use higher for additional performance, etc, but there's no need to waste money pointlessly.

there's a ton of 3.5 guys that think they need to run 89+, you don't.
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 07:06 AM
  #33  
cjandura's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,622
From: WestChester,PA.19380
Originally Posted by TunerMaxima3000
3.0 liter uses 89
3.5 uses 87

you can use higher for additional performance, etc, but there's no need to waste money pointlessly.

there's a ton of 3.5 guys that think they need to run 89+, you don't.
Just cause you guys up north run your cars on a 50/50 blend of petro and moose fat dont bring that crap down here brudder!
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 01:13 PM
  #34  
Nealoc187's Avatar
SLOW
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,617
From: West burbs, Chicago
I've run 87 in my last two daily driver maximas without noticing any difference.
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 01:37 PM
  #35  
user name001's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 336
From: vancouver
Originally Posted by tcb_02_max
And even then, you have to ask if it is worth it. Hypothetical case:
You drive 10 min out of your way (and back) at an average speed of 30 mph. You average 20 mpg and pay $3.50 out of town ($3.60 along your normal in-town route). On an 17.5-gallon fill-up, you save a maximum of $1.75, most or all of which is used up by your trip to get the cheaper gas.

10 mi / 20 mpg = 0.5 gal --> $1.75 (cost to get cheaper gas)
17.5 gal * $0.10 less per gal = $1.75 (savings)
Total savings = $0.00

Each person should seriously consider their own situation. Maybe it is not that far out of your way to get the cheaper gas. On the other hand, how often do we really fill up 17.5 or 18.5 gal? It is probably more often 15-16 gal. If we are honest, how often is it $0.10/gal cheaper -- usually it is more like $0.06-$0.08/gal cheaper. Also, if you drive completely out of your way to get cheaper gas, you have less gas in your tank when you get home (or wherever you are going) because it is not along your normal route. And then there is the time you spend making the extra trip.

At the end of the day, is that warm fuzzy feeling you get by "saving $0.10/gal" really worth it? I bet not.

My advice: find a quality station near your home, fill up with higher octane fuel and learn to drive more efficiently. And keep prices in perspective: I usually fill up my 2001 530i in Germany for between 100-125€, or $130-165. And it has the same size tank as my Maxima. That is 1.659€/L or $8.29/gal.
Personally enjoy the drive, so even if it works out to be the same, im ok with that..and cuz I feel like im getting a better deal lol. Plus most places around me are 91, im getting 94 for 10 cents cheaper than 91, I have my timing advanced so its worth it for me cuz I get no low rpm ping.
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 01:57 PM
  #36  
MichIndOh's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
From: Saline, MI
I drive my '02 Maxima 152 miles total every day to and from work. The drive is 60 miles highway, 16 miles 55mph 2 lane roads each way. I log every mile and gallon of gas in all 3 of my cars and decided to do a study on the difference between 87 and 93 in my Max. I will create a new thread with all the detail, but the conclusion is that 87 results in 2mpg less than 93. If I can get 93 for <=$.20 more than 87 then it saves me at least $.05 per mile. If its anymore than that then it is more cost effective to run 87. I haven't experienced ANY knocking or pinging when running 87, and the performance difference is negligible.

I recommend switching to 87 and don't look back! If you happen to find a station with 93 for no more than $.20 extra then fill up with that, otherwise enjoy the savings!
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 07:35 PM
  #37  
MerlotMaxima's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 52
From: King of Prussia
I know I'm a noob here on the site, so heres my 2 pennies. I bought my 03 six speed just over a week ago. I've been foolin around with the mpg computer and different octanes and I noticed that 93 gives me about 3mpg more over 89. This is combined city and highway.

Throttle response is a lil crisper too on 93.
Old Feb 21, 2013 | 12:09 AM
  #38  
tcb_02_max's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 294
From: WI
Originally Posted by MerlotMaxima
I know I'm a noob here on the site, so heres my 2 pennies. I bought my 03 six speed just over a week ago. I've been foolin around with the mpg computer and different octanes and I noticed that 93 gives me about 3mpg more over 89. This is combined city and highway.

Throttle response is a lil crisper too on 93.
fyi: If you are new and haven't yet heard, the mpg "estimates" from the Maxima computer are horribly optimistic. Stick with classic miles/gal calculations for accurate, repeatable results...
Old Feb 21, 2013 | 04:44 AM
  #39  
MichIndOh's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
From: Saline, MI
Exactly, I didn't use the computer for my calculations, they were all done by taking the miles traveled and dividing it by the gallons used to fill the tank to one click every time.
Old Feb 21, 2013 | 04:48 AM
  #40  
6spdmax's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 87
From: Indianapolis, IN
The gen5.5 owner's manual says you can get by on 87, but recommends at least 91 for improved vehicle performance.

Many gas stations around here only have a $0.10/gal jump going from 87 to 89, and another $0.10/gal jump to 93. Anymore I always buy 93 for the max.

On 93 I can drive in 1 higher gear, compared to 89. ie. cruising around at 2K rpm, instead of 2.5K. So it totally makes sense that many drivers would get better gas mileage with 93.

For me, when gas prices are this high, spending an extra $0.10/gal means spending an extra 2.5% on a fill-up. So if I get 5% better gas mileage (probably usually more like 10%), I am actually saving money.

Of course this could be different depending on how you drive.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Unclejunebug
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
10
Apr 2, 2016 05:42 AM
MichMaxFan
General Maxima Discussion
10
Sep 30, 2015 09:18 AM
HerpDerp1919
3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)
2
Sep 29, 2015 02:02 PM
Socalstillen
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
1
Sep 26, 2015 12:01 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:00 PM.