I know what you are saying here, but I don't know if I agree with your statement completely. I would tend to think, seeing that I know what engineers have to go through and deal with (since I just got my degree in Mech. Eng.) I think when they suggest to put premium in the car, I am pretty sure it will be safe to do it. I would have to think that they took into consideration the higher temperatures created by burning premium fuel and designed the combustion chamber and pistons accordingly... granted, I do not work for these guys, nor can I 100% say this is the case... I just know the crap I have to deal with as an engineer

 

Using lower octane won't damage the engine because the comptuer adjusts timing to prevent detonation (knocking, which is what the higher octane content prevents)- the engine has a knock sensor, when you use the lower octane it will sense the detonation and adjust accordingly- this will rob the engine of power and efficiency and while it won't hurt in small doses, the long term effects are certainly negative.

 

Exactly, the lower octane also results in lower performance. The engineers at the old PVO did alot of testing on the SRT-4, I'm certain they wouldn't be putting all that info in the owner's manual and on the gas gauge if it wasn't important....

 

Actually its not 22 to 30...its 22 for "intown" driving and 30 for highway..They are just averages that the dodge has come up with. I took a 300 mile both ways trip (600+ miles) and I averaged it out with my dad and it came out to 29.5 miles a gallon. Not too far off the 30 and I was downshifting and changing lanes alot hehe...It happens when your driving a new car let alone a srt-4 hehe..The 22 that will vary for sure depending on how much you race around town..mines probably just under 20 hehe... I live in south florida so its 87, 89, and 93..Not too many places with 91 around here...Just a lil info if it helps anyone..peace

 

The owners manual even says that using lower than 91 octane is completely fine and OK to do, but that you will experience severely reduced performance as well. Mine only averaged 21.9 MPG with an even mix of driving, it should be around 26 MPG for an even mix of driving. Then again, I do love to hear my Mopar BOV.........often.[sm=smiley17.gif][sm=smiley2.gif][sm=smiley36.gif]

 

Just wait till you install the Mopar/Borla exhaust......[sm=smiley20.gif][sm=smiley36.gif][sm=smiley20.gif]

 

Yeah I only use 93..I dont want to even try putting less than 91...

 

Just a "FYI", the Stage 1 PCM has "Use Unleaded Premium Fuel Only" stamped on the side of the unit...bye, bye 87 Octane.....[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

Every upgrade PCM I've ever seen has said that, they usually also come with decals/stickers to put on the car somewhere to remind you as well.

 

Well until i upgrade the turbo she's going to have to deal with 87 octane during the week and 91+ on the weekend's.