Jayson

Ok, I just pulled the following quote from New Car Test Drive's review of the 2004 LX470. Please note the last sentence.

"The Lexus 32-valve 4.7-liter V8 is smooth, quiet, and powerful. It produces good low-rpm torque. Fully 80 percent of the peak output (256 pounds-feet) is available at just 1,100 rpm. That provides responsive low-speed performance and power for towing or scaling steep terrain. This 4.7-liter V8 features four camshafts (dohc) and four valves per cylinder (32v). While it produces only 235 horsepower, it generates a solid 320 pounds-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. Torque, that force that propels you up steep hills and launches you away from intersections, is more important for heavy vehicles than horsepower. Lexus says the LX 470 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds and can cover the standing quarter-mile in 17.5 seconds. That's not quick by anyone's standards, but it's plenty for safe highway merging if you put down the throttle. This engine meets California's Low Emissions Vehicle standard. It runs fine on 87 octane (Regular) gas, but Lexus recommends 91 octane."

Do any of you run your LX470's on regular gas? I would almost put money on it that Lexus does not recommend 91 octane, but rather requires it like my dashboard on my SC400 states...

Good night!

mrpitbull

i run 87 octane in my 470 on occasion and i've never had a problem thus far. what i do is rotate tanks when i fill up regular to premium.

twism99

I run mine on premuim...91 octane or better. it's only a couple of bucks more per tank, so why wouldn't you do what the manufacturer recommends? Also, if you can afford to own one of these, you can afford the extra couple of bucks.

Jayson

I'd be inclined to agree with you TWISM99. Gas is cheap, engines are expensive. It is nice to know, however, that if premium fuel was unavailable that regular or plus fuel would be sufficient.

Take care,

w4rjd

I alway use 87. The Lexus Service Advisor told me that his Toyota witht he saem engine use 87 and it should be good for the GX. He was correct for the pas 10K miles.

redgs4

The engine will run fine but will adjust to the lower octane and generate less power. How much power is lost and do you care are both valid questions.

pbm317

While it is true that SOME engines have different calibrations for the octane used, this is NOT TRUE of the LX470 engine. The 4Runner now has the same engine and transmission as the LX470, and Toyota says 87 octane. I've tried both, there is no difference in using premium vs regular. Mileage/power are the same.

Jayson

Ok, but will it begin to knock and eventually detonate if one were to use the lower octane? When LX owners open up there gas tank lid, does it say premium fuel required or recommended?

Thanks,

GS450h FTL

I have over 87,000 and have used 87 all of the way - could I get more hp with 91? It dosent matter because my vehicle performs great, 14 mpg city 18 highway - no knocks and jumps up on the highway just fine.

Jayson

That's funny....I can hear the gasps of the local environmentalists here in Austin!

tigmd99

Lexus says that 87 is OK, but recommends 91. Remember that the Sequoia/Tundra uses a NEARLY (if not identical) identical engine and runs regular. In addition, the LX engine is not a sports car engine...it is foremost a truck engine. Compression ratio is mild. Therefore, it should run just as good on regular fuel.

Furthermore, even if you have a 5% loss in power, will YOU notice it...i mean, the LX is no sports car.

But, yes, even after all this, my brother with his LX still uses 93 octane. Peace of mind, he tells me.

Jayson

Brilliant, this is the answer I was tryng to confirm. Compression ratio was the key to need high octane fuel.

Thank you again.

twism99

The fuel door on my 98 LX470 says "Premium Unleaded Fuel ONLY". Take it for what it's worth! The manual also says that if premium is not available, it will be ok with a tank or lower octane but to switch back asap.

Jayson

Ok, so now what do you choose? I'm going to have to speak with a tech or something about this, it is all very confusing. I know some people may say that if you can afford an LX you should be able to afford premium fuel, BUT if it is not needed, then this is wasted money.