D.G..

A couple of weeks ago I filled up my tank at a Valero gas station and noticed an immediate elimination of the occasional pinging that occurs under hard acceleration.

I switched back to Chevron for a tank, and then back to Valero to verify my finding, and sure enough, the engine runs significantly better on Valero. The only gas that I have found that is equivalent or better is the 95 octane racing gas that is sold by a couple of Union 76 station in the area. (One at Sears Point and one in South San Jose)

I haven't heard anything good or bad about this gas, I just know what I have experienced myself. The pump was marked 91 octane, but it performs as though it is a couple of points higher. To make things even better, it sells for less than the major brands.

For you non-Californians out there, Valero is an almost unknown (to me) refiner here in California.

Please don't flame me until you've tried it yourself.

DJF1

You guys complain.... I now have to pay 3 bucks per gallon for 94 Chevron up here... It sucks

DJF1

No... i wish! It is 3US about 4 CDN... Yeah I was really suprised to find 94 and Chevron non the less!!! There are only a few Chevron stations up here that sell 94, lucky me its around the corner from my house The good thing with so many hills up and down around here is that the engine seems to appreciate the good stuff and i have not had any pinging even doing the pathetic speed limits up here...

Terry Adams

Last week I rented a Renault Laguna 1.9 diesel in Paris and paid about $4.50 a gallon. Would have been almost $6/gallon premium in a 993. Ah, to be back home and soon "wasting some gas" on the SoCal meet drive to Santa Barbara on the 21st.

FlyYellow

well kim, i got you beat. i have 100 octane at a union 76 about 2 miles from my house. Price $4.20 /gallon.

Eddy

I also have 100 octane from a locall 76 station, is it worth it, good for the motor and/or made a difference?

Eyal 951

Anyone know where there is a Valero around the San fernando area? I doubt there is since I've never heard of them. Also, can someone clear up a rumor that shell gas is the same gas as ARCO since there is no shell refinery around here? Anyone know where there is a gas station carrying more then 91 octane around the San Fernando area? My car is tuned for 93, and doesnt seem to enjoy 91.
~Eyal

Randall G.

Except to stop the pinging, when mixed with standard 91 octane.

D.G..

I am pretty sure the computer detects the pinging and immediately retards the ignition, resulting in less power.

My understanding is that if your engine doesn't ping then higher octane gas won't help. But if it does ping, it will definitely pull harder with gas that eliminates the ping.