86 or 88 octane

[GALE]

Hey whats up? I have been doing a lot of reading on octain ratings. And a lot of people have 87 octane for regular gas. My question is that here in Amarillo the octane rating for regulare is 86. Well I have been filling my car up with 88 octane, that would be the plus here and 91 for premium. Am I just throwing my money away on 88 or would the 86 be just fine because the car recommends 87 or higher. I fill up with Phillips 66 and some times Shell if that makes a difference.

Thanks

[Pickelicious]

If your car does not ping or knock with 86 octane, I would recommend using it.

[Texican]

Originally posted by Pickelicious
If your car does not ping or knock with 86 octane, I would recommend using it.

If the ecu does it's job properly by retarding timing when the knock sensor tells it to, then you shouldn't be able to hear it knock or ping. On the flip side, if the ecu retards the timing, you'll loose out in performance.

I wouldn't risk it. If the manufacturer calls for 87 octane, then use 87+ octane. Premature detonation (knocks and pings) is a bad thing. It can lead to engine damage.

[jayhawk]

I think the reason they sell 86 is IIRC isnt Amarillo close to Mexico? Because I know the gas in Mexico, especially Pemex, is pretty low octane.

[GALE]

Originally posted by jayhawk
I think the reason they sell 86 is IIRC isnt Amarillo close to Mexico? Because I know the gas in Mexico, especially Pemex, is pretty low octane.

Amarillo is close to New Mexico and Oaklahoma. Mexico is about 8 to 10 hours away.

[Eldaron]

Minimum I've even seen in Minnesota is 87, and the station where I work sells 90 for the same price.

[Sweet98GA]

87 should be ure minimum anyway, but 91 is NOT needed...

the higher octane ratings (as stated in ure owners manual) depend on ure car.. like turbo'd cars for example require 93. So i say use the 88 and u will be good to go

[XtremeGrandAm]

I would not put under 87 in my car