Wondering what others experience has been. I can purchase 90 octane non-ethanol gasoline for about $0.50 per gallon more than 93 octane with ethanol. So I filled it up today as an experiment with the lower octane but no ethanol. So far, I have not noticed much difference.

What are others doing?

 

On older Porsches the non ethanol gas is definitely better and the engines run better. The internals on the older cars aren't designed for a high ethanol content gas either.

I don't know if it will have any benefits on a newer engine.

 

Don't know about the newer engines but my 996 Turbo loves 93 octane gasoline.

Frankly the higher octane grade even with a bit of ethanol in it is better than 90 octane which IIRC is at the very low limit of what the engine can (or should be asked) to tolerate.

The ethanol free 90 octane at $0.50/gallon more is a very bad buy. At 90 octane the engine controller will have to dial back timing to avoid detonation and this will result in higher fuel consumption and increased exhaust gas temperatures. You pay more for a gasoline that results in lousier fuel economy and performance.

If you can get 93 octane gasoline where you live and drive get it and consider yourself very lucky. Many of us have to put up with 91 octane.

 

While Ethanol sucks in general (not to mention the mpg hit), the newer cars will run just fine on 10% or less when used daily. I wouldn't go less than 91 Octane.

If you are going to store your car for any length of time use a fuel stabilizer that will also deal with the negative effects of ethanol.

 

+997

Nothing but 91 here.

 

That sucks. I can get 93 at nearly every station. Can even get 93 pure gas at one station.