Stock Series 1 L67 octane test results
08-23-2006, 12:56 PM
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Stock Series 1 L67 octane test results
I recently made another round-trip to CA, and decided to use the trip as an octane test with the 95 SLE (supercharged).
The trip down was done at night on 89 octane mid-grade, in ambient temps from mid-60'* to low-70'*, ideal conditions for timing advance.
The trip back was done with 91 octane premium (California eco-blend, which is known to be inferior to the Oregon blend). The return trip was done during the day in ambient temps around the mid-90'*.
Both 500+ mile legs are through major mountain passes with 6% grades.
The return trip with 91 octane netted me 5mpg better than the trip down in the cooler temps running 89 octane non-eco blend fuel.
In other words, the money saved by running 89 octane actually cost me, rather than saved. The cooler temps were not enough to overcome the timing loss due to octane.
The trip down was done at night on 89 octane mid-grade, in ambient temps from mid-60'* to low-70'*, ideal conditions for timing advance.
The trip back was done with 91 octane premium (California eco-blend, which is known to be inferior to the Oregon blend). The return trip was done during the day in ambient temps around the mid-90'*.
Both 500+ mile legs are through major mountain passes with 6% grades.
The return trip with 91 octane netted me 5mpg better than the trip down in the cooler temps running 89 octane non-eco blend fuel.
In other words, the money saved by running 89 octane actually cost me, rather than saved. The cooler temps were not enough to overcome the timing loss due to octane.
08-23-2006, 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted by willwren
It surprised me. I figured the lower ambient temps (which increase timing) would be enough to offset the lower octane.
08-23-2006, 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by mrbell83
Originally Posted by willwren
It surprised me. I figured the lower ambient temps (which increase timing) would be enough to offset the lower octane.
08-23-2006, 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by bonnie94ssei
Originally Posted by mrbell83
Originally Posted by willwren
It surprised me. I figured the lower ambient temps (which increase timing) would be enough to offset the lower octane.
08-23-2006, 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by mrbell83
Well I always ask becasue i had a 1999 Blazer with a 4.3 V6 in it and it got just as bad of mileage on either grade, but it ran soooo much better with premium. Performance and idle wise.
But how much would octane differences effect at cruising? The car isn't using full timing, or boost when you're chugging down the freeway @ 2,000 RPM. Obviously it'* necessary for full power at WOT.
08-23-2006, 08:16 PM
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Jason, for me it makes a big difference. I live in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Going anywhere? You're dealing with mountains. And alot of them.
08-23-2006, 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by mrbell83
Originally Posted by bonnie94ssei
Originally Posted by mrbell83
Originally Posted by willwren
It surprised me. I figured the lower ambient temps (which increase timing) would be enough to offset the lower octane.