Pump octane #'s and Octane Boost

Silvspec86 · Apr 18th, 2003, 10:43 PM

According to the Spec-V Owner's Manual, we are supposed to fill the Spec-V's up with 93 octane gas. until Iraq becomes the 51st state...

... i know that i can't afford 93 octane every pump and i know many of you can't either and feel the same. so are there any insights about Octane rates and the use in Spec-Vs? IVe heard that the "Phantom" 10hp in spec-V are due to more aggrresive timing and ECU settings and should use 93 octane. Also, how many of you use Octane Boost bottles from off the shelf at Local Auto parts stores? i use it quite often and i do feel that there is a bit more punch than regular gas. should i keep using that stuff? is it safe? what brand do you recommend? please...any insights ....explanations....opinions....beefs...praises... ect...

Silvspec86 · Apr 19th, 2003, 12:02 PM

oh....so every one fills up with 93? what are you all rich? anyone? care to fill me in?

7SPEED · Apr 19th, 2003, 12:35 PM

I fill up w/ 93 most of the time, but use 89 sometimes, it not a problem. Some people run w/ 87 and don't have a problem. Your knock sensor will retard timing anyway if there is a problem but u won't even notice.

If Altima can run on 87 we should be able too!!

sr20dem0n · Apr 19th, 2003, 01:20 PM

I run on 93, but then again I have an SE with 19* timing so I have to

SilverBullitt03 · Apr 19th, 2003, 06:22 PM

Well I use premium all the time in my Spec. I remember back when I was learning about the obdII it would do exactly as stated, advance timing untill it heard a knock, then back the timing off and start all over again. The generic time for the cycle was 15 secs. OBDIII perhaps could be faster to start advancing but one sure fire way is to get a computer scanner and watch what the timing does with different octane levels. Unfortunatly, my Matco scanner hasn't received the updated catridge for the Spec, to plug and play, and do some independant studying for myself. The real question "IS" how much hp is lost running tanks of 87 vrs 93? Perhaps a nissan mag would like to challenge this thought and put the mistery to an end. Another factor is this for me its 20 cents greater for premuim and well I put in 6-7 gals usually which is about 12 dollars. The point is for the differnce .20 makes at 6 gals is only a $1.20 difference. I dont know many octane boosters that sell for $1.20 but I am not a big fan of a lil more methane that the octane booster's like to use, in my gas system, 10% is enough of that crap in my tank!!

Just my two cents

CorNut · Apr 21st, 2003, 12:41 PM

well, I have filled with premium and octane booster every time I ever put gas in my car except the very first fill up from the dealership.... they paid for it so I just put in the premium and I was new to the car and didn't notice anything. Also, I am not rich, after all the taxes and what not I pull in around $1100 a month and I average 12 hours a day 6 days a week.... F-14's suck.... Every day they fly they break(can't be the prick pilots that think they're their personal toys.....) so we have to work more to fix em

BlackSpec02 · Apr 22nd, 2003, 01:43 AM

well shoot.... at least you guys GET 93 octane gas.... in California... all we get is 87, 89, AND 91!!!! 91 is as high as it goes!!! If i could get 93 octane at the pumps.... I WOULD BE SO HAPPY! be greatful for your good gas! later.

Silvspec86 · Apr 22nd, 2003, 09:16 PM

why dont you use octane boost?....if you car willing to spend 4 bucks extra every pump.

BlackSpec02 · Apr 23rd, 2003, 12:08 AM

well... because my car says to use premium... so i trust premium gasoline as opposed to a lower octane and a fuel additive... plus its less hassle to use premium than it is to buy an octane booster everytime i want to fill up.... i dunno.... i'll prolly use premium AND an octane booster when I race my car for the first time.... gotta get a helmet first....

sr20dem0n · Apr 23rd, 2003, 12:34 AM

No need for octane booster in your car, 91 octane should be plenty. No need for a helmet in a 15 second car either

BlackoutSpecV · Apr 23rd, 2003, 12:37 AM

word of advise, use the grade gas your manul says to use. All the prefomance numbers and ECU settings are tuned on that grade gas. ECU will adjust for lower grade gas, but that means a sacrafise in perfomance and engine longevity

BlackSpec02 · Apr 23rd, 2003, 12:40 AM

well... Im not buying a helmet because it will be more safe... but because in San Diego... you have to have a helmet to race at the track.... at least the one they do at qualcomm stadium.... I don't know about else where...

sr20dem0n · Apr 23rd, 2003, 01:01 AM

Are you sure you need a helmet? Most places only require a helmet if you run 13's or so, and a rollcage if you run 11's. We are talking about the dragstrip right? At race tracks you do have to have a helmet, so if that's what your planning then you're right.

BlackSpec02 · Apr 23rd, 2003, 02:52 AM

Well, I know it's an 1/8 mile drag... i dont know what else, they might have a slolom or something. I havent gone yet... but its only 15 bucks and they do it everyother friday night and you can run as many times as you want... if you want to go an watch its 5 bucks to get in.... Its supposed to be an alternative to the street racing scene in San Diego.... ive heard from lots of people who have been that you need a helmet though, no matter what... check out www.racelegal.com for all the accurate info...

Silvspec86 · Apr 23rd, 2003, 08:09 PM

is the performance differance between 87 and 93 octane really noticable? any other felt differences?