I have run 2 tanks of 87 octane regular. (yeh, I'm cheap) The car doesn't ping or seem to have any problems yet. My Chevy HHR has 10:1 compression also and is designed for regular and runs fine.
The basic tenet on octane has always been it is useless to run any higher octane than one that doesn't detonate or have pre-ignition.
Any one else tried 87 octane regular (good or bad results)?

 

This has been the subject of much discussion. Follow the thread link below;

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ead.php?t=8460

 

By using the 87 octane compared to running premium, it's like your not using all of the crankshafts full potential force. Kinda like you have a shorter stroke and less torque. Your spark is igniting later and giving less power and less mileage as compared to what you would be getting by using premium.

 

I guess the difference in price is less than $.10/gallon, so for about the price of a coke and a bag of chips. I'd rather put the premium gas in my car. I don't know about pings or spark plugs.

 

Please, we have discuss this to the point of no resolution. Those who want to run 87 will do so. We know it is not the right thing to do but some insist. All I say is when you trade or sell your car you should tell them that you did this.

 

Haha yes it is a long debated discussion but i have to throw in my two cents. Just got my car and filled it up with Premium for the break in section. For the first 200 miles i was constantly changing the RPMS roughly 500-700 up and down up and down. Then after that it was hold it at an rpm for a while...then going up for a while...then going lower for a while. With that situation i avg 27 mpg.

After that tank i filled up with 87 just b/c i was cruising I95 home and did some more drawn out rpm changes and then finally settled in with the cruise at 75 mph. Only got 25 mpg on that tank.

So i'd have to say on this car i believe it did make a difference since my 2nd tank of gas was a much friendlier to gas mileage tank i would think. But thats just my two cents.