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2008 Forester

23 messages,  Last post on Oct 11, 2007 at 4:35 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon

Messages Page 3 of 3

#20 of 23 Re: PREMIUM FUEL RECOMMENDED [hypnosis44] by paisan

Oct 10, 2007 (8:55 pm)

Replying to: hypnosis44 (Oct 10, 2007 8:42 pm)
You can run just about any modern car on 87 octane or lower, the ECU will compensate and pull timing, etc. However you will lose longevity, power, and milage if you run em on less than premium. Is it worth it? Nope.
 
-mike

#21 of 23 Re: PREMIUM FUEL RECOMMENDED [paisan] by hypnosis44

Oct 10, 2007 (9:49 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Oct 10, 2007 8:55 pm)
Thanks
 
I can see the likely loss of power, which I can live with, and mileage loss: If it is less than a 10% MPG loss the lower gas costs (regular is about 10% less than premium hereabouts) would likely offset that. Could you tell me what the longevity issues could be please.

#22 of 23 Re: PREMIUM FUEL RECOMMENDED [hypnosis44] by paisan

Oct 11, 2007 (2:20 pm)

Replying to: hypnosis44 (Oct 10, 2007 9:49 pm)
Well since the computer will be retarding the timing, it may not always be able to retard it enough, if you hit a tank of poor 87 octane. This will cause detonation (aka pinging) and this can damage your pistons, cylinders, heads, valves, etc.
 
-mike

#23 of 23 Re: PREMIUM FUEL RECOMMENDED [hypnosis44] by p0926

Oct 11, 2007 (4:35 pm)

Replying to: hypnosis44 (Oct 10, 2007 9:49 pm)
So theoretically, if the computer is doing it's job retarding the timing, no damage should be caused. But then you've removed any margin for error.
 
I too toyed with not using premium for a while but really how much would you save and is it worth risking damaging something? The extra 20 cents that premium costs is less than 10% of your fuel cost and becomes less and less as the price of gas goes up. And why have a turbo if you're not going to use its performance capability?
 
So bottom line, like Mike says, you gotta pay to play. If $3 or so extra a tank is too painful, you should probably be driving something that doesn't require premium
 
-Frank

Messages Page 3 of 3

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