octane/HP rumors?

[PKRWUD]

Originally posted by jimberg


Maybe. There is still the issue of pollution. Manufacturers may tune the cars for 94 octane but recommend 87 since it burns faster and more completely. Isn't premium something like 91 octane in CA for that very reason?

My car runs best with nonoxygenated 92 octane.

Hmm. Interesting. Yeah, I believe you're right about 91 octane out here. You've got me wondering, though. I have never seen a car that was tuned by the manufacturers for a higher octane than it was recommended to run on, but maybe that's part of the whole "California Emissions" deal. I have never seen, and doubt I ever will see, a bone stock vehicle that is recommended by the manufacturer to use 87 octane, run better with a higher octane. Never. Now, if the owner advances the timing from the stock 10 degrees to 14 degrees, then yes, it absolutely could run better with a higher octane fuel, but again, it's the mechanical adjustment that a person has to physically make, against the advice of the manufacturer, that get's the credit for the increased performance.

Take care,
~Chris