Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Posts: 66
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Hey all just wanted to check to see what octane gas you run in your S type. And what motor do you have.
I've got a 3.0 with 91K on it that I have run 87 octane in since 40K. No problems.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 25,736
I wouldn't dream of using anything below what the handbook says (or indeed anything above the max). Note: the handbook is specific to the geographical area as is the PCM's calibration (programming).
BTW, you don't say which version of the car you have - facelift or original. The PCMs are very different as are the O2 sensors used for feedback.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Perth Ontario Canada
Posts: 11,063
You can run any octane level of gas you want- it will not harm the car. The only time it will make a difference is when the load on the engine (gas pedal position and/or grade) brings the engine to the point of pinging/knocking due to low octane. At that time the ignition will be retarded sufficiently to stop the pinging, but at the cost of horsepower and economy. The driver will most likely never notice the difference and will certainly never hear the pinging.
If you're easy on the gas and live in fairly flat terrain, 87 is just fine. I've used in all my high perf. vehicles on occasion and drive accordingly.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 11,895
What Mikey said. And most importantly, if you're going to run U.S. 87 octane in these 3.0 V6 engines, you've got to drive it like a highway cruiser, not a NASCAR rocket. You may be able to push the 4.2 V8 engines a bit more....
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Allen, Texas
Posts: 47
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I normally use the highest octane rating available in my area (Super Unleaded) which I believe is 91 octane. The sticker on the gas door reminds me to use it every time...
Of course, I usually drive it like I stole it...
BB
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Posts: 66
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I'm going to sell this one and get an STR and wondering what I could get away with there.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 25,736
If you're going to get an STR use the fuel specified by jag. More octane is pointless but less will at best reduce power just when you want it and why have an STR in that case?
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Wilton CA
Posts: 209
I run my 2003 STR on Premium 93 (AKI). Despite telling myself that each new fill-up with Petrol will be different, with that many dogs on the leash I just cant keep my foot out of the carpet and 250 miles later I am back for more.
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Niagara Falls Ontario Canada
Posts: 224
I have a 2006 s type 3.0 sport....80 000km....I use 1 tank Sunoco 94 then the next tank 91Vpower Shell.....back and forth since I bought the car in Nov of last year....runs like a dream....not an issue yet....
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 553
Not sure, I think the best we get in Texas is 91 octane. I used Sunoco 94 when I lived up north. Never have seen a Sunoco in Texas.
I thought the 94 gave the car a boost. Would be nice to get it if I wanted it.
Any one here know if we can get higher than 91 in Texas.
I guess I could buy some octane boost at the parts store,never tried it, not sure if it is good for the car.plus its expensive.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Fairfax, VA
Posts: 3,327
I typically run the mid-grade on my 3.0 V6. I tried the premium a few times but didn't notice any difference so I stayed with the mid-grade. Like Jon, I use the Techron fuel injector cleaner which seems to help.
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Western Mass
Posts: 249
93 only in the STR and every once in awhile,or for a long road trip I run 2 gallons of Xylene as a booster, which is 117 and when mixed in the proper ration gets you a tank @ 96-97.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Perth Ontario Canada
Posts: 11,063
Quote:
Originally Posted by fergs03R
I run 2 gallons of Xylene as a booster, which is 117 and when mixed in the proper ration gets you a tank @ 96-97.
Gotta ask why- the type R engine does not need and cannot make use of anything higher than 93/94 octane. It's just wasted money.
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portsmourh, VA
Posts: 5
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For what it's worth we have two near identical 2003 type S 6cyl 3.0 with auto trans and load basically what they sell at the pump, as follows: city driving 87octane; local country driving, midgrade, long cross country driving ,high test. All with no problems. If no trips out of the city we rotate between low test and midgrade every ten or so tanks. Just don't tell the dealer. PS Click and Clack agree motors can handle it.
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Boston, USA
Posts: 918
I have put nothing less than 93 octane in my STR. My wallet doesn't like it, but she does.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: WV
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
I have an 06 S-Type VDP with the 4.2. All I run in her is 93 Octane gas. A bit expensive to fill-up, but, she delivers excellent fuel economy.
Regards:
Oldengineer
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: MA
Posts: 127
The top grade 91 or 93. Keeping it clean inside and out!
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Montreal, QC
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
4.2 V8 - only the highest grade..the difference of $.15 per galon is small price to pay for a peace of mind...
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Mississauga
Posts: 55
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I Only use 94 Octane in my STR. Sunoco / Petro Canada
I remember reading the STR does need a min of 95 according to the handbook.
Now suck it up and don't be cheap you drive a Jagggggg.... feed the kittie the good stuff
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 25,736
Make sure you're reading the right handbook and using the right meaning of "octane". Apparently it's measured differently in various parts of the world. There was a thread here a while back that USA 91 is about the same as UK 95. (No idea about Canada, sorry guys!)