Well my manual says I need to use 86 or higher octane gasoline.

I always use 87, because I read on MSN that it didn't mater what octane gasoline you used, just to make sure you were using what it said in the car manual. Is this true?

When you add performance parts such as i/h/e/cam gears, should you be using a higher octane gasoline or does it matter.

 

depending on the compression of the motor on overall desing of the chamber and timing

the best thing to do is to stick with what manufacturer recommends, it is says you can use 86 or higher then, 87 is defiantly more enough for your motor

basically in the honda line up, 87 ocatane can be used on all 9.5:1 or less c/r, d-series and b-series motors (thats 80% of a honda motors)
9.5-10.0 will work well with 89-91 octane
10-12:1 should use 91-94 ocatne if avalible

if it doesn't ping or dentonate then keep on using it

 

I has been proven that using higher than recommended octanes do not increase performance. However, I have noticed that the mid and premium grades tend to contain additives (cleans your engine, etc). Your engine's compression ratio and ignition timing is what determines the minimum octane you need. If you advance the timing, increase the compression, use N2O, or have boost then you need a higher octane to prevent detonation.

Race gas and octane booster are a waste of money unless you do something that needs it. Higher octane is not more powerful, it will just withstand more pressure before it detonates.



[Modified by Weston, 4:07 PM 6/24/2002]