Does it really matter what gas you use on a car? The previous owner of mine said he uses the lowest grade gasoline. When i had the car my dad told me to use the highest. Without anything, is it safe to do this transaction? Also, Does it matter whether the gas is unleaded or leaded? What common gasoline mistake can cause an engine to wear down?

 

These cars have high compression ratios so yes you are going to need to pay for premium. It isn't a scam and you will feel a difference going from low to high test. I just hope the engine is screwed if the previous owner only put this in.

As for leaded and unleaded: the car takes unleaded and only unleaded. If you use leaded gas it will destroy the O2 sensors. I'm not sure if it hurts any internals, all i've heard is that it kills O2 sensors.

 

i only used cheap gas in my sc300 once and that was because of gas being scarce cuz of the hurricane .the engine sound like it wanted to kick the piston out .after that it was 93 for me

 

If you cannot afford the gas, then you cannot afford the car.

 

The SC's computer will adjust timing and A/F ratio with lower octane levels to prevent knocking, so you can use it. But my experience (I tried it once) was a very small decrease in power and AWFUL fuel economy. End result..........cheaper to buy premium.

 

92SOARER you get the NooB of the year award. I've never seen so many different threads started by one person in such a short time.

 

my computer never adjusted .

 

Yes...

 

Oh PUH-LEAZE, not this debate again! Search around and you'll find this topic talked to death!

I've run my new ES350 through thousands of miles on 87 octane and 93 octane with no discernable difference in power, noise, or mpg. The best thing to do is simply try it yourself for several tanks, then buy whatever runs best. You can't go wrong with sticking to the manufacturer's suggestions.

Leaded gas is right out. It will screw with your sensors and with the catalytic converter.

The most common gasoline mistake is buying gas with water in it. Try to always buy from a reputable source.

 

agree- agree

 

I have some buddies who like to run the very highest octane racing gas (with lead) and I of course for good reason won't touch it, and they end up over time blowing their cat and O2 sensors.

Moreover, unless you plan to adjust your timing, there is no need to run the super high octane, like over 100 or anything leaded. You will notice at the most maybe .05 difference in the 1/4 mile, maybe .1 with a wind.

 

even when I tracked my Talon, it always got MS109 which was unleaded race gas (105 octane I believe)... leaded gas allows for more boost and timing, but does kill o2 sensors fairly quickly, and cats just as much... the extra octane is definitely nice to tune with, seems like you can do almost anything with it...