Originally Posted by Pizzle
I just bought a 2004 and see that it uses premium gas. I have done many things to many engines and I want to know if there is a way around the premium gas. Is there a computer change that can be made? I can't imagine it has that much compression to warrant premium gas, could be wrong though.
Thanks,
Jim
You can run lower octane fuel in this car, but you will sacrifice performance and possibly the longevity of the engine... These cars have a dual plug cylinder that burn very hot and are prone to pre-ignition because the engine was designed to limit hydrocarbon emissions by igniting every "atom" of fuel introduced. They also have very sensitive knock sensors which work in harmony with the 02 sensors and ECU that adjust the fueling and timing of the engine...
If you introduce lower octane fuel, it will promote pre-ignition (knock)... Then the knock sensor will retard the timing of the engine and reduce the fuel trim to compensate for the pre-ignition... Thus you have just been robbed of HP to make sure the engine doesn't explode itself...
So, if you like your car...
