The Nissan Path

Kestral · Moderator Joined: 12 Apr 2014 Posts: 689 Location: MA

My 2013 5.0 V8 Mustang GT will make less power running 87 octane then running 91 or 93. This is well documented and running the stock tune which I am not so I have to run 93 in mine. Will the R51 4.0 V6 make less power running 87 other then 91 octane? I feel no difference between the fuel grades. I do wonder though every time I open my fuel door there is a sticker that reads "Premimum fuel recommended for maximum performance"

On a side note I run 87 in my Pathy except when I tow my camper this summer I will only run 91. I don't want to take the chance of spark knock when towing 5,000 lbs.

disallow · Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 5:10 am Post subject:

The knock sensor will prevent spark knock, by retarding the timing accordingly, and theoretically producing less power.

I've only noticed this when the engine is under extreme load, like when pulling my camper.

A bigger reason to run 91 in my area is to avoid ethanol, no ethanol in this grade of fuel...
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Terry in Winnipeg

'05 Pathfinder SE Premium 4x4 - 343000kms (213000mi) - weekend warrior, Cortex Superchips on 87 Octane Tune, K&N filtercharger, Airlift 1000, Prodigy Brake controller, 7 pin trailer hookup, Prostart Remote Starter, Cooper Discoverer ATw P265/70/16

jeepguy07 · Joined: 12 Nov 2014 Posts: 5 Location: United States

Ethanol is in ALL grades of gasoline. At the very least 10% of it is ethanol. There are no more stations selling 100% conventional gasoline.
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05 Pathfinder SE
03 Jeep TJ (salvage) built not bought Smile

99 Mercury Mystic (work beater)
98 Jeep TJ (wrecked but running)
84 Chevy K20 (coast start only) Sad

70 CJ5 (in pieces)

disallow · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 3:05 pm Post subject:

Not where I live.
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Terry in Winnipeg

'05 Pathfinder SE Premium 4x4 - 343000kms (213000mi) - weekend warrior, Cortex Superchips on 87 Octane Tune, K&N filtercharger, Airlift 1000, Prodigy Brake controller, 7 pin trailer hookup, Prostart Remote Starter, Cooper Discoverer ATw P265/70/16

disallow · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 3:06 pm Post subject:

Not where I live.
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Terry in Winnipeg

'05 Pathfinder SE Premium 4x4 - 343000kms (213000mi) - weekend warrior, Cortex Superchips on 87 Octane Tune, K&N filtercharger, Airlift 1000, Prodigy Brake controller, 7 pin trailer hookup, Prostart Remote Starter, Cooper Discoverer ATw P265/70/16

skinny2 · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 4:56 pm Post subject:

There's a difference between 87 and 91+, although it's pretty subtle unless you're into the go pedal hard and often. I have a couple very steep hills on my commute that I can just pull in 5th gear at 60mph when running premium but need a downshift with regular fuel. There are times when it's super humid that the same is true regardless of fuel type, so it's a very slight difference at lower rpms. When you open it up though you can tell more obviously. I usually pass several cars a day on my commute and there's a noticeable difference at WOT.

I usually try to run at least mid grade but it depends where i fill up. The station I prefer to use is only $0.20/gallon more for 93 octane so I'll usually fill-up with that when convenient. I'm at 135k miles now and I've noticed the last 20k miles or so it gets slightly better mpg on premium. The station on the other end of my commute charges almost $.0.60/gallon more for premium so I just fill with 87 there.
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2008 Pathfinder SE 4x4

Kestral · Moderator Joined: 12 Apr 2014 Posts: 689 Location: MA

Just wondering Skinny2 at 135K on your "08" are you on the original timing chain ?

skinny2 · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 4:10 am Post subject:

Yes, original chain. I don't have any suspect noises from the chain/guides either.
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2008 Pathfinder SE 4x4

disallow · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 4:56 am Post subject:

I'm at 160k miles on my original chain as well. 2005.
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Terry in Winnipeg

'05 Pathfinder SE Premium 4x4 - 