I have a b16a2 in a 96 civic DX hatch. From what I have read the recommended octane is 91. The problem is I live in an area that apparently only sells 87/89/93. I was wondering if 89 is close enough to use or will it retard the engine? I know a lot of people mix 87 and 93 to get 91 but seems like way too much trouble to me. Also are there any gas stations that do sell 91 no matter what the area?

 

What ever is recommended by Honda. If you know what is recommended then use it. 91 then would be the minimum. You don't go BELOW what is recommended. That make sense to you?

 

It means 91+ octane... since 93>91, you're good. Dont mix 87 and 93 because thats ridiculous and anyone who does so has a few screws loose

 

As others have said, you'll be totally fine.

91+ octain is the recommended amount for that engine. So 93 octain is just fine. Do NOT use anything lower than 91.

Also, as schister said... don't mix the fuels.

 

Yikes, when I first got the car I was using 87. What could it have damaged?

 

You can't really damage anything per se, as the engine has a knock sensor to prevent detonation on less-than-ideal octane fuels. Basically, you will get worse gas mileage and have less power.

 

Good. Thanks for the help, 93 from now on

 

yikes, whenever i'm in west texas for school, the highest octane i see is 90-91. i'm glad to be back in the city..

but yeah anything greater than 91 is fine. does anyone know if there is a reason why odd number octanes are more common than even number octanes?