93 octane placebo effect?

[C.E.Divine]

I filled up my turbo six speed stick with 93 octane today because it was the only octane at that gas station that didn't have ethanol in it. I believe that I have read on here that 93 octane in the winter doesn't have much of an effect, especially on a stock ecu in the winter, and that it can actually cause some startup issues. For the record, it's currently 33 degrees.

I noticed that I didn't have any startup issues today, and that top end power suffered a little bit, but low end torque, especially in sixth gear on the hills of northwest arkansas was better. I wanted to see if anyone can say if this is actually a plus of the 93 octane on a stock ecu, or if I am simply imagining the pro's and con's. I know the stock tune can only compensate up to a certain amount, and since the stock tune is made for 87 octane, I can see how a full burn of the fuel would be difficult given the input variables. But I am asking because I want to know if it would be worth it to find a gas station in the area that has 93 octane with no ethanol, or if it is a waste of my money for the given advantages versus 91 octane with no ethanol in the winter.

 

[Eric Smit]

the stock tune is made for 93, it's adapted for 87. the stock tune will start at a predetermined amount of timing and pull back when it detects knock.


-Eric Smit

 

[pwntbywombat]

I filled up my turbo six speed stick with 93 octane today because it was the only octane at that gas station that didn't have ethanol in it. I believe that I have read on here that 93 octane in the winter doesn't have much of an effect, especially on a stock ecu in the winter, and that it can actually cause some startup issues. For the record, it's currently 33 degrees.

I noticed that I didn't have any startup issues today, and that top end power suffered a little bit, but low end torque, especially in sixth gear on the hills of northwest arkansas was better. I wanted to see if anyone can say if this is actually a plus of the 93 octane on a stock ecu, or if I am simply imagining the pro's and con's. I know the stock tune can only compensate up to a certain amount, and since the stock tune is made for 87 octane, I can see how a full burn of the fuel would be difficult given the input variables. But I am asking because I want to know if it would be worth it to find a gas station in the area that has 93 octane with no ethanol, or if it is a waste of my money for the given advantages versus 91 octane with no ethanol in the winter.

I run nothing but 93 in mine. and Ethanol is a good thing!

 

[$ub$onic]

Ethanol is only good if its designed to run it. The stock sonic is not and mine runs like **** on ethanol

 

[pwntbywombat]

Ethanol is only good if its designed to run it. The stock sonic is not and mine runs like **** on ethanol

Then why does my engine sticker under my hood say "Flex Fuel Vehicle" Fuel: "Gasoline/Ethanol"

 

[ThatTmoGuy]

Then why does my engine sticker under my hood say "Flex Fuel Vehicle" Fuel: "Gasoline/Ethanol"

He drives a 1.8, and talks out of his rear end sometimes don't mind him.

He is probably just thinking about cold starts which can be a bit rougher with higher ethanol content gas like winter blends.

also I would love to see a pic of this flex fuel sticker on your Sonic.

 

[Bogus]

He drives a 1.8, and talks out of his rear end sometimes don't mind him.

He is probably just thinking about cold starts which can be a bit rougher with higher ethanol content gas like winter blends.

also I would love to see a pic of this flex fuel sticker on your Sonic.

Hahahaha omg

 

[pwntbywombat]

He drives a 1.8, and talks out of his rear end sometimes don't mind him.

He is probably just thinking about cold starts which can be a bit rougher with higher ethanol content gas like winter blends.

also I would love to see a pic of this flex fuel sticker on your Sonic.

My Saab runs on corn, and man when its cold it misses and spits like a mother ****er. But once its warmed up, it pulls like a freight train!

It doesnt have a flex fuel sticker on the back of the car, just the engine badge under the hood that says "GM 1.4L ULEV ...blah blah FFV Fuel Type: Gasoline/Ethanol"

 

[C.E.Divine]

They don't make flex fuel sonics, so I want to see your sticker though. After a few days of being on 93, I am going to continue with 93 octane. It's worth the added power I am feeling, and the cleaner fuel.

Ethanol is not a good thing when the vehicle is not made to run on it. Even though it's 2013, unless the vehicle is made to be flex-fuel capable, it is going to run worse on even e10 or e15. I stay far far away from ethanol blend fuels. Especially since this sonic is not flex fuel capable. None of them are flex fuel capable, which is why I am so curious to see your flex fuel sticker as well.

 

[slitzell]

i believe all cars today are made to be able to withstand ethanol. as long as the motor is tuned for it, your good to go.

its not flex fuel bc there is o sensor to tell the pc what blend of gas to ethanol you have

 

[pwntbywombat]

They don't make flex fuel sonics, so I want to see your sticker though. After a few days of being on 93, I am going to continue with 93 octane. It's worth the added power I am feeling, and the cleaner fuel.

Ethanol is not a good thing when the vehicle is not made to run on it. Even though it's 2013, unless the vehicle is made to be flex-fuel capable, it is going to run worse on even e10 or e15. I stay far far away from ethanol blend fuels. Especially since this sonic is not flex fuel capable. None of them are flex fuel capable, which is why I am so curious to see your flex fuel sticker as well.

All the gas in my area is E10. I have never seen 100% gas ever in my area. I also have never had an issue running any of my cars on E10.

 

[Bogus]

You mean this sticker?

This is for a 1.8L so the 1.4T sticker might be different.

 

[C.E.Divine]

The reason I stay away from E10 like the plague is because it actually froze the fuel injectors on my truck because it wicked water from the atmosphere and killed the fuel pump by eating the plastic.

Even if it is currently safe, I don't want any part of e10.

 

[pwntbywombat]

You mean this sticker?

Yeah, but mine says FFV "Gasoline/Ethanol"

 

[Bogus]

Someone with a 1.4 run outside and snap a pic please.

 

[pwntbywombat]

Someone with a 1.4 run outside and snap a pic please.

I would, but mine is in a parking garage across town right now. haha

 

[Bogus]

Is ethanol free gas illegal in southern cali or what?...

 

[laborsmith]

Per the GM VIN Decoder: http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vincards/pdf/vincard13 car 10-01-12 r1.6.pdf

You will need to scroll down to page 5 to find the engine lists.

Look at the Description for B used in the J and the P vehicle lines.


Laborsmith

 

[ThatTmoGuy]

look how far north I would have to drive from the Sacramento area to get ethanol free gas!

Also I can go take a pic of the emissions sticker when I go on break in like an hour.

 

[Bogus]

Would this help?