Here is some FYI info.
Mark Salem is a certified Master Tech and has/had several radio and TV
shows.
This is from
http://www.salemboysauto.com/salem-faqs/default.asp?Action=Q&ID=65
Q:
FAQ 53: Super or regular unleaded?
A: First, let me make this distinction. Pre 1981 cars do not have the
ability to change the timing if the engine is pinging. Cars and trucks made
after 1981 have a on board computer that will see the engine pinging and
retard the timing to eliminate the ping. Then the computer will try and
sneak the timing up, all the time watching to see when the ping comes back.
When it does, the timing is moved back a couple of degrees to eliminate the
ping.
AAA says only 5 % of the cars on the road today absolutely need super
unleaded and I agree. If you in doubt, try this. Have your spouse fill up
your car and NOT tell you what fuel they used. Do this 3-4 times. See if you
can tell the difference and / or guess which fuel they used. If you can't
tell the difference, there is no difference.
I use the cheapest gas I can find in my Corvette. In tests we ran, the zero
to 60 time was 1/10 of a second slower with regular when compared to super.
Not much reason to pay 35-50 cents more per gallon.
Here's the difference. Regular burns fast, one molecule ignite ten and ten
ignite a thousand and they ignite a million. The explosion is similar to a
balloon popping. We measure the explosion in milli-seconds. Super burns
slower, more like a someone letting a balloon go and fly around the room.
One molecule ignites 10, 10 ignite 20, and 20 ignite 30. Now don't start
writing me and telling me I'm over simplifying this, I already know it!
So super, because it burns longer, should give you more power, better
performance and better mpgs. However, the difference between the two
different burn times may only be .8 to 1.2 milliseconds of time and I am
quite sure no one I know can feel that. Yes, we can measure that on our dyno
in 0-60 mph runs and other tests, but unless you can FEEL the difference,
there is no difference.
Are there any other benefits to using super,
like cleaner injectors or a cleaner engine?
No. If you use the cheapest gas you can find, you will save lots of money
and when you need to replace, repair, clean your injectors, you'll have
plenty of $$ to do that. I can't tell you how many times I bid injector
repairs (some as high as $1300 for 6 new injectors on a V-6 Nissan) and the
customer says, "But I use super, doesn't that eliminate this repair?" and of
course the answer is no.
Also see FAQ # 34 Pinging Problems
This is from
http://www.salemboysauto.com/salem-faqs/default.asp?Action=Q&ID=33
Q:
FAQ 23: What can I do to get better fuel economy?
A: Review the following list and see what you have done and still need to
do:
1. Take the junk (old papers, tool boxes, golf clubs, snow chains) out of
your trunk.
2. Air up your tires to 35 psi.
3. Use a 5/30 or 10/30 engine oil.
4. Install fresh spark plugs.
5. Remove anything on the exterior of your car that you don't need that
catches the wind like a storage box mounted on the roof of your station
wagon.
6. Keep your windows up.
7. Use your cruise control every chance you get.
8. If your car is a 1981 or newer, don't warm up your engine longer than 1
minute before you drive away slowly. A pre 80 car can be warmed up 2-3
minutes.
9. Keep your air filter clean.
10. Anticipate the traffic ahead, try and coast as much as you can. Make it
a game trying not to hit the brakes as you drive to work.
11. Drive as if there was an egg between your foot and the throttle.
12. Use the cheapest gasoline you can find, but always buy from a busy gas
station.
"abhiutd" <UseLinkToEmail.RemoveThis@AutoForumz.com> wrote in message
news:1_686248_46e3a273fe562d31730f20a433adb07a@autoforumz.com...
> "" wrote:
> > abhiutd wrote:
> > > Hello guys,
> > > I recently bought a used 97 altima and i just happen to see
> > the MPG
> > > and i was shocked to see only 22 MPG on highway. Its a GXE
> > 2.4 lit. I
> > > can't believe that. Is that something wrong going on with my
> > car??
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Abhishek.
> > >
> > Have you given it a proper tune up? Spark plugs, air & fuel
> > filter etc.
> > If so, then it's probably the coolant temp sensor. Same thing
> > happened
> > on my wife's 98 Altima.
> >
> > CD
>
> Thank you CD ,SPAT and wilshak.
> Well i haven't got it tuned up yet. CD, I've observed that the temp
> needle comes right in the middle of C and H pretty soon. Is that what
> you mean when you refer to coolant temp sensor? Can you elaborate a
> little about it like whats the proba nd what should i tell the
> mechannic. Sorry i dont have much knowledge on mech things.
> SPAT, I'm really thinking of using premium gas cause i heard from few
> others about what you said . My car has 103K miles on it.
>
> Thank you again guys for your your help!
>
> Abhi.
>
> --
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> http://www.autoforumz.com/eform.php?p=686248 >> Stay informed about: MPG for 97 Altima 
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