Fuel Grades and Brands

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Jun 22, 2003 | 09:54 AM

meilers

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Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 2,023

From: Phoenix, AZ

Car Info: Subaru Impreza WRX 2002

Fuel Grades and Brands

Hello all,

Here in Phoenix they change gas formulas three times a year (MBTE, Ethanol and some other type) to combat a seasonal pollution problem, and the change definitely affects my 02 WRX. That got me thinking about how fuel affects performance and engine life...

So I have two questions -- what brand name (Texaco, whatever) of gas do you run, and why do you like it?

Also, is there any wisdom to my friend's advice that I burn a tank of "89" in my WRX every six tanks or so, rather than the usual "91" premium? He says this helps the engine burn off debris and keeps the cats clean.

Jun 22, 2003 | 03:15 PM

EtchyLives

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Posts: 2,518

From: Plymouth, MN

Car Info: 94 T-Leg Sedan and a 00 M5

If the increased threat of knock and engine destruction is worth clean cats and some debris (huh? unburnt fuel gets discharged.) then go right ahead.

I'd say no.

As for gas stations, I stick to Shell

Jun 22, 2003 | 03:28 PM

BlkRx

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 243

From: Boston

Car Info: 2004 Black Wrx

I was about to start a post on this topic too. Im picking up my wrx towmarrow and was trying to decide if I need 91 or if the car can handle 89. I would think on a stock wrx 89 would be alright cause as long as your not pushing high boost there isnt much other reason to step up to a higher octane. People will argue that it burns better and gives better milage. But I have yet to see any hard evidence to prove that.

Jun 22, 2003 | 07:57 PM

fastrotaries

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the key point from buying gas from a particular gas station is what's called the "the turn over rate" it is the rate at which they have to refill the tanks. The higher the turn over rate the less chance you have of gettting water & other sedimentation. Which happens more often than you think. (if you own a motorcycle than you know what i mean) You basicly want a station that gets frequent visits throught out the day. Also buy gas early in the morning. As colder gas is denser and you get more for your dollar. Very negligible, but none the less more. Hope this helps. AS for brand. It's the actual station and their filtering maintenance schedule that will determine the quality of the gas the most.