On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 11:34 PM , Dennis Haynes wrote:

> Remember that with the water boxer pinging occurs long before you'll
> hear it
> in the front seat.
>
> Dennis

So, GoWesty has an article about this phenomenon, and in it recommends
premium gasoline for all waterboxers, whether the bigger bore ones they
sell, or original.  When in the west, where regular octane gasoline is
85 rather than the 87 minimum that VW recommends, I use a higher grade,
which often turns out to be 88 or even 89.  I know the reason for the
lower octane at higher altitudes (lower oxygen partial pressure, so
lower combustion rates, so less likelihood of pre-ignition), but being
ignorant about all the effects, just go with the higher octane.  With
other cars, I just go with the regular gasoline, and have never had a
problem.  VW also recommends using regular gasoline without alcohol
(with the caveat, "if available").  When that was written, it WAS
generally available.  Nowadays, in some areas, ONLY gasoline with 10%
alcohol is sold, though here in Oklahoma it is available in some parts
of the state at a higher price than the gasoline with alcohol.  In much
of Texas, NO companies sell the "straight stuff."

I do try to pay attention to rpms, and not let them fall too much (avoid
lugging).

So, how does the addition of alcohol interact with the octane
recommendation and pinging or knocking?  And, am I just wasting my
money, as most auto manufacturers state, when I pay extra for the higher
octane stuff when out west?

Thanks, Dave McNeely