Does anyone know if the RX-8 needs premium gas?
10-29-2004, 07:43 AM
#1
Screw gas mileage
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Does anyone know if the RX-8 needs premium gas?
Just got my 8 last week and i was lookin through the manual, and it said it required 91 octane gas...every review/dealer says that it needs 93 though. Does anyone know if they're all bs-ing me, or is the manual wrong?
10-29-2004, 07:56 AM
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The manual isn't wrong...
...it's just that 91 octane may not be a common grade of fuel in your (or other owner's) area. As an example, where I live, the only stations that offer a 91 grade are Sunnoco, which they call "Premuim" (93 is their "Super"). Every other gas company only offers 87, 89 or 93.
Do a search on octane and you will definately find more on this topic. Many owners have taken to using 89-grade and have been driving well with it for a while. The definate consensus is that the most important aspect of the fuel you use is it's quality...stay with the big boys like Shell (I only use their V-Power), Mobil, Exxon, etc. "Generic" gasolines have not gotten very favorable responses from many owners.
Arvin
Do a search on octane and you will definately find more on this topic. Many owners have taken to using 89-grade and have been driving well with it for a while. The definate consensus is that the most important aspect of the fuel you use is it's quality...stay with the big boys like Shell (I only use their V-Power), Mobil, Exxon, etc. "Generic" gasolines have not gotten very favorable responses from many owners.
Arvin
10-29-2004, 08:02 AM
#3
Screw gas mileage
Thread Starter
Ok, thanks...around me they usually sell 87, 91 and 93. I tried searching for octane but didn't really find anything applicable...guess I looked in the wrong place
10-29-2004, 10:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Nubo
Where are you? My manual (usa) says 87 is ok, and that's what I use.
Yes but its RECEMMENDED to use "Premuim" Some Rx8 will develop a squeaking sound that is caused by the low octane......
THIS HAS BEEN COVRED WAY TO MUCH>>>>>
NUF SAID... :p
Also theres 94-95 down in indy.. :D
10-29-2004, 10:27 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by Gambit
Just got my 8 last week and i was lookin through the manual, and it said it required 91 octane gas...every review/dealer says that it needs 93 though. Does anyone know if they're all bs-ing me, or is the manual wrong?
Regards,
Gordon
10-29-2004, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Gord96BRG
91 IS premium! Regular is 87, mid-grade is 89, and 91 and up are premium octane grades.
10-29-2004, 01:15 PM
#12
depends on your car. Mine uses 87 just fine. Other people report pinging with low grade. Fill it up and see what happens. I found about 2-3 mpg increase in mileage when using low grade.
10-29-2004, 01:44 PM
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I was told by the service guy and the salesman that they "recommend" premium but that not to waste my money and to run mid grade...I also notice that I get better mileage with mid grade!
10-29-2004, 05:48 PM
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The older naturally aspirated rotaries were lower compression 9:1, 9:2 and 9:7 so they could run lower octanes just fine, however the RX-8 is 10:1 so you want to run 91 and above. Turbo rotaries need to have 91 or above as well. Engines octane requirements whether it be piston or rotary is mostly affected by the compression ratio and forced induction.
10-30-2004, 02:00 AM
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91 octane = slower/harder to burn vs. 87 octane hence the improved mileage with 87 oct vs. 91... unless it's that Shell V-Power.
The RX-8 does NOT need 91 oct. it's merely recommended.
The RX-8 does NOT need 91 oct. it's merely recommended.
10-30-2004, 02:18 AM
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I use Jack Daniels in my RX-8 because I can get whiskey cheaper per gallon in comparison to gasoline.
...but seriously...
When ambient temps are high, your car will perform better under high load when using premium. For example, while climbing the mountains between LA and Vegas during the summer months, the motor runs much smoother and accelerates fine uphill with premium. Using lower grade gasoline tends to cause your knock sensors to go wild and thus limit your revving.
...but seriously...
When ambient temps are high, your car will perform better under high load when using premium. For example, while climbing the mountains between LA and Vegas during the summer months, the motor runs much smoother and accelerates fine uphill with premium. Using lower grade gasoline tends to cause your knock sensors to go wild and thus limit your revving.
10-31-2004, 03:45 PM
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My answer to the question has to be a resouding YES. My 8 has about 5,500 miles on it and I switched between 87 and 93 octane. While using 87, my engine made some horrible noises and high-speed acceleration was compromised. There have also not been any long-term studies on the effects of lower octane fuel use on our rotaries. From my limited experience, then, I would strongly advise sticking to 91+ octane fuel.
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...772#post578772
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...772#post578772
10-31-2004, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Gambit
Just got my 8 last week and i was lookin through the manual, and it said it required 91 octane gas...every review/dealer says that it needs 93 though. Does anyone know if they're all bs-ing me, or is the manual wrong?
10-31-2004, 03:56 PM
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Everyone here seems to talk about how the "quality" of the gas; IE. Shell, Mobile, ect, has a bigger effect than the octane rating. Well along those lines, is BP a good quality place to get gas? I fill up with BP gas each and every fillup.
-Rupes
-Rupes
10-31-2004, 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by kantonm
I was told by the service guy and the salesman that they "recommend" premium but that not to waste my money and to run mid grade...I also notice that I get better mileage with mid grade!
11-01-2004, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Rupes
Everyone here seems to talk about how the "quality" of the gas; IE. Shell, Mobile, ect, has a bigger effect than the octane rating. Well along those lines, is BP a good quality place to get gas? I fill up with BP gas each and every fillup.
-Rupes
-Rupes
http://www.jsonline.com/wheels/peak/feb03/119491.asp
http://www.energy.ca.gov/gasoline/gasoline_q-and-a.html
What are the various costs associated with producing gasoline?
There are four main areas associated with the costs of gasoline:
Crude oil cost
Taxes
Refinery costs and profit margin
Dealer costs and profit margin
