Octane for 1996 Legacy 2.5L

Sep 13, 2004 | 11:46 AM

theVHedgeHog

Guest

Posts: n/a

Octane for 1996 Legacy 2.5L

Just bought a 1996 Legacy wagon AWD with the 2.5L engine. looking through the owner's manual, it says to use 91 Octane or higher for this engine. I haev a friend that has a 98 Forester with the 2.5L which says that 87 Octane is fine.

is 91 really necessary for the 1996 Legacy 2.5L engine? Will damage result if 87 is used? (The 91 ocatne near me is still upwards of $2.00 with most places showing 87 almost 20 cents cheaper.)

thanks.

Sep 13, 2004 | 12:17 PM

Nick Koan

VIP Member

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 17,466

From: The BLC

Car Info: Legacy GT

If the owners manual says 91, I'd go with 91.

Thats strange, though, as almost every other Subaru 2.5L I've seen recomends only 87 or higher.

Sep 13, 2004 | 01:27 PM

GotTurbo

Registered User

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 11

my 98 legacy has only had 91 since i got it. gas by me is 2.25 a gallon but it is just the price of keeping ur car the way it was ment to be.

Sep 15, 2004 | 12:54 PM

DLC

Registered User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 450

From: Utah

Car Info: 2000 Leg GT LTD

The 96 was the first year of the 2.5 engine. It was lower hp (155) and recommended 91 Octane. You don't HAVE to put the high octane in, but it will retard ignition and have less power if it detects knocking.

Dave