Hi, not sure whether or not this is considered technical enough for the Tech forum, so if I'm misposting, sorry! I was just wondering if putting premium unleaded in my 00' V6 was really worth the extra cost. The guy who owned it before me ( Just bought it today...my 25th b-day present!!) filled it with only premium, but I was under the impression that premium wasn't necessary, and didn't offer anythign other than a tiny bit cleaner burn. With gas rapidly becoming as valuable as liquid gold, I was hoping to shave a bit off my fuel costs, so if I'm not really gaining anything from it, I'd just as soon not pay extra. Can anyone tell me if it's really going to be worth it? My Mustang is stock now, so there's not any compression changes to speak of, I know that can affect the minimum octane required to prevent knock...but truth told, I just can't see how a domestic car less than 6 years old would need that high of an octane rating to run right.
Hi, not sure whether or not this is considered technical enough for the Tech forum, so if I'm misposting, sorry! I was just wondering if putting premium unleaded in my 00' V6 was really worth the extra cost. The guy who owned it before me ( Just bought it today...my 25th b-day present!!) filled it with only premium, but I was under the impression that premium wasn't necessary, and didn't offer anythign other than a tiny bit cleaner burn. With gas rapidly becoming as valuable as liquid gold, I was hoping to shave a bit off my fuel costs, so if I'm not really gaining anything from it, I'd just as soon not pay extra. Can anyone tell me if it's really going to be worth it? My Mustang is stock now, so there's not any compression changes to speak of, I know that can affect the minimum octane required to prevent knock...but truth told, I just can't see how a domestic car less than 6 years old would need that high of an octane rating to run right.
no, it's worthless unless it's tuned for more octane.
anything higher than regular is money into big oil's pockets, and out of yours.
__________________
Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness,his upper rooms by injustice,making his countrymen work for nothing...Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar?Did not your father have food and drink?He did what was right and just,so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy,and so all went well...But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain,on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion. Jer 22:13, 15-17
I always get premium unleaded, but I usually buy V-Power from my local Shell station. I think its worth it for the engine care and cleaner burn. Then again, everyone in my family buys premium unleaded, so I guess its just a habit I grew up with.
__________________
Black 2003 3.8 Auto
K&N Air Filter
BOSCH +4 Platinum Plugs
True-dual exhaust Flowmaster 80 series
------------------------
Coming soon:
20% Window Tint
I always get premium unleaded, but I usually buy V-Power from my local Shell station. I think its worth it for the engine care and cleaner burn. Then again, everyone in my family buys premium unleaded, so I guess its just a habit I grew up with.
Sorry to hear about this. I actually agree with KS for once. If your car's timing does not require premium, you might as well dump your money down the drain. If you keep doing it after you read this, you might be considered a "SUCKER"
Later,
Jason
__________________
99gt vert, CAI, Ford Racing Shortie Headers, MAC 2.5in catback, MAC o/r h-pipe, FRPP alum. driveshaft, March underdrive pullies, sct custom dyno tune, eibach pro-kit, bullitt alum pedals, Cobra Brake Kit, Tokico shocks and struts, PIAA bright whites...FRPP 4.10s!
Thanks for the answers, looks like he's been overpaying for years, just like I thought! Sadly, with prices what they are now...it still seems like premium anyway! Here in AZ, we have the highest avg. pump price in the SW region... I'd say hopefully things will get better soon, but I predicted last year that 3.00+ at the pumps would hit before this Thanksgiving...and I'm afraid that my next prediction will come true, so I'm not even speculating out loud anymore.
If you're getting knocking/pinging during heavy acceleration or going up hill, go from regular (87) to middle (89) octane. Still getting it, go to premium (91).
__________________
Tim
'99 V6 Auto - 17x9 Silver Bullitts, K&N FIPK, Flowmaster Exhaust, Eichbach springs
'98 Yamaha Virago
'90 Ranger - 210,000 and climbing.
If you're getting knocking/pinging during heavy acceleration or going up hill, go from regular (87) to middle (89) octane. Still getting it, go to premium (91).
yeah, but if you're knocking & pinging with a stock tune -you've got other problems you need to deal with.
Switching octanes only slightly delays the inevitable.
__________________
Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness,his upper rooms by injustice,making his countrymen work for nothing...Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar?Did not your father have food and drink?He did what was right and just,so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy,and so all went well...But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain,on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion. Jer 22:13, 15-17
Is premium fuel worth it? 
Just bought it today...my 25th b-day present!!) filled it with only premium, but I was under the impression that premium wasn't necessary, and didn't offer anythign other than a tiny bit cleaner burn. With gas rapidly becoming as valuable as liquid gold, I was hoping to shave a bit off my fuel costs, so if I'm not really gaining anything from it, I'd just as soon not pay extra. Can anyone tell me if it's really going to be worth it? My Mustang is stock now, so there's not any compression changes to speak of, I know that can affect the minimum octane required to prevent knock...but truth told, I just can't see how a domestic car less than 6 years old would need that high of an octane rating to run right.
I'd say hopefully things will get better soon, but I predicted last year that 3.00+ at the pumps would hit before this Thanksgiving...and I'm afraid that my next prediction will come true, so I'm not even speculating out loud anymore. 
