bez18

I got my '04 on June 7th.. been using 89 octane and have been fine with it. Just like I did with my '99 .. just curious if others are using higher and if so, why?

bluemaxx

I've tried 87, 91 and 93. I can't tell the difference.

bez18

Thanks bluemaxx! I figured as much! I plan on staying with the low octanes - the new cars it doesn't really matter.. but just wanted to feel out other members of the board.

gmc74

I have been doing my own testing to see if I can see any difference in MPG, but I haven't. I have been using 87, from what I have read the worst it will do is ping if it isn't high enough, but I haven't had any issues

QuikSilver04

Yup, 87 here too. Been running great for me...

lwebb12

what octane does the manual recommend?

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

87.

gmc74

I don't know what is in the manual, but I am pretty sure inside the gas door it says to use premium for the best performance... but I don't

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

The manual states 87.

Redsand187

My manual says 91 octane... or I'm about 95% sure it does, since I don't have it right in front of me right now.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

Click on 2004 Maxima and go to page 245.

87 is required. 91+ is recommended for improved performance.

ocuihs

From your friends at Maxima.org under MAXFAQs:

Why should I use premium gas? Prices are so expensive these days.

For the 4th, 5th, 6th gen Maxima, it is important that you use a premium grade gas (i.e. 91 or greater octane). Using premium gas is not for increasing performance (not directly) or for giving you extra horsepower. What it does for you is to prevent detonation or pre-ignition. Detonation means that the fuel and air mixutre ignite at the wrong time due to the high compression and heat. This is VERY bad for the engine. The effets of detonation is cumulative, meaning the damage adds up. Higher octane gas will be more resistant to detonation and allow your engine to run as intended.

gmc74

If you hear your engine knocking, then this is happening and you should boost your octane up. If you don't hear knocking, then there is nothing to worry about.

We had a thread on this a few weeks ago, I posted an article about it somewhere where they talk about the benefits of different octanes. There isn't an improvement in performance or mileage, unless the low octane you are using is causing your engine to knock, then you will gain performance by switching.

lwebb12

yeah i remember that thread. if manual says 87 then i would use 87

ocuihs

Per 2004 owners manual 9-3 under "Technical and consumer information":

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane number 91). For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number (Research octane number 96).

MONTE 01&97 SE

iTrader: (1)

So I wonder why in my 350 manual and gas door it say use premium only, the compression ratio on all of the 3.5's(Max,350,Altima,G35,FX35 and Murano0 is 10:3:1. All of you mechanical guys explain that one to me or is it just a Nissan gimmick?

bluemaxx

So, 87 is all you need, right?

gmc74

You are the least likely to experience engine knock with a higher octane. That is pretty much the long and the short of it. If you want a really good answer, find the thread we had on this a few weeks ago, or google it (that is what I did a few weeks ago) and you will learn all kinds of stuff that you never cared about

wdave

Cars with knock sensors will most likely see some performance gain with higher octane gas because the knock sensor retards the spark timing when there is pinging - you might never hear it, but, higher octane fuel allows maximum advance at all times.