High test or regular??

stevek

I heard somewhere that even if your vehicle calls
for regular gas, a high octane is better. It will
not effect mileage or performance but since the
higher octane gas is slower burning (and produces
less of an explosion) it is better for your engine
and helps prevent carbon buildup.

markbuck

run the lowest stuff that doens't ping. Simple as that.....

I run 87 in my '99 silverado under normal conditions. I can get severe ping at WOT in the 3,000 to 4,000 rpm range when towing my 5,000 lb trailer so I run 91+ when towing.

I don't think there is any real difference in carbon formation or ease on engine

modvptnl

Stevek, using your own logic wouldn't a "slower" burning fuel build up deposits if it wasn't ignited completely? Use the lowest octane your vehicle will run without pinging.

Rocles

87 is perfect for lower compression vehicles like your truck. My motorcycles are a different story...92+ for them. Anything that high is wasted on a truck engine.

markbuck

I have 3. One of 'em is a 4stroke twin with 10 valves. Runs fine on 87. Depends on the bike.. Run 92 in the other two as that's what the manufacturer recommends.

Rocles, what do you own?

Rocles

I have four bikes now. (Roofing pays!) I have a 93 FXR Harley, 96 Honda Magna, 99BMW R1200c and recently paid an arm for a 46 Indian Chief. (Oh is she gorgeous!!)
My Magna is my hot-shot and she requires 92+ whereas the others only state unleaded as recomended. I figure this though: Gas is cheap for any motorcycle trip so I splurge. The lower octane fuel does foul bike plugs more regulary--noticed it on my Super Glide.

4 stroke with ten valves? What make? Ducati?

mgdvhman

But don't have enough knowledge of bikes to know what's what.....I imagine if I got into it..I'd be able to spot each year and model....as I can with Muscle cars...

What's a good starter Harley?....and I don't mean a disco Harley...

- Tim

Rocles

Starter Harley? Hmmm...you really don't know the models, eh? 883 Sportster is the smallest but it would make a bad first bike. A smaller Japanese bike would be more suitable but since you're more of an American fan: there is the new Buell Blast. American made with a 883 lopped in half but good for beginners.

modvptnl

don't let Tim know about all the Japanese sourced hardware on the Harleys.

mgdvhman

got a nice one last year...I'll have to find out what his is?

I think a sportster?..they come already semi-customized?

- Tim

mgdvhman

I'm a big boy roc....bring on the power!!

LOL

- Tim

Rocles

LOL!! ALRIGHT TIM--just hold off on that Road King!


mod,
Oh yeah! LOL! I still remember the Harley plant tour I took in York about 12 years ago. "Hey! What's up with the writing on that box?" As you know, @30% is made ovrseas. The entire front end and all wheels, electrical harness and carbs. The most American made is actually the Victory from Polaris followed by the Valkarie/Gold Wing from Honda.

Rocles

Tell you one thing though--That 46 Indian Chief I just paid too much for is ALL AMERICAN! Carbs were actually made in Philly!

modvptnl

I have to say you're one of the few Harley owners who sees it like it is. Even though I personally don't care for them(I'm still in to crotch rockets and off road bikes) Harley's can be incredible expressions of one's taste, or lack thereof.LOL!!! Much the same way I don't like low riders but dang if people don't pour their heart soul AND MONEY in those things.
As long as Harley owners don't brag about how they smoked some ZX, GSX, FZR, or other 600cc or above sportbike I'm OK with 'em. Your Chief sounds cool, tell us how it rides.

mgdvhman

I know he paid about $19K out the door for it last year...so an 883 is not it..

maybe a Springer?

- Tim

markbuck

What kinda off road bikes? Race?

modvptnl

Old race bikes included mid '80's CR-250's when Indian Dunes was still open in So. Calif. I then had 2 KX 500's for "trail" riding. I had a '93 Husaberg 600 and sold it for a '96 Husaberg 600 with electric start. I know, I'm getting lazy but starting a 600 four stroke with a left side kickstarter sucked everywhere except near the truck.
I'm seriously thinking about a ZX-12 or the Honda Blackbird for occasional adrenaline rushes on the street.

What's your flavor?

Rocles

Mod,

Oh man...the Blackbird? You'll be dead in a week! (just kidding!) I got rid of my old 94 V-max two years ago for that very reason. My only hot-rod left is the Magna. The Indian is a dog(what else?) but rather frightening with teh sucide shifter. I still only ride it up and down my property since I'll only take it out when I feel entirely comfortable with it. It's like I'm a beginner all over again!
I could go off about Harley. Especially with the anemic power that one NEEDS to pour money into before lying about beating some 600cc bike!

Tim,
Off showroom but was it at SR price or was the inflated one that many dealers have been sticking to the bikes? A springer is a possibility. Simply look at the front end and if it has the old-style springs above the forks than that is what she is!

mgdvhman

...been a while since I seen it....

rcoos

I have a 2000 Silverado 4WD with the 5.3 & only put in the 87 octane. That's what it recommends in the service manual, so it goes in the tank!

Like someone hear has written, if you are going to do some heavyduty towing or going into alpine areas, the I would put in 89 or 91 octane.

Out hear in Nevada, some of the Chevron stations have 94 octane.

Rocles

Sunoco has 94 here in the Middle Atlantic.

towcrazy2

If you're REALLY that worried about running 87, pop for a quart of octane booster and throw in a few shots at each fillup... Given the price of premium these days, it's a WHOLE lot cheaper!!

cdean

i heard from a GM service manager that engines were specifically designed for 87. and it says it in the manual. so thats what we do here. never had any pinging probs, but then again, we don't live at elevation and the air is heavy and humid.

If the pinging gets bad, i guess then bump it up. Just like motor oils, i'd just go by the service manual.

We had this arguement a LONG time ago, and someone posted about burn time...yada yada with 91 octane vs 87. Octane is a retardant, so you would think it would burn slower..i did. whoever said it posted a highly technical post that said the higher octane simply delays ignition point, but doesn't have anything to do with burn time.

anyone else remember that???

mgdvhman

that my highway power and acceleration are not the same with 87 VS 93 in my 6.0.

Been trying 87 for a few tanks to see what happens....and I notice power loss.

- Tim

markbuck

or actual tests? Tim most folks can only feel >10% difference in power so what are you basing your conclusions on?

Unless you're pinging on 87, I'd bet you can't measure any delta in 0-60 or top speed...

mgdvhman

tells me quite a bit. Maybe you can't tell, but i can.
Normal driving seems OK....but when passing/getting on the highway/or just plaind old hard acceleration..I can notice a Bog like feeling. I used to be able to be going 70 and barely step on it and be at 80. It still gets there good...just needs more push of the pedal.

87 was $1.72 last Tuesday...it's $2.27 today.

If that was what the price should be...I wouldn't care..but we are getting screwed by companys that will keep pushing whatever the market will bear!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

- Tim

meredith

After 30 or more days of inactivity....

this topic is being "frozen." It will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.

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