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Originally Posted by Peer
nola mike wrote:
> even if the engine specifies 93, it won't gain hp/mpg
> UNLESS pinging actually occurs when using 87.
Exactly, and this has been my point all along. As stated in my first post, I believe there would be less confusion in regards to octane ratings if it wasn't represented numerically along with some superlatives:
"The term "Premium" is extremely misleading when it comes to gasoline. People assume that when they buy "Premium" they are buying the best there is to offer. This couldn't be further from the truth. 87 octane has more potential horsepower than 93 (or higher) octane.
-- peer
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While I agree that the term "premium" is slightly misleading to the uninformed, it is also appropriate. The numeric system confuses you, so it's not perfect either.
Higher octane fuel is better behaved. It doesn't detonate in high compression or turbo/supercharged engines as easily. It's necessary in many high performance engines that would simply self-destruct running "regular". It has highly desirable burn characteristics compared to "regular". It is indeed "premium" fuel. It is indicated as such by the higher octane number.
The lie you continue to propagate is "87 octane has more potential horsepower than 93 (or higher) octane". That is simply untrue. Both regular and premium have the same energy content, and therfore the same capability to produce power. They do have different burn characteristics, making the premium fuel necessary in some engines that require it.
Many modern engines that require premium will not ping when fed regular. The engine computer adjusts to compensate for the less than ideal fuel. You may not see it until the boost gauge gives you an indication (which is likely a last-ditch effort to save the engine, not the first), or you may not notice it at all. The engine management computer is doing its job. The manufacturer has nothing to gain in requiring premium fuel if it wasn't needed. They do it for a reason, and it's not to give a liberal arts poetry writer something to argue about, on a subject matter in which he seemingly doesn't have a clue. It's because the engine was designed to take advantage of premium fuel, thereby producing more power, and it requires it.
Take a freakin' engineering class...
