http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...emiumgas_x.htm

 

Repost
Ibtl

 

Now that is interesting. Nissan claims in their manual that the VQ engine most definately should be run on at least 91 octane. This is what the engine needs to run properly and combat knock. They say if the engine is constantly run on a lower octane fuel the computer will adjust itself and the engine will experience early detonation(knock) that will eventually damage it . I don`t Know????

 

Yeah, the article pretty much validates the rationale that regular will more than do, especially since Nissan says that 87 may be used when premium is not available.

There are two reasons I use premium, however. One is that I hear less knocking. I still hear knocking under acceleration and going uphill, even with 93. Secondly, premium is so cheap right now relative to regular. it was a full 20 cents more when regular was 1.099, but now I get it for sometimes only 8 cents more. That's because the demand for super unleaded is elastic, where for regular, or cigarettes say, the demand is inelastic. Divide 8 cents by 1.739 for regular and that is a small percentage compared to 20 cents divided by 1.099.

But if a Porsche can run on regular, I think a Nissan Maxima can as well. My aunt runs regular in her E46 M3. The motor did blow, but that was lubrication related and had nothing to do with the gas. My cousin uses regular in his E36 M3.

 

With gas prices near, at or a little above $2 / gallon here in Metro Detroit, I'd rather spend the extra $$ on premium since I know what's right for my VQ

 

I'll post back my findings after I'm done with my 93 vs 96 comparison. Testing at the strip this weekend, dyno within 30 days hopefully.