gas: 93 vs 87

[maxentropy]

So we've discussed this many times here and I'm in no way starting this again, but I do want to mention the following personal experience that I just had recently:

I filled my 3.5SE Coupe with 93 Premium the first few fills but after a few tank fills I stepped down to 87. I really didn't notice any performance/response degradation.

However, after time, it seems my performance slowly decreased while my throttle response timing took longer to kick in.

Here I am 5k+ miles later or so and just filled my tank with 93 again. After filling the tank with 93, I immediately noticed my throttle response is SIGNIFICANTLY shorter (better) and the performance is much better.

Those running with 87, just note if you stay with it, go for it-- the car still runs well and whatnot but I must say if you have a 3.5 definitely try 93 or another high premium gas sometime and you will definitely feel the performance increase.

Your call if you want to save a few $$ or if you want the better performance. There is a gas station near me that gives $.20 off each gallon if you get a $6 car wash there too after your fill... so premium gas comes to the price of a regular here and I get a nice car wash for $6 more when I'm done.

[08Coupe]

You almost have to have tunning software to see what the car is really tuned for...My guess is 90-91 octane..Mostly because of Cali. Anything more will just burn off, less will cause the engine to pull timeing to protect itself (some power loss) That is why performance tunes give you more power (tune for higher octane,more aggressive timeing ect.) too bad nissan locks there pcm's like a Amish Virgin

[dldjros69]

too bad nissan locks there pcm's like a Amish Virgin

Explain this please

thank you

[maxentropy]

too bad nissan locks there pcm's like a Amish Virgin

I live a short drive from Amish country and let me tell ya, those Amish gals sure ain't virgins...

(Not that I know from "personal" experience)

[08Coupe]

Um good girls, like hard to get in

[LP - AC23]

On average it takes about 5 tankfuls, going from either way to notice a difference. IMO if you got the 3.5 why skimp and put the cheap stuff. Why not just get the 2.5 in the first place...

[AltiCoupeDriver]

Well... NOT getting higher octane fuel doesn't yield as big of a difference as there is between a I4 and V6.

[mhm1170]

Guys, read your owners manual page 9-3 ........... Nissan recommends 91 octane AKI for the 3.5 and 87 octane for the 2.5 also Nissan does not recommend the use of fuels with oxygenate content in other words ethanol, MTBE and methanol. Look for gas stations that meet the WWFC specifications. Read the manual it's all there..........

Mike

[600hppot]

Too bad all gas stations in illinois have around 10% ethanol. I'd have to drive out to Iowa to get me some booze-free gas.

[maxentropy]

On average it takes about 5 tankfuls, going from either way to notice a difference. IMO if you got the 3.5 why skimp and put the cheap stuff. Why not just get the 2.5 in the first place...

I honestly could tell the difference (the car was running for a few minutes before while inside the car wash) immediately following the fill up.

The response from when I push my foot down on the accelerator to the wheels moving is significantly faster.

[nismofool]

i always put 91(california) till 91 over here in CALI hit $4. i stepped it down a notch to 89. and it feels more sluggish?

[Goon]

Most stations here are 87 and 93. I can't find a 91.

But hey, if you can afford the 3.5, then it means you can afford the required gas for it. :p