View Poll Results: What kind of gas are you using these days?
Premium
92
51.69%
Regular
86
48.31%
Voters: 178. You may not vote on this poll
What kind of gas? Premium or regular? (merged GX gas threads)
03-22-11, 07:33 PM
#196
Driver
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NV
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I use 89 so midgrade I guess. The engine runs like a top. Honestly, I didn't know it was supposed to take premium. I'll switch but if I don't see a difference than I'll change back.
Oddly enough I switched from a 06 4Runner V8 which shares the same engine and tranny. No call for premium.
Just curious, as long as the engine isn't pinging, what advantage does premium have anyway? It simply combusts at a higher temperature no?
Oddly enough I switched from a 06 4Runner V8 which shares the same engine and tranny. No call for premium.
Just curious, as long as the engine isn't pinging, what advantage does premium have anyway? It simply combusts at a higher temperature no?
03-22-11, 08:09 PM
#197
Instructor
87 regular octane with premium once a month for a good cleanout. Never an issue and can't tell the difference when I use the 93 octane.
03-23-11, 03:20 AM
#199
Lexus Test Driver
On the average, Regular gas is about 20 cents cheaper than Premium. A fill up of 20 gallons amounts to a $4 difference. Doesn't break the bank. Interesting that Toyota SUVs with the same engine only require Regular gas?
03-23-11, 06:05 AM
#200
2004 uses regular, shell and exxon (both top tier) puts the same detergent in all grades so the idea of running 93 to "clean" the engine makes no sense. Dump a bottle of redline or chevron techron down the tank every 3-5000 miles if you want to keep it clean. Or a can of Bg44k before oil changes. From my understanding, if the manufacturer recomennds 93 aside from "performance" you should get better gas milage, so using the lower octane could be a wash from cost vs milage. Maybe someone else can chime in on that and refute or validate that.
03-23-11, 03:48 PM
#201
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2004 uses regular, shell and exxon (both top tier) puts the same detergent in all grades so the idea of running 93 to "clean" the engine makes no sense. Dump a bottle of redline or chevron techron down the tank every 3-5000 miles if you want to keep it clean. Or a can of Bg44k before oil changes. From my understanding, if the manufacturer recomennds 93 aside from "performance" you should get better gas milage, so using the lower octane could be a wash from cost vs milage. Maybe someone else can chime in on that and refute or validate that.
The compression is no higher than any other vehicle this engine comes in, the operating temp is no different...so still beggs the question, why Premium?
My only conclusion is Lexus wants it's drivers to get the "optimum" performance out of their car so they reccomend 93. Actually, my wife's IS has the "Premium Fuel Required" sticker on the fuel door. the GX does not.
Are we sure the manual doesn't say "reccomended"? I go look see...
03-23-11, 08:08 PM
#202
The octane rating doesn't have any impact on keeping an engine clean, does it?
I understand that the engine electronically compensates for different octanes. It adjusts and there's no issue doing it excepting "lost" hp.
Still, I run premium because I want that last 3 hp.
I understand that the engine electronically compensates for different octanes. It adjusts and there's no issue doing it excepting "lost" hp.
Still, I run premium because I want that last 3 hp.
03-23-11, 09:44 PM
#203
Wow! I didn't realize that so many people put regular gas in to their GXs. You wont see me doing that. I don't think the benifit of cheaper gas will compensate for less MPG. But who knows.
03-24-11, 03:40 AM
#204
2003 and 2004 use regular only, no mention of higher octane anywhere , manual or filler lid, there was an engine change in 2005 where 93 was "recommended" but not required. Can anyone with a 2005 or later confirm that?
03-24-11, 04:37 AM
#205
I saw on TV last night. They said the premium just gets you the extra HP. In fact the regular gets you better MPG. I just switched my 04 GX to regular. Let me see.
03-24-11, 11:00 AM
#206
bottom line. i believe what the engineers who designed the vehicle recommend. period.
whether it is a BMW, Ford, Lexus or Toyota I go with the recommended fuel grade. Professionals spend countless hours on research, development and testing - and I am not about to believe internet postings or sage wisdom over the PoV of those who developed the engine and made the recommendation.
whether it is a BMW, Ford, Lexus or Toyota I go with the recommended fuel grade. Professionals spend countless hours on research, development and testing - and I am not about to believe internet postings or sage wisdom over the PoV of those who developed the engine and made the recommendation.
03-24-11, 11:36 AM
#207
Premium gets you nothing in an engine that was designed to run on regular, if the compression is not high enough, the combutsion chamber does not reach the temps necessary to burn the higher octane gas you put in, something like that. It all comes down to the compression ratio of the engine. There was a change at 2005, HP was even increased if i remember correctly.
03-24-11, 11:37 AM
#208
I've never put anything but regular in my '03. About 77K on the odometer now, and no ill affects that I know of.
Now on my Acura TL, which calls for premium, I use premium. The compression in that engine is much higher however.
Now on my Acura TL, which calls for premium, I use premium. The compression in that engine is much higher however.