Choice of gas

[steelblue5505]

Re: Choice of gas

Thanks everyone for the explanations. As usual I've once again learned something today from this thread. I had no idea exactly what octane did or did not do to gasoline or an engine or why.

So what happens in the recipe when 10% ethnol is added? To me there seems to be a power loss. I see this a lot with my 92 F 250 which has operated on the 87 regular since it was new with no problems. Since the introduction of the 10% ethnol the truck performance seems to have fallen off.

[BADOS]

Re: Choice of gas

I use premium Chevron 93 octane here in Florida on my Bird. You could use mid grade or regular, but at a loss of performance.

[FUN X 3]

Re: Choice of gas

So what happens in the recipe when 10% ethnol is added? To me there seems to be a power loss. I see this a lot with my 92 F 250 which has operated on the 87 regular since it was new with no problems. Since the introduction of the 10% ethnol the truck performance seems to have fallen off.

My level of performance is definitely affected when I have a .1 alcohol level, maybe cars and trucks experience same effect...

[5bird7]

Re: Choice of gas

Let's not equate c.o.p.s problems with type of gas used - not related as many who have had c.o.p. problems will confirm - we've always used 91 or better octane rated gas and we've had more than our share of c.o.p problems with the 02.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Choice of gas

Dot is 100% CORRECT. (WHAT A SURPRIZE, HUH) COP failure is due to seal leaks. weather it be from the windshield lower seal, or the gasket for the covers. It's Moisture and oil that effect the coils. Now as for performance and PROPER running of liquid cooling engines. You MUST use at least 91 Octane on a regular basis. Sure the 87/89 works okay on occasion, like highway trips. But to run correctly for your engine you need 91 or 93, whichever your area offers. Add to that now the added ethinol they have added, you MUST put TECHRON in your tank at least monthly or 1500-2000 mile intervals. And not he cheap stuff on the K-Mart and Walmart shelves, that have other additives. You NEED the real deal. Chevron Techron. Available at ALL auto discount stores, and of course at Chevron Stations. All gas is NOT equal. Use a good fuel company. #1 Chevron (Techron already in it). #2 Shell (Now has Nitrogen to clean components. #3 Moble,Texaco, and BP. Stay Away from RaceTrack, Hess, and your local conveinence store pumps. For PENNIES, your Beloved Thunderbird will not let you down, if you simply follow these rules. One other note. IF you live where your engine runs hot. REMOVE the Plastic Plenum cover. Sure it looks good, but it holds the heat on the engine. Help it breathe better. If you have installed a CAI, leaving the Plenum cover on takes away from the extra air your pulling in, by adding heat. It fits nicely in the trunk, and fits in a pillow case very well, if you need it for those who frequent car shows.

[blue731]

Re: Choice of gas

Donn;

Thanks for the assist re: ratios. That's more than I was able to explain well!

[Black Hawk 03]

Re: Choice of gas

I have a 02 T-Bird, I have ran nothing but regular, 73,000 miles, never had anything done, except one C.O.P. This was done monday. Runs great.

[My T]

Re: Choice of gas

Okay Dave, I get the hint. A couple of people will win a bottle of TECHRON gas additive as a door prize at the Florida Cruise/Poker Run on November 7th. You have to be present to win.

Tom

[bottomtime]

Re: Choice of gas

Dot is 100% CORRECT. (WHAT A SURPRIZE, HUH) COP failure is due to seal leaks. weather it be from the windshield lower seal, or the gasket for the covers. It's Moisture and oil that effect the coils. Now as for performance and PROPER running of liquid cooling engines. You MUST use at least 91 Octane on a regular basis. Sure the 87/89 works okay on occasion, like highway trips. But to run correctly for your engine you need 91 or 93, whichever your area offers. Add to that now the added ethinol they have added, you MUST put TECHRON in your tank at least monthly or 1500-2000 mile intervals. And not he cheap stuff on the K-Mart and Walmart shelves, that have other additives. You NEED the real deal. Chevron Techron. Available at ALL auto discount stores, and of course at Chevron Stations. All gas is NOT equal. Use a good fuel company. #1 Chevron (Techron already in it). #2 Shell (Now has Nitrogen to clean components. #3 Moble,Texaco, and BP. Stay Away from RaceTrack, Hess, and your local conveinence store pumps. For PENNIES, your Beloved Thunderbird will not let you down, if you simply follow these rules. One other note. IF you live where your engine runs hot. REMOVE the Plastic Plenum cover. Sure it looks good, but it holds the heat on the engine. Help it breathe better. If you have installed a CAI, leaving the Plenum cover on takes away from the extra air your pulling in, by adding heat. It fits nicely in the trunk, and fits in a pillow case very well, if you need it for those who frequent car shows.

FYI: WALMART CARRIES THE ACTUAL CHEVRON TECHRON FUEL CLEANER ADDITIVE, AT A PRICE OF ALMOST HALF OF WHAT IT COSTS ANYWHERE ELSE. JUST SO YOU KNOW...........


P.S. FORGOT THIS....I USE SUNOCO 93 OCTANE IN MY TBIRD, AND IT PERFORMS BETTER THAN ANY OTHER BRAND, ALSO, HAS THE LONGEST "SHELF LIFE" WHILE IN THE TANK. USE IT IN MY HARLEY ALSO, AND AGAIN, IT RUNS BETTER WITH THE SUNOCO 93 THAN ANY OTHER GAS...........

[Black Hawk 03]

Re: Choice of gas

I have 73,000 miles on my 02 Bird, most of those miles were using regular gas. No problems
I get around 18 to 19 MPG in town, and 25 to 26 on the road. Normal driving, town and road is about 325 miles per tank, and it will always hold about 14 to 14.5 gals of gas.

[My T]

Re: Choice of gas

Hey Tom - -

I have an idea. Why don't you team up with Sixpack and Vintage Merlot and the three of you can caravan to Florida for the Cruise/Poker Run on November 7th. You can all use whatever grade of fuel you wish, and then see who had the best mileage, and arguably the best performance of their Bird.

It really won't make a big difference because you all will have a great time at this event - there will be so much going on you won't have time to continue your argument about who won the gas contest. At this event , everyone will be a winner.

There is a little surprise at the end of the day that will directly relate to the whole discussion about octane performance. Y' all come.

Tom

[dhg2892]

Re: Choice of gas

I guess I've been lucky with the '03 -- never got less than 19.5 mpg suburban, 27-28 on road for the first 30k miles. I've used 93 & 89 since day one and it's been an excellent performer. My bud wanted to race his S Type Jag 4.0 against my 'Bird until he drove it -- he said "no contest"! Great car, Mr. Ford!

[JoelK]

Re: Choice of gas

I use hi-test only.