What type of fuel are you using?

[peacock]

I ran Shell V-Power 93 Octane in my 850 even before I got the tune. I now have a Volvo S60R and still run the V-Power. I highly recommend it.

Two and a half years of 93 in my S70 T5 and it works well.


THe s60R will be my next volvo do you like it?

[osmium]

I am just curious as to what fuel most people are using in their 850's, are you using regular or premium? I think the manual for my 1995 850 says to run high octane premium fuel but for the 1 year that I have had my car I always just put regular.

I've been putting in 87 for most of the past year. Tried 93 but found no difference in performance or gas milege.

With 87, I get around 25-26 combined. 32-33 straight highway. I'm happy with that.

-os

[wla1br]

'96 non-turbo. I use regular most of the year. I switch to premium in the summer or if I'm driving long distance or into the mountains.

[Beige68GTO]

For my '94 turbo I've used premium as my understanding is this:

The ignition system has a knock sensor, and retards the timing if a lower octane fuel than recommended is used. (The "bogging" reported by some owners is likely due to the timing being retarded using the lower octane fuel.) Though there will not be an audible knock using the lower octane fuel, there is likely a reduction in both mileage and power. I admit I've never done the math, but as the mileage and power go down when the lower octane fuel is used, there is little savings in using 87 octane, with increased potential for engine damage. For this reason, I've run 93 Octane Amoco premium in my '94 turbo.

Ron

[osmium]

For my '94 turbo I've used premium as my understanding is this:

The ignition system has a knock sensor, and retards the timing if a lower octane fuel than recommended is used. (The "bogging" reported by some owners is likely due to the timing being retarded using the lower octane fuel.) Though there will not be an audible knock using the lower octane fuel, there is likely a reduction in both mileage and power. I admit I've never done the math, but as the mileage and power go down when the lower octane fuel is used, there is little savings in using 87 octane, with increased potential for engine damage. For this reason, I've run 93 Octane Amoco premium in my '94 turbo.

Ron

I'm doing a run up to Montreal from Nashua, NH later today and returning tomorrow.

I'll try the 93 and see how it does in the mountains in VT.

-os

[boosted5cyl]

I run "premium" in both of ours. We both like to punch and boost it. I've done a comparison with our Volvos and other turbo cars and typically we get worse gas milage on 87, probably due to the higher content of ethanol and its lower Kg\Cal value, ie less umph per unit.

You can run 87, but if you have knock sensor issues you could be in for trouble!!!

[matthew1]

See my related post about the strange Cheaper High Grade Fuel Paradox.

[osmium]

For my '94 turbo I've used premium as my understanding is this:

The ignition system has a knock sensor, and retards the timing if a lower octane fuel than recommended is used. (The "bogging" reported by some owners is likely due to the timing being retarded using the lower octane fuel.) Though there will not be an audible knock using the lower octane fuel, there is likely a reduction in both mileage and power. I admit I've never done the math, but as the mileage and power go down when the lower octane fuel is used, there is little savings in using 87 octane, with increased potential for engine damage. For this reason, I've run 93 Octane Amoco premium in my '94 turbo.

Ron

I'm doing a run up to Montreal from Nashua, NH later today and returning tomorrow.

I'll try the 93 and see how it does in the mountains in VT.

-os

Got a hair over 29 over the 300 mile trip with 93 at 70-75mph. Didn't notice any performance improvement,though.



-os

[polskamafia mjl]

I guarentee your engine did, though. You made your exhaust valves, and your wallet, very happy.

[jblackburn]

I've run 2 tanks of 93 through mine recently instead of 89 to see if I could get any gas mileage improvement.

No improvement there *shakes fist*, but it does feel more zippy around town without getting on the gas hard. Or it could just be I've been getting used to running it with the AC and didn't use it the past 2 days