I was watching Two Guys Garage, and they were interviewing a rep. from Hypertech [they make aftermarket chips for car computers].
His very interesting conclusion was that for street engines below 9 to 1, 87 octane was all that you need, with the proper advance curve. From 9 to 1, to 10 to 1, he called it "no man's land", and there was some benefit to a higher octane program. Above 10 to 1, then the premium program was of course, best.
Their testing revealed that when 87 was used in a lower compression ratio engine , and fuel and advance were set for best power, no extra power was to be gained by going up in octane, with any tuning. The results were virtually identical.
These people have nothing to gain by stating these things, as it is the same for them to program anything you want. They are simply stating a money saving result of their findings.
Forced induction is another matter.
His very interesting conclusion was that for street engines below 9 to 1, 87 octane was all that you need, with the proper advance curve. From 9 to 1, to 10 to 1, he called it "no man's land", and there was some benefit to a higher octane program. Above 10 to 1, then the premium program was of course, best.
Their testing revealed that when 87 was used in a lower compression ratio engine , and fuel and advance were set for best power, no extra power was to be gained by going up in octane, with any tuning. The results were virtually identical.
These people have nothing to gain by stating these things, as it is the same for them to program anything you want. They are simply stating a money saving result of their findings.
Forced induction is another matter.
