88 octane
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: minneapolis
88 octane
i found this gas station by my house that sells gas consistently 5 to 10 cents cheaper. it doesnt sell 87 octane, just 88. does that matter in terms of firing, performance? i cant tell any difference.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: South Kitsap County, WA
88 octane
You shouldn't see any performance difference on a positive 1 octane point. It helps with compression/temp preignition, so the higher compression ratio (or higher the engine temp, or longer the stroke) the engine is, the higher the recommended octane.
The reason some places sell differently rated gas is because of altitude. In older pre-computer engines or those that aren't calibrated to higher altitudes 85, 88, and 91 are ok. These ratings are common in high altitude locations for smog reasons and the air is thin. Calibrated/ computer controlled engines are designed to run the manufacturers recommended octane rating, so 88 is ok in an 87 rated engine if calibrated, but 85 lacks the same qualities and provides for bad mileage (and puts out more pollution per gallon) in those situations.
-Kerry
The reason some places sell differently rated gas is because of altitude. In older pre-computer engines or those that aren't calibrated to higher altitudes 85, 88, and 91 are ok. These ratings are common in high altitude locations for smog reasons and the air is thin. Calibrated/ computer controlled engines are designed to run the manufacturers recommended octane rating, so 88 is ok in an 87 rated engine if calibrated, but 85 lacks the same qualities and provides for bad mileage (and puts out more pollution per gallon) in those situations.
-Kerry
Last edited by kspilkinton; Feb 22, 2003 at 03:12 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
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From: Enjoying the real world.
88 octane
85 will work fine in higher elevations for 87 octane engines. The higher the elevation, the lower the octane required. Many Fords don't benefit from higher octane because the knock sensor isn't always activated.
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