1) The engine needs to be in bad shape
2) and/or running a lot of boost
3) and/or have an ignorant owner

See #1 above.

... still waiting to see the mods that give it the claimed 240hp. With that list I would expect about 200-220hp if the engine is in good shape. Where is the FCD? I assume the "dual nopi exhaust" means the Borla catback?

Usually they are either the "solid" mounts or the 40% stiffer competition mounts.

That doesn't sound good.

Worn shifter bushings are normal and easily replaced, or you can leave them in bad condition and still not hurt anything. Just have your mechanic check the transmission mounts to make sure they are OK.

That's a ghetto modification that most people do when the expensive power steering pump fails. The proper method is to install a manual rack or replace the power steering pump.

Possibly a BAC valve failure.

 

So Evil you run Unleaded in your TII?

 

the difference between the octanes is that higher the octane the slower it burns. so a higher octane helps prevent detonation or pre-ignition when running higher amounts of boost in our vehicles. if you are running stock boost levels you will be fine with 87 especially if its a lower compression ratio s4 motor (8.5:1).

 

Yea he said he runs it on stock boost but still puts premium in it. I dunno I probably will too, it's only a little extra $$. I just don't like the fact that he somehow gets 12mpg on a slightly modified car.

 

I ran 87 octane just fine in my 88 T2 in very hot/humid temperatures at sea level (Florida) with gutted cat, high-flow straight pipe catback exhaust with no mufflers, FCD, HKS Intake. I have since sold the car, but the new owner ran under the same conditions for at least 2 years, and as far as I know the engine is still fine to this day.

 

could it be possible that im getting better gas mileage switching to 87? it seems like my gas mileage has improved... im at 100 miles and a bit over 1/2 a tank. (city)