What type of gas?

[CJ3Flyr]

Guys, I am sorry! I have too much power. I replied to this thread, my computer was slow and duplicate replied. I went to remove my duplicate and wiped the whole thread out:bash:

Here's what I was trying to write...

Originally Posted by riverwolf Even though this topic has been beaten to death, it's amazing how much misinformation continues to be spewed every time it comes up.

Even Porsche admits a 911 Turbo will run fine on 87 octane, where fine is defined as no pinging or damage to the engine. However, was it designed for 87 and will it be performing at its best?

From the 2003 4Runner manual:
"Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended."

I translate that to read that both the V-6 and V-8 were tuned for 91 octane, but just like the 911 Turbo, they won't hurt themselves on lower grades thanks to the wonders of modern electronics. In my part of the world, you're talking at most a $4.00 difference on a 20 gallon fill...if it really makes that much impact to your budget, you're probably driving the wrong vehicle.

Regarding detergents. While it's true that some brands don't put the same amount of detergents in all grades, there is a minimum specified by one of the gov't alphabet agencies. Unless you go with a TopTier brand...then *all* grades must meet the Top Tier standards, which far exceed the gov't requirements...Toyota is one of the founding members behind Top Tier formulations, FWIW.

My. 02, which doesn't go very far in this economy.
-Brent

Brent nailed it IMHO. Compared with other vehicles our computers seem to learn very slowly. To realize any performance benefit will take 4-5tanks. Any "almost instant" improvement (or decrease in performance) is probably more related to the ethanol percentile between the grades rather than the octane. Remember, the pumps all say "up to 10%" not the fuel contains a full 10%. More on the slow learning 4.0L here: Welcome to Land Cruiser Owners On Line

 

[kylebacc]

I would also agree with what Brent said. I never really noticed how small of a difference it makes in the end for the amount of fuel we buy per tank. I'll probably just run premium all them time now, even in my N/A vehicles. And FWIW, I can bury the needle in my V6 on premium. Not so on the 87.

 

[Maz]

I would also agree with what Brent said. I never really noticed how small of a difference it makes in the end for the amount of fuel we buy per tank. I'll probably just run premium all them time now, even in my N/A vehicles. And FWIW, I can bury the needle in my V6 on premium. Not so on the 87.

There is one gas privately owned gas station in a nearby town that sells 100 octane gas. It was recommended to me by a guy who restores and / or sets up Porsches for Concours shows, that I put in a 1/4 tank when nearing the empty mark (thank God only a 1/4 since it's $8.95 / gallon). Then run it real hard until a fill up is necessary again, at which time you go back to regular (or premium I suppose).

Any thoughts ??

 

[Nuke]

Great info and also, as I already thought.

I'll run 87 octane in my 4.0 (as I did with my 3.slow 2nd gen and 3.6 3rd gen) but will tank up with 89 when I know in advance that I'm going to tow. Although the 4.0L hasn't experienced pinging when towing with 87 octane, the 2nd and 3rd gens did so I'll fill up once or twice with 89 prior to towing simply out of habit.

My Stang, on the other hand, has been specifically tuned for higher octane... :banana:

 

[VNT]

I run premium, always have

 

[chaz]

i use 89 in my v8.

 

[riverider]

Sadly what most of you are buying is gas with part alcohol, and this gas is JUNK.:bash: If you can find a Shell station that is selling real 100% gas,even the 87 stuff is better then high test 91 that contains ALCOHOL.:violin:

 

[eskimochaos]

Sadly what most of you are buying is gas with part alcohol, and this gas is JUNK.:bash: If you can find a Shell station that is selling real 100% gas,even the 87 stuff is better then high test 91 that contains ALCOHOL.:violin:

Shell around me has ethanol. Its a locale thing.
:bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat:

 

[ts1980]

I run 87, always have. The only place in Florida I have been able to find non-ethanol fuel is in the Florida Keys. Probably because its not good for boat engines.

 

[Pete]

Shell 93

I bought my '04 runner back in Jan this year, had around 69K miles, not sure what the previous owner used.
I always put Shell 93 octane in it. Its a V8, I get around 14mpg city, 17.5mpg highway.

 

[blaniac22]

Guys, I am sorry! I have too much power. I replied to this thread, my computer was slow and duplicate replied. I went to remove my duplicate and wiped the whole thread out:bash:

Here's what I was trying to write...





Brent nailed it IMHO. Compared with other vehicles our computers seem to learn very slowly. To realize any performance benefit will take 4-5tanks. Any "almost instant" improvement (or decrease in performance) is probably more related to the ethanol percentile between the grades rather than the octane. Remember, the pumps all say "up to 10%" not the fuel contains a full 10%. More on the slow learning 4.0L here: Welcome to Land Cruiser Owners On Line

Brent's post made me go back and check the manual for the 2007. It reads simply

OCTANE RATING
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research
Octane Number 91) or higher.

So it appears there was a difference between 2003 and 2007. Just sayin.

You're right about the few dollars extra it is - and it really depends on how much it's driven. If someone is putting a tank or two in a week that extra $4 or more adds up quick.

It usually takes me about two weeks to go through a tank - so it wouldn't be too bad.

 

[riverider]

Shell around me has ethanol. Its a locale thing.
:bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::bat:

There is only one Shell station in my City that sell real gas. I drive four miles to his station so as to get the real gas. I feel for anyone having to use gas that contains ethanol, as it's a really bad thing. Don't think so? just ask the people who rebuild engines.:AK47:

 

[aeathb]

I run 87, always have. The only place in Florida I have been able to find non-ethanol fuel is in the Florida Keys. Probably because its not good for boat engines.

I think I got this URL from someones post on a different thread. Anyways, here it is. Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada
POI's for GPS's, and the address if you don't have a gps for non-ethanol gas in the US and Canada. (Florida Included ts1980) Thanks to this site, I pay a dime more a gallon for non-ethanol compared to standard gas. Worth it for the long term investment

 

[ts1980]

thanks, I'll check it out

 

[4Rfor4]

Anyone have a link to info on why "ethanol" is bad? I never knew :toilet3:
I'm gonna keep my eye out the next time i gas at the usual place (costco).

 

[TRDCal]

Anyone have a link to info on why "ethanol" is bad? I never knew :toilet3:

It's opinion based...I wouldn't believe everything you read on the internet

 

[ebg18t]

It is a lot bigger deal in the marine world but also applies to engines prior to 1998.

My Mercury Verado engine on the boat has never seen ethonal and never will. My Toyota only saw ethonal fuel in the winter till 2years ago. Now it sees ethonal most every fill up. Around me ethonal free fuel comes at a premium since most of us with boats will pay whatever to protect those motors.

 

[Burt]

I use 85 octane most of the time and use 87 if trailering and/or going up into mountains. No noticeable difference with respect to performance or MPG.
All fuel in CO has ethanol, required by law.

 

[andy2008]

Always use 93 makes mine run stronger and quieter.

 

[got556]

Im in crook county, IL and I think the closest non-ethanol station is close to 100 miles away .

We should not be burning our food. My parents are soybean and corn farmers and even they disagree with the whole ethanol use.