Well if you've read anything on this NGC that is in the newer +03 neons, you would know that it is very adaptive to whatever you do to your car. My SXT takes regular, however the RT takes premium. I read somewhere if you put regular in the RT that the computer will retard timing on it. So what would my computer do if I put premium in there? anything, such as change timing? Forgive my ignorance, if this is a stupid question.[&:] In otherwords I'm asking if it would make the car any peppier/run better or just a waste of my money?

 

Octane is an anti-knock rating. It has nothing to do with "power" except for the fact that a engine that is knocking badly will make less power than one that isn't. If your engine isn't knocking, there's no reason to change grades of gasolline. Gasoline is formulated for specific regions of the country and certain weather factors. That will probably explain any differences you experience.

BTW, never buy gas when the tanker truck is filling the storage tanks. All the gunk in the bottom of the tanks gets stirred up and will lead to problems in your fuel filter, injectors, etc...

 

Actually, changing octane will help to improve the way the car runs. But like Dusty said. It will improve dramatically if the engine is knocking and it is formulated for the area you live in. I've found that running premium in cars that generally run regular do improve only because the higher octane burns at a higher temp which will in turn clean out the engine somewhat.

 

Roger that. And if you shop for a gasoline brand that has a heavy cleaning additive package like Chevron/Texaco ("Techron" is a well known and proven engine cleaner) or maybe the new Shell, you'll be doing your engine (especially the intake valves) a favor.

 

Are you talking about Shell V-Power!!? And yah, I've heard not to fill up when the tanker is there for that exact reason you mentioned dusty. And as for knocking, I don't think it is. Maybe I'll give it drink of premium next time, see if I notice anything (better mileage, etc). Probably won't, but it won't hurt it any, except maybe my wallet. And by the way, anyone interested in this NGC crap like I am should watch this thread.

 

The only way you can really benifit from premium is by advancing your timing but you can't do that on neon with out getting a different computer. Thats why you have to run premium with the aftermarket PCMs.

On my altimas I can advace the timing so I actually put primium fuel to good use although I have found that if I advace the timing a couple of degres from stock (20 degres BTDC instead of 18) I can still run regular but still notice a bit more pep.