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Old 08-16-2003, 11:49 PM   #1
Impreza01
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Default Gas really matters?

I wonder if gas really matters. If the gas has the same octane, why should brand name mean anything? Everyone keeps saying use 76. I just use Chevron. Anyone has thoughts about this?
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Old 08-16-2003, 11:57 PM   #2
sonicsuby
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I only use chevron.

I used to use arco type gas when I had my 84 Nissan Pickup. That truck would ping to hell everytime I stressed the engine (like going up a hill for instance) and when I switched to the same octane of chevron, it stopped.

Good enough for me.
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Old 08-17-2003, 12:10 AM   #3
AntiochCali
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On my commute car I used to use Arco or Beacon. I used Becon once on my motorcycle and it would backfire and drive real rough. Next tank of gas (76) it was fine. I did this 3 times before I connected the rough ride with the gas station. After only using 76, I never had this problem again.

I don't know about other brands, but Arco and Beacon don't seem to be as good as 76. I use Chevron in my van, but not in my WRX.
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Old 08-17-2003, 12:15 AM   #4
BAN SUVS
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I have used Chevron since I got my RS, but recently switched to 76 and saw a slight gain in mileage. The real advantage to getting "better" gas, however, is the quality of detergents and such that are added. On a personal note, I mainly prefer 76 over Chevron due to 76 no longer using MTBE as an additive- they use ethanol instead.
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Old 08-17-2003, 12:17 AM   #5
dorifto88
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Quote:
Originally posted by BAN SUVS
I have used Chevron since I got my RS, but recently switched to 76 and saw a slight gain in mileage. The real advantage to getting "better" gas, however, is the quality of detergents and such that are added. On a personal note, I mainly prefer 76 over Chevron due to 76 no longer using MTBE as an additive- they use ethanol instead.
deja vu eh andrew?
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Old 08-17-2003, 12:20 AM   #6
BAN SUVS
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I have used Chevron since I got my RS, but recently switched to 76 and saw a slight gain in mileage. The real advantage to getting "better" gas, however, is the quality of detergents and such that are added. On a personal note, I mainly prefer 76 over Chevron due to 76 no longer using MTBE as an additive- they use ethanol instead.
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Old 08-17-2003, 12:21 AM   #7
BAN SUVS
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No, that's deja vu Mike.
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Old 08-17-2003, 12:30 AM   #8
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I have in my 91 Integra I used beacon, I got some knock and switched to 76/shell/chevron and it was still there so I tried 89 octane at beacon and it worked. In my RS I alternate tanks 1 out of every three is either costco or safeway and I have had no problems.
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Old 08-17-2003, 12:31 AM   #9
dorifto88
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Quote:
Originally posted by BAN SUVS
No, that's deja vu Mike.
meant to say it as

deja vu, eh andrew?

edit

whoa this is getting odd
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Old 08-17-2003, 02:53 AM   #10
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Yes! I was switching too much before (Arco and Shell). It caused too many problems for the ECU. The computer would compensate for all the different characteristics of the diiferent gases. It made my car run too rich and I wasn't getting a clean burn. I clogged my uppipe (stock) and wasn't boosting.

Now i use 76 only.
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Old 08-17-2003, 05:58 AM   #11
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76 is a PIA to find though. It's not as widespread as Chevron (at least in the areas I go to). This is the reason I want to know if it makes a BIG difference. I've yet to get detonation problems and I get 30 mpg highway driving.
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Old 08-17-2003, 06:04 AM   #12
dorifto88
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Quote:
Originally posted by Impreza01
76 is a PIA to find though. It's not as widespread as Chevron (at least in the areas I go to). This is the reason I want to know if it makes a BIG difference. I've yet to get detonation problems and I get 30 mpg highway driving.

http://www.76.com/
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Old 08-17-2003, 02:08 PM   #13
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i make it a point to PUMP 76 everytime. if i cannt get 76, ill pump just enough of whatever to get me to a 76 and fillup........

BTW: you think this shell claim that there gas get better gas mileage is true???

