What octane are you using??

I know octane ratings may be an issue for turbos, but what about the rest of us? I run normal, cheap 87 octane in my 3.2, and have for years. Never had any detonation. The dealer says that I HAVE to run at least 92 in my girlfriend's ML320. I've heard conflicting opinions over the years on this subject. I've always thought that if it didn't detonate, then it was OK.

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-Richard
'84 Carrera Cabriolet
'74 911 Widebody 3.6 Project

1973 Porsche 2.4l mfi 87 octane
1987 GMC Jimmy 5.7l 87 octane
2000 Chevy Z-28 5.7l 93 octane

i just use octane level based on engine compression ratios.

Craig

103 HERE every time i can but at 5.50 U.S. a gallon not at often as i wish.

Regards Juan

http://www.geocities.com/titos88911/MY911.html

87 octane in my 78SC, but it has the lower 8.5 to 1 compresssion pistons.

P.S. Hows your turbo project v. 2 carat ring decision going?
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Paul
78SC Targa

I am running 92 octane in my '85 3.2 with chip. When I run 89 octane I get slight pinging under hard acceleration in 2nd gear.

IN my 73 blazer with a mildly built 350 (383) 9.2:1 Compression ration, I have to run 92 octane as well, or I get pinging.

Nick

I use 92 octane exclusively in my 3.2 with chip. I understand with a performance chip, you are required to use at least 92. Without, you can get away with 89 but if you truly loved your car, you would spend the extra 25¢ for Super.

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Zach
77 911S 3.2

Ouch Zach!!!! I do truly love my car, and would be willing to spend the extra .25 per gallon, but need a good reason to!

Paul - I'm forging ahead with the project, without regard for the ring. I guess I'll try to swing both. I've hastily posted a few picks of my progress at: http://www.animotion.com/porsche_project/


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-Richard
'84 Carrera Cabriolet
'74 911 Widebody 3.6 Project

1973 2.4 "T", always running on 93 Octane.
Gas is cheap in Georgia ($1.40 avg for 93).
Many mechanics insist on higher octane. If you consider the investment of your car why use anything else!

BR

I have an 84 911 and run premium .

I also Have a 2000 ML320 and run Mid-Grade
fuel, and about every 3 or 4 fillups I use
premium in the ML. Do not forget the ML is
a Twin plug motor that is designed around
being Emission friendly. In my 98 E320 I also ran nothing below Mid-Grade.

Joe A

92 oct here.

Matt
77 911S Targa

93 Octane here. I have found that consistency is more of the key than anything. I always try to run gas from the same company and from the same station. Car seems to like it..if car is happy, I am happy.

Chris

98 octane in my 10.3 compression euro 3.2.

It's what the manual recommends.

Early MFI "t"s have the compression ratio of a lawn mower, so here in the N.E. I dont mind saving a buck or two. One day I'll have that new set of JE pistons...

Originally posted by BRose:

1973 2.4 "T", always running on 93 Octane.
Gas is cheap in Georgia ($1.40 avg for 93).
Many mechanics insist on higher octane. If you consider the investment of your car why use anything else!

BR

Where in California is gas readily available with over an octane of 93?

Nowhere!! The best I could find when I lived in Vegas was 92.. Cali was the same... The only place I've found 93 is on the east coast..
Pete
77'Carrera3.0

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www.geocities.com/pcafaro2000/carrera30.html

My 83 3.0 euro motor with 9.8:1 compression likes 87 octane...as long as it does not ping it is OK with me....

Used to always put in 92, but once prices hit $2.10/gallon I went down to 89. Not too much difference, as far as I can see.

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Jeff
1976 911S

87 octane works fine on my 86 Carrera. I have never had any problems with pinging even driving aggressively which is difficult to avoid.

I see no benefit in buring higher octane especially now that gas prices are so high.

Joe Garcia

only put 98 octane in 83 sc euro, not worth the risk of low octane fuel for a weekend car only
Bruce 83 sc

89 Octane in the 911SC
47 Cetane in the Benz...



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Hal
'83 911SC