Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2005 06:46:51 +1000 From: ShazWozza <shaz_wozzanospamentspring.com> Subject: Re: Premium vs. regular unleaded?
Gary Fritz wrote: > I've been wondering this for a while, but I didn't want to enter that > Australian-argument thread, so here's a Saab-only question: > > What would happen if I ran my 2002 9-5 Aero on regular unleaded, instead > of premium? > > My wife thinks it will save us money. I'm concerned it could cause damage > to the engine, or at the very least cause enough power drop that you'd > lose the cost savings. > > Then let's extend the question to her car: she has a 1984 Porsche 911. > It's supposed to have premium, and it doesn't have the fancy electronics > that my 9-5 has. What happens if she feeds HER car lower-octane fuel? > Your 9-5 will cope with the lower octane without damage as the trionic engine management will manage knock. My 9000T works happily with 91RON (the owners manual says it requires 98RON). The only change I can detect is that I can't boost into the red zone. Still plenty of boost for spirited driving however. I would probably use 98RON on a very hot day if the trip entailed climbing steep grades. Another family member drives a V6 NG900. This car also runs happily on 91RON, indeed it gets worse MPG on 98RON. Does the 911 have a knock sensor? If not then it is possible to damage the engine. Perhaps you could have the static engine timing changed and get the distributor advance curve re-graphed.
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