Newbie gas questions...
 

Well I just recently purchased my first car an '86 NA. I have a bunch of questions but ill get to those after a bit more research. Anyway heres my first one: Most people I have talked to say to put premium gas into my car, however some other people are saying that I should not, that the normal stuff (87 octane) is better. As my ar didnt come with an owners manual I cant look in there. One more thing, my car gets horrible gas milage, im not sure exactly what it is but its pretty bad, any ideas what this is caused by? And what can be dont to fix it? I dont drive my car hard at all and normally shift right around 2,500-3,000 rpm. Thanks a lot for your advice.



Ira

Hey Ira,

It all depends on how you really drive your car. I normally just run it on the 87 or 89 octane gas. Normal gas milage for an N/A is around maybe 18/23 per gal being 18 for city drivin and 23 for highway. Like I said earlier it all depends on what you have in it and how u running it. Hope this helps you a little. Maybe someone else might have another opinion... :)

N/A's run best on 87

you should really red line the car atleast once a drive... it'll last longer.

For an N/A, regular unleaded is fine. The compression is to low to really worry about higher octane gas. I've been running regular since I bought my FC, however I have been known to treat it to an occasional tank of high-test;)

There are a lot of threads about this.. The lowest octane you can find is the best for an N/A. Octane is the resistance to combustion (well..detonation). Higher octane is harder to burn, and will give a lower gas effeciency than lower octane. Ideally, everyone wants to run the octane that is JUST enough to prevent detonation...but that simply isn't practical.

As for the gas mileage, there are quite a few things you can do that will probably improve it. Check your tire pressure--low pressure hurts mileage. Change your spark plugs and wires. Air filter, fuel filter, and oil. Running with the a/c on will of course hurt.

Actually, you may want to drive it a little bit higher.. The secondary injectors won't come on until 3800rpm, so you can take it up to about there and not effect mileage too much..

One more thing.. A few people i've talked to claim that they get better mileage by going a good bit faster than the speed limit....but not TOO fast, since the secondaries kick on after 3800 rpm. Around 80-90 mph seems to be a nice range, if you're on the highway and can afford to drive that fast.

-Tesla

When I first got my 87 NA I ran 91 octane, Cali premium, but then I read to run 87 and it does run better than it did with the 91.. cheaper too :-)

change you o2 sensor too, its only $14 and its 16 years old.

where can i get an o2 sensor for $14??

wow ive been using 91 since i bought my car in may, The dude that sold it too me said to use it cuz its cleaner and will overall help my car last longer. Maybe i should reconsider and do more research:(

quote;
"you should really red line the car atleast once a drive... it'll last longer"
uhh wtf? How is this good for someones engine? Are you joking? :confused:

:D
 

Reduces buildup, if a rotary is never redlined it will break alot sooner.

That's what I do. Try some MMO too, that stuff is great. I'd brush my teeth with it, if it wouldn't kill me.

:crackup: