This is what I was thinking. Wouldn't knocking have to occur in order for the sensor to detect and retard?

 

Yes it does.

Eventually, the ECU should learn and "pre-retard" the ignition timing to prevent the knocking from happening. Killing performance all the time.

But octane rating should not be the only criteria in chosing a fuel. Premium fuels have other additives that help keep the engine cleaner, atomisation properties will be better (in the case of Shell's V-Power at least) leading to better and smoother combustions. Throttle response will also change from one fuel brand to an other.

To each is own. I run Premium V-Power exclusively.

 

 

Today I paid $49.70 To fill up my car. This is every 6 Days. So 30(month) / 6(last) = 5(Times)

Now do 5 * $50 = $250 = Just FOR GAS!!

MY CAR'S PAYMENT IS ONLY 140 dollars more montly!!

Do you guys think we can use regular instead of premium. At least save up some like that. ((

 

whats the price difference from regular to premium? Here in WA its only 25 cents difference.

So premium here is 3.25 a gal. You figure a FULL tank for our Z is about 17 gallons....

3.25x17 = $55.25

For regular its..
3.00X17 = $51.00


If your concerned over $4 dollars per fill up or $20 per month difference from reg to premium, sounds like you shouldn't be driving a 30K car. Now we all know that $20 doesn't concern you so continue putting in premium Everyone thinks they will save SO MUCH by switching to regular but they really don't.

Jason

 

Good explanation. Never thought of it like that. Prim it will be then!!

You are right, it just sounds like oh wow by regular ill be saving a lot but when u do the math it's not that much of a difference.

 

Just try to ease off the gas. It could more than make up the difference

 

regular gas is like 7% cheaper... i bet your gas mileage will go down by at least 7% if you switch to it.

and even if it doesn't lower your gas mileage... are you on such a tight budget $20 a month is going to make a difference? hate to sound like an **** but if you are... you bought the wrong car.

 

Take the bus...

 

oh man, lighten up....he just needed a good explanation in regards to fuel and grades

 

A friend of mine who is an expert on this subject said to use what is recommended only. The reason is your car's computer is programmed to run its best on what they recommend. For an automobile that recommends regular it is a waste of money to get premimum. Since permimum burns at a lower temperature than regular you will get carbon deposits sooner. Conversely, with spark knock you might burn a piston in a worst case situation. So it is in your best interest to run premimum.

 

Seriously, gas is still supah cheap in the US. It's close to 2$ a liter in Italy. There is 3.76 liter in one gallon...

 

don't be cheap

 

If you cant afford the gas, you should be driving a "smart car" or using public transport!

 

just read a good technique for more efficient driving in Road and Track: You basically want to accelerate hard from a stop but short shift each gear. This effectively shortens the duration of time spent getting to cruising speed which is where the real savings are.

Also do what you can to anticipate traffic and lights to stay at cruising speed for as long as possible.

 

I couldn't have said it any better.

 

a year ago when you bought the car you werent expecting Gas to cost you almost 10.00++ more a week. So then a 30K car fits into the budget. 10-15 a week extra in gas makes a difference in buying a 30K car and a 25K car. I know for me its almost 60 a month extra just for Gas. THAT SUCKS. The Damn car drinks gas like water anyway.

HOW MANY MILES DO YOU ALL GET ON YOUR FILL UP WITH REGULAR OR PREMIUM?? ANYONE COMPARED?? I GET ABOUT 290 ON PREMIUM. HAVENT TRIED REGULAR TO MUCH "YET"

 

+1000 on that. People think they are getting better milage by accelerating granny style, but if you accelerate briskly and get up to speed the quickest, it's the best. This is my favorite excuse whenever my girl complains I'm driving too agressively: "I'm just savin' gas, baby!"

On another note, all you guys saying crap like "if you can't afford the gas, you shouldn't be driving this car" need to give it a rest. Premium gas was less than $2 a gallon when I bought my Z; at over a buck higher now, that adds up big time. I'll agree the difference in price between regular and premium is negligable, but the big increase in gas cost in general sure puts a hurt on the wallet.

 

no but for real though you have a good topic on gas prices.. so expensive now a days.. here in chicago its almost $4.00 to the gallon.. sucks.

 

buy a daily driver