I'm checking out a car today, its an '85 CRX with a B16A in it. I'm driving it, and I asked the guy what kind of gas mileage he gets with it. He says about 30 mpg, and I ask if thats on premium gas. He tells me he has run 87 since the swap, which was a year ago. I drove it some more listening for that dreaded knock, but I didn't hear it. It is possible to run 87? Is it safe? And why isn't his engine knocking?

Also, is it hard to change a rear main seal on a B16A?

 

He probably just dialed back the ignition timing for lower octane. And, a B16 has a knock sensor.

 

it is possible it just wont run as good he might have his timing taken back alot , rear main seal isnt too hard to change but it can be a decent job ..

 

It wouldn't matter it's not a real high compression engine and the timing is controlled by the ECU so it can run the low of an octane.

 

So, if and when I get it, switch to 93?

Also, can you access the rear main by taking down the oil pan or is there more to it?

 

you can access the rear main seal by taking out the transmission.. that's the only way. and when the tranny is taken off.. you still have to deal with taking out the clutch and flywheel. there would be no reason to take off the oil pan unless you are planning on cleaning it..

 

i also have a I guess middle aged b16 in my ek, i get horrible gas milage with my mugen program, runs real rich... and I have asooty bumper all the time liek a week after i wash it. I run 93 all the time i tried 89 once and nothin happened but im really scared of playin with it since i dont know too much wiring. Can i try 87 for a week and see what happens?, cause right now i get abotu 20mpg and fill up every two days bcause i drive around 200 miles every 2-2.5 days

 

I doint think he retarted his timing, someone stupid enough to use 87 gas in a b16 JDM or not probably doesnt know how to retard the timing.

 

I don't think the guy retarded it either, but I'm sure that there was no knock. He's an older guy, and he says he's never taken it over 7K.

Back to the rear main seal, are you absolutely sure that the only way to access the rear main to to drop the tranny and remove the clutch and flywheel? I had to do it on an 89 Jeep Cherokee and you accessed it by dropping the oil pan. Anyone ever done one on a B16 before?

 

the engine will run poorer on lower octane fuel. when i had my SI, i deliberately filled up with Arco 87. the car had a different feel, presumably from the timing pullback by the knock sensor. feed it premium.
as far as the seal goes, you will need to remove the flywheel.
stan

 

i wouldnt put that low of octane in my lawnmower.

 

so can I run 89 in my car?

 

Damn, this thread is back from the dead!

Pkek, from my understanding, yes you can. However, because 89 gas detonates earlier than 93, your computer will retard the spark which will take horsepower away from your engine. So, if saving the extra ten cents per gallon is worth losing a few horsepower, by all means go for it.

 

i just wanted to know to save a lil money when gas runs high.

righ tnow premium is $1.70ish near me

 

My 00 Si says minimum 91. It is worth it to use the best gas possible.