What grade gas do you run

[FLUXEMAG]

IMO the key word is recommended, 91. You have the option to use crappy gas if you don't care what Toyota recommendeds.

[MCOjerry]

I have had my 06 since last April. It's a V6 and I have used nothing by 87 octane since day one. I have not noticed any noises and strange handling at all. I don't have my manual here with me, but I don't remember it saying that premium fuel was required. Someone mentioned that they thought cars requiring premium fuel hade notices on their gas caps. I think I have seen that as well...

Anyway...next time I fill up, I'm gonna get me some of that ther spensive gaserline and we'll see if y'all know what yer talkin' 'bout.

Something tells me it's all bulldookey...

[slingshot]

Yes, all bulldookey. Been using 87 octane since day one. Filled up a few times with the spensive stuff and didn't notice anything different. Since the lag fix, if I put the pedal to the metal often, it is fast. The learning transmission is more important than the grade of gas it seems.

[Blacker]

Imagine what you could see if you could monitor the engine with a laptop. The gas grade DOES make a difference. Just because you can't hear pinging, it still could be there. Compression ratio is excess of 10:1 need 91 or higher octane. I have been tuning GM engines and I see it all the time with cheap grade of gas. Knock really gets bad in the hotter months if 87 is used. You can use 87/89 in the colder months because the intake charge is colder and is more resistant to KR.

[MCOjerry]

Imagine what you could see if you could monitor the engine with a laptop. The gas grade DOES make a difference. Just because you can't hear pinging, it still could be there. Compression ratio is excess of 10:1 need 91 or higher octane. I have been tuning GM engines and I see it all the time with cheap grade of gas. Knock really gets bad in the hotter months if 87 is used. You can use 87/89 in the colder months because the intake charge is colder and is more resistant to KR.

Well, I live in Florida. Although it's nipple stiffy cold here now, I'd say it's pretty hot here normally and I have never had any problems with the 87 when it's hot, my car runs just fine.

[Blacker]

Not sure how Toyota does their programming but, GM use two timing tables. They are called high octane and low octane, depending on the quality of gasoline used. These timing tables are VERY different throughout the entire rpm range. When the motor sees knock, typically anything over 1.7°, the ECM will pull timing to eliminate the Knock Retard (KR). This maybe something you feel or not but, it happens. Even though Toyota recommends 91 octane, you can use 87 octane and the Knock Sensors will pull timing to minimize pre-ignition (ping) to prevent engine damage. Running 91 or higher will not make more power; it just lets the engine make the power it was designed to. Now, running 93 octane in an engine with 9.0:1 compression to wasting money.

[PXLpainter]

Ah - see now we're getting actual technical specs and they don't lie.

Bottom line seems then, that if the ECM is working to adjust timing to prevent damage using lower ocatane gas, then would it not make sense that the timing would be right-on with the higher octane, which MAY lead to better performance as a result?

Take into consideration environmental conditions as well - temp, altitude, humidity - all factors in engine performance and ingition.

Looks like I'm gonna try it for a month at least to see if I notice any difference then... after I get the TSB done that is.

BTW - thanks for all the tech info guys... very helpful!

JF

[FLUXEMAG]

the ECM will pull timing to eliminate the Knock Retard (KR). This maybe something you feel or not but, it happens. Even though Toyota recommends 91 octane, you can use 87 octane and the Knock Sensors will pull timing to minimize pre-ignition (ping) to prevent engine damage. Running 91 or higher will not make more power; it just lets the engine make the power it was designed to. Now, running 93 octane in an engine with 9.0:1 compression to wasting money.

I like the engine making the power it was designed for. And pxl, don't confuse reccommended with required. It's in the manual and every review on the web, if it were required it would be labeled on the cap or dash.

[FLUXEMAG]

er..um MCO not pxl.

[QtPiie]

I'm pretty sure in the long run you will have some kind of performance glich from using the 87 octane gas. I use 93 and mostly because I have a company gas card and it really isnt a strain for me.

[PXLpainter]

After my experience at the dealer today - (Read about it here) this is going to be one of many things I'm going to do to enhance performance - if at all - until a new TSB is written for the '06 V6.

JF

[PXLpainter]

Okay - I've had the opportunity to run premium for 3 tanks now...

1st tank was 93 octane - 2nd two were both 91 (Las Vegas)

Though I can't tell any perfomance difference right-off, it ran well and I gained an avereage of about 2-3MPG. How does that happen?

I figured it's only an additional 3 bux a tank so I might as well for now...

Another week on the road and we'll see when I get back from up North.

JF

[MCOjerry]

Okay - I've had the opportunity to run premium for 3 tanks now...

1st tank was 93 octane - 2nd two were both 91 (Las Vegas)

Though I can't tell any perfomance difference right-off, it ran well and I gained an avereage of about 2-3MPG. How does that happen?

I figured it's only an additional 3 bux a tank so I might as well for now...

Another week on the road and we'll see when I get back from up North.

JF

You drive too much 3 tanks of gas in 5 days <==no smiley face for throwing up!

[PXLpainter]

Hey - that's just livin' here in the SW man!

Well - 2 fill-ups were top-offs from around 1/4 tank and I'm still over 1/2 full on the 3rd up here in Santa Barbara this week. I'm really pleased with the mileage I get w my Solara - even as hard as I drive it! Big diff from my Tundra, that's for sure!

JF

[MCOjerry]

Hey - that's just livin' here in the SW man!

Well - 2 fill-ups were top-offs from around 1/4 tank and I'm still over 1/2 full on the 3rd up here in Santa Barbara this week. I'm really pleased with the mileage I get w my Solara - even as hard as I drive it! Big diff from my Tundra, that's for sure!

JF

I agree with you. I wasn't expecting much with a V6 (first V6 I have ever owned), but I think that the gas mileage is awesome.

This is also the firs Japanese car I have owned too. I always bought American before. I had 2 dodge avengers and two Saturn L Series'. I have to say that I really like the Toyota. I see why people buy them over American.

I wish the big three would learn to build some quality so we could buy an American car and have quality.

Ooops...sorry to kinda hijack