Fuel substitution (Help!)

[mattvarela]

There has been a gas shortage here in Dallas Texas due to maniacs thinking there really is one. So basically every gas station around my area is out of gas because of people panicking. I own a 1990 300zx NA automatic with 23000 miles and today on the road I was finally needing to give fuel to Zx. The only fuel they had at a shell I found was 89. I had no other option and filled little under half a tank. Do you think I'll be okay driving moderately? No hard accelerating... What effects can this have on the ZX?... I would really love some input. Thank you

[Zinprogress]

Im sure this is going to be one of those things where my reply strikes up a bunch of argument and blah blah blah. If your na z is on a stock tune, it lacks both the ignition timing and compression to take advantage of higher octane fuels altogether. Even still if it did, the z like many many other vehicles utilizes a knock sensor to retard the timing at the sound of spark knock. Its there in case you get bad fuel or find yourself in a situation where higher octane fuels arent available. Imagine how poor it would be for an auto manufacture to sell such a great car but god forbid you live in a place where 91 isnt accessible. Even porsche, ferrari and lamborghini have safeguards to run common folk fuel if the need arises.

[Destrto]

Just my 2 cents added. I've been running 87 octane since February with no ill effects as of yet.

[amc49]

X2 post #2.................the knock sensor will take care of it.

[fastVG30DETT]

Yup. Rest assured, your car will be fine on 89. I've seen a couple TTs "accidentally" boost on 87 and advanced timing without any timing pulled. You would definitely notice the difference if it was knocking bad.
Take care over there.