RE: 2 Questions!--Now octane

[16v Jason <jason@scirocco.org>]

At 01:41 PM 6/8/2000 , Ian Overholt wrote:
>----Original Message Follows----
>From: Ryan Catucci <rcatucci@highground.com>
>To: '16v Jason' <jason@scirocco.org>
>CC: scirocco-l@scirocco.org
>Subject: RE: 2 Questions!
>Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2000 17:39:14 -0400
>
><snip>
>The 16V is designed to run on 91 and above (read owner's manual).  However,
>it will run on anything down to 87 if necessary.  The problem is that the
>knock sensor will retard ignition timing to avoid ping, and you'll lose
>power *and* gas mileage.  FWIW I got 31-33mpg on the highway with my 16V
>when it was stock and properly tuned.  I'm up to 33-34 because I swapped to
>the 0.75 5th gear.
></snip>
>
>I guess I should read the manual, I put in 87.  doh! I'll top it off with
>93.  I can get 91 locally though so I'll use that after this tank is gone.
>According to the p.o. the car has an FF code tranny in it; it revs a bit
>over 3k at 80mph, it's hard to tell exactly cause the tach is a little
>wobbly. I like it, though, it lessens the noise.
>
>
>Jason, are you confusing RON octane with R+M/2 octane ratings?  All the 
>numbers listed on the car and in the VW materials are RON octane ratings.
>Here in the US, gas stations use R+M/2 octane ratings which are different.
>91 RON = 87 R+M/2.  That said, using higher octane gas in the 16v will 
>keep the knock sensor from retarding the timing and you will get more 
>power.  But running on 87 octane will not cause any real issues.


Hey Ian,
         :)  Deja vu?   Don't we go through this one like once a month? ;)

My manual uses "Pump Octane" to the best of my recollection (I don't have 
the car or the manual here, they're at home).  The manual states that 87 
should be used for the 8v, and 91 for the "123hp engine"... so I know 
they're not talking about RON. :)

         You're right -- running on 87 pump octane won't cause any issues, 
but it will most likely retard timing to avoid pinging.  I ran one tank of 
89 and got the worst fuel economy ever (23mpg versus my usual 29-33).  The 
engine sounded flat and power was drastically reduced.

YMMV.

Jason




----------
1987 Scirocco 16v
1988 Mercedes 190E Sport Euro


http://members.aol.com/rocco16v 

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