Last edited by zumnwrx; 08-17-2003 at 02:18 PM.
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Old 08-17-2003, 03:05 PM   #14
BAN SUVS
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Yeah, they probably got one freakin set of data showing their Impala got like .003 mpg more than the other guys'. Basically, to get the extra 50 yards or so that they show in the commercials, they had to drive the whole 450+ miles off the full tank of gas. Gee, I don't think driving style could account for that much, do you guys?
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Old 08-17-2003, 03:12 PM   #15
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While I doubt thier claim, I would bet that they did any gas milage tests using a computer in a lab somewhere, rather then sending some guy out to drive the car all out of gas.
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Old 08-17-2003, 04:03 PM   #16
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i use 76 and costco, and to tell you the truth, when i switch from one to the other i can't really tell a difference, with 76 i actually get less miles/tank.
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Old 08-17-2003, 06:42 PM   #17
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In the delta dash, there is the Ignition Advance Multiplier(IAM). This is on a Scale from 0-16 0=Bad 8=Neutral 16=Best, The IAM is used to decide how aggressive the Ignition maps are going to be(read more at ecutek.com) Fill up with 87 or get a bad batch of gas and this will be down around zero. Fill up with a bit of 100 octane and it will go up to 16. The last 3-4 fill ups I have pumped only 76 91 Octane, and the IAM has been 15 or 16 every time I have checked. I didn't pay quiet as close attention to the IAM before but, it had been around 9-11 most of the time when filling up with Chevron.
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Old 08-17-2003, 08:20 PM   #18
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I always wonder about this topic too. Someone on this board posted something about that the brand of gasoline really does matter, as he likened it to eating 80% meat as opposed to 93% meat. While 80% meat is alright, your arteries will get clogged up faster than if you eat 93% meat. The additives in name brand gasoline really do help your engine run better and extends its life.

That's why I'm starting to shy away from Costco and no name gas stations, even though they probably are alright, but if you stick with name brand stations like Chervon and the like, you know exactly what you're getting. I think overall that Chevron is the best, but everyone has an opinion.

Mike
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Old 08-17-2003, 08:46 PM   #19
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chevron is the best in my opinion... but 76 isnt bad.
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Old 08-17-2003, 09:39 PM   #20
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I have used Chevron, 76 and Shell. My car runs the most consistantly on 76 in both Winter and Summer. It ran okay on Chevron, but I had some timing pulled (about 5 IIRC). I haven't logged with Shell, that was more of a feeling (before I got delta dash).
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Old 08-17-2003, 10:22 PM   #21
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Shells claim

says:

"The new Shell formulation, which is offered in all three grades - regular, plus and premium - can add up to 125 miles per year for a customer driving 12,500 miles per year."

125miles / 12 (months) is 10.41.. say you get 2 to 3 tanks/month

10.42 / 2.5 = 4.16

you just gained 4 extra miles by useing shell gas.. you probably went out of your way this same distance to aways visit a shell gas station.

I myself enjoy marathon 93.
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Old 08-17-2003, 10:34 PM   #22
02BlackWRX
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I use 76
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Old 08-18-2003, 02:49 AM   #23
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I personally pump shell because there is a shell station on every corner here in Vallejo.

I think the real important thing is to just keep pumping the same gas. If you've been using chevron since you got your car then keep using chevron.

EDIT: if you're really bored this site has way too much info on gas (but if your lazy it just basically says that yes there is a difference)

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/autos/gasoline-faq/part2/

Last edited by AdoboUaReXnRice; 08-18-2003 at 03:03 AM.
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Old 08-18-2003, 03:46 AM   #24
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I like Chevon over 76, simply b'cuz 76 is da stupid Nazicar official fuel sponsor. I like SHELL too cuz of the Formular-1 back root, but what can I say, "Chevon, simple better!" hehe... blah
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Old 08-18-2003, 12:41 PM   #25
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my dealership actually recommended Chevron.


I used to work at a chevron and I have read the crap that other companies put in their gas.

I only use 76 and chevron...the few cents is worth it. If I am out in bum freaked egypt I will use texico.

And this is with my civic and my old 88 ranger we're talking about here...imagine how anal I will be with my rex...I am about to put it's 3rd tank of gas in tonight.....all chevron at about $2.15 a gallon or more.....bah.


heads up to chevron users....if you can budget it, get the gas card...you get 5 cents off every gallon....it adds up.
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