"Wagner, James W., , SAF/AQPS" wrote:
>
> Actually, the reverse is true based on an energy analysis.  Higher octane
> gases are made to burn slowly by using additives, thus for a given volume,
> there is less energy. This isn't very noticeable with my Vanagon (I guess
> because it gets poor mileage to begin with and has electronic fuel
> injection), but on my motorcycle, the difference is between about 59mpg for
> 93 octane versus 67mpg for regular 87 octane gas.
>
> James Wagner
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> > Of Joel Walker
> > Sent: Friday, February 25, 2000 12:36 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: While we are onthe topic....
> >
> >
> > > Do we notice a increase in fuel economy when we use higher
> > octane fuel?
> > > A power increase? Any increase? well besides cost obviously.
> > > I use 92 octane 76 fuel consistently, for me it makes a
> > difference, the
> > engine makes more power, smoother too.

I agree. My wifes '95 t-bird was getting about 14 mpg. She kept
complaining that something must be wrong with the car, because
she normally got about 17 mpg. It turns out that she had switched
from 87 octane to 89 (have no idea why). She switched back and
the 17 mpg came back.

gh