Re: [A/S] Digest Number 2652

[chasgould@xxxxxxx]

Unless your engine "pings" on regular or medium grade gasoline, there is  
really little other reason to spend for the premium fuel. Octane does affect  
power, but not by as much as people usually think. The main purpose of higher  
octane levels are to prevent pre detonation, which is when the fuel ignites  
before it is supposed to, which causes the explosion to occur while the piston  
is still trying to rise in the cylinder. This is what causes the engine to  
"ping", and the higher octane is intended to prevent this. If you are not  
experiencing any "ping", then you are not likely having pre detonation, and can  
therefore run with the lower octane.
Chas