Type of Gas for 4runner 87? or better?

[yellow1342]

I just got 1999 SR5, with 29k on it, user manual requires oct 87 or above.

since compression ratio is 9.6 : 1, it seems should require higher oct level. after first two tanks of regular (87) I heard a very minor tabing (only heard inside garage).

Shall I try 89? or 91? (a bit more expensive current in CA costing 2.12, 2.26, 2.36 /gal 87:89:91)

Any better ideas or recommendations from the long ranger?

 

[97RUNNERltd]

I run 89 in my 1997 4R


1997 4 Runner limited
V6 4x4 54K Miles

 

[2000t4r4wd]

I wouldn't use anythign other than 87 because you are just throwing money away. What brand of gas in cali are you using? I use Cali gas 87 from 76 and have never heard a knocking sound.

 

[lee]

yea, 87 is the recommended octane.

i use 89 because i feel it runs better... but i do fill with 87 here and there when the prices rise.

 

[Jason B]

run 87, what the manual says.

I was just in a gas discussion on another board and thought you guys might find this interesting. Some of this is quoted, but I agree with it.

Hard, empirical research has borne out time and again that a well-tuned late-model engine (OBDII) runs best on fuel within specifications made by the manufacturer. Running higher octane fuel is almost always a waste of money, no matter what the seat of your pants or your brother-in-law the mechanic says. Engines without knock sensors, older engines with carbon deposits, and engines with the effective compression ratio modified (i.e., supercharged) will need the premium stuff. Run the lowest octane the manufacturer recommends. If it doesn't knock under load, stay with it. I love it when a truck owner says that he "treats" his new vehicle to a tank of premium. The only treat in that situation is going to the oil company.

This link is below is pretty interesting. One of the things they did was put 87 octane in a new BMW M3 and compared the results. Read this link in depth.

There are three pages total:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2001/november/200111_featur e_gasoline.xml