Choice of gas

[Davvyjay]

I've been a member for only a few weeks now, after purchasing an '03 Whisper White. I appreciate the suggestions and advice on this site. I was wondering how religiously everyone adheres to the "Premium Fuel Only" requirement. My wife has an '03 Acura TSX and she's only ever used Regular gas in it. After 60K miles, she's never had a problem. Of course, I'm worried that it may prematurely kill her engine. Anyhow, do you think it'd be safe to use a mid-range "Plus" fuel, or even Regular in the Retro Bird? Thanks again for the great support on Thunderbird Nest!

[islandtime]

Re: Choice of gas

This has been discussed a whole lot here on TBN, and for my babies, they ONLY get the good stuff. They're worth it.

[Gobird]

Re: Choice of gas

Dave, The choice is yours.........BUT and that's a BIG BUT, if you want your Bird to preform the way it was designed then I would go with the High Test. It may run OK with middle grade or regular but it won't run as well as it would on the Good Stuff. I have tried reg. once or twice but always went back to the High Test and I have had my 02 from New.

[Ski]

Re: Choice of gas

Just hi test here, too.

[FUN X 3]

Re: Choice of gas

Premium only for my Bird. 93 octane. I have mixed 93 and 89 to get 91 at times, but too much a pain to do all the time.

[Lonestar]

Re: Choice of gas

The ECM will compensate by retarding timing if you use regular but it you are going to use regular then try to only use a tier 1 gasoline. You can read about that here: http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html

As noted above, using regular will result in a bit less getty-up but more importantly you will run the risk of carbon deposits building up on the valves and the top of the pistons and that can result in pre-ignitioning AKA pinging. This can indeed result in engine damage if not corrected.

Your best bet is to use a tier 1 91 octane or better premium gasoline.

[Ediron]

Re: Choice of gas

Every so often I find a station with 91 and I use it but most of the time it's 93.Same for my Caddy, with gas prices falling it's not such a big hit as last year at $4.25 +

[My Raven]

Re: Choice of gas

93 Premium Only for My Birds ....

FoMoCo I Figure Didn't Put The Sticker on the Fuel Door as a Reminder for Nothing ...

JMHO

[Davvyjay]

Re: Choice of gas

Wow. You guys are great. I really appreciate it! It's only Premium for me. Thanks.

[Carmino]

Re: Choice of gas

Just hi test here, too.........No carbon deposits building up on my valves and keep it of the top of the pistons for me to..

[jimvit1]

Re: Choice of gas

High grade half the time and Medium grade the other half. When the weather is really hot I will use high grade.

[DavidA]

Re: Choice of gas

On several trips out west, I used regular when I was in the flatlands. I could feel the difference, but since I was on the interstate it really didn't matter much as long as I didn't punch the throttle.

Living in the hills or mountains here in Tennesse, and you in PA, it is really important that the engine runs at peak performance. You don't want it to lug, especially with regular gas. My advice, use premium exclusively. It;s not worth the possibility of damaging your engine, and frankly, if you do the math, it's not that much more over the course of a year, about $120 per 12000 miles. (12000 / 20 mpg = 600 gal x $0.20 (the difference in cost from regular to super).

Dispite the nay-sayers, the TBird is a performance car. The engine is a small block high reving motor. It needs to be fed properly.

[Leroy]

Re: Choice of gas

Stay with the higher 91+ octane and also try not to use any gas with Ethanol added or any gas additives that contain alcohol. Leroy

[HEYMON1]

Re: Choice of gas

I have never had anything but premium in the tank.....

[tbird6t4]

Re: Choice of gas

This is a high compression engine and designed to run on 91+ octane and if you love your car feed it right. In looking at the posts here everyone has it right. Would you give give your children junk food because it is cheap? So why do it to your car. When you consider that these are occasional drivers and the small amount of gas you use in it in a year, how much are you really saving vs a $5000 engine job!

Of course if you want to buy a Honda by anyother name then regular is for you.

Don't do it Davey!