Question, has anyone actually used non-premium gas in their cars? My brother sent me this article and it makes me wonder (article) ...

If anyone has actually done it I'd like to know what happened. I know everyone says that the engine will knock...what exactly is happening when the engine knocks? Is it just noise or will it actually damage your vehicle. Of course if it's just noise I'm still not going to do it but just curious...thanks!

 

uh....engine knock is extremely bad for your engine. Detonation is happening and I would not even consider anything but 93 Octane for me. Try reading up on this http://www.misterfixit.com/deton.htm and also reading this http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm

 

This question has been asked, answered, re-asked, re-answered, and then asked again.

Readers digest condensed version of responses you'll receive:

One camp uses the cheapest fuel they can find and they suffer no problems.

Another camp used the cheap stuff, but thought their car performed sluggishly and had decreased MPG, so they switched back to premium.

A third camp produced all types of calculations to demonstrate that over the course of a year you are only spending a small amount more to use the proper fuel in your car, so why be a cheapskate?

Yet a fourth camp will tell you that if you can't afford to put the proper gas in your car, then you should have bought something else.

Independent posters will tell you about ping, early detonation, blowing holes in the tops of your pistons, etc.

Still more people will cut and paste from the owners manual and tell you to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Fringe posters will tell you stories of how the ECU will 'adapt' itself to the type of fuel you use and retard performance accordingly.

I'm sure there will be some other random stuff, but this is the general collection of responses you'll get from threads like these. If you don't believe me, use the search key and read for yourself.

 

The manual states that the sedan with automatic can use regular. The specs are the same between sedan and coupe. Given that, why can't the coupe with automatic also use regular?? Go figure. If anyone has any ideas, I'd like to hear them.

 

I would assume if it's an 03-04 that the coupes ECU has more aggresive timing to get teh extra HP and the TC in the auto to less aggresive settings. (just a theory on my part)

 

Common man, the difference is only $5-6 bucks anyways. Pay the extra $5 and be happy in your G.

 

ping/detonation/knock is when combustion occurs before the piston reaches top dead center position in the cylinder on the up stroke. it happens when the pressure ignites the air/fuel mixture instead of the spark at top dead center. in effect the pinging piston is working in the opposite direction of the others causing very high forces and possibly exceeding its tolerances where you can blow/bend/break something. ie it's bad when it happens and makes a loud/sickening knocking sound. to prevent detonation in higher compression engines you have to use a higher octane gas. higher octane fuel withstands higher pressure before it detonates with air.
The octane gas you use also depends on what elevation and temperature you live at.
As far as using regular in the coupe I'm going to do what the manual says and play it safe.

 

i think you'll just feel a retard timing and less punch in your acceleration when
going full throttle. It might throw a SES.

Just use premium gas.. if you can't afford it, just get a more economical car.

 

that if you can't afford to put the proper gas in your car, then you should have bought something else. :P

(just trying to make Geewillikers's statement true....)

 

ROFL! Perfect. Hate to say I told you so, but..

I kill me..

 

Don't worry about me boys. I can afford the gas I'm just curious that's all. I know it was something that was posted alot before but the search function just turned up way too much. I know someone (like GW) would've been so kind to give me the cliff notes version. I'll be sticking with Premium no doubt about that...

 

Wasn't trying to be a jerk (although I don't have to try hard).. It was early and I had some time on my hands.. LOL..

 

The question would be is the risk of saving 5 to 6 dollars worth it? If your car does ping and knock after putting cheaper gas in your car you could be damaging your engine.

If someone is worried about the price they are paying for gas or having money issues to try to save 5 to 6 dollars maybe a CIVIC would help out. Also might consider a old POS car as your daily driver. Drive the G on the weekends.

 

I have an 03 sedan 6mt. I have used 87 for quite some time in my G. In the summer months there is a slight ping on hard acceleration but thats it. When cooler out there is no ping. So, if its warm out ill use 91, and depending on the situation ill use 89 or 87 in the cool months. The car feels the same as far as power goes no matter what gas is in the tank. And Cel's or anything of that sort.

 

My dealer told me that coupe has same engine as sedan but sedan does not ask for premium. He said that it might be ok, only thing is the car won't peform as well. I'm not taking any chances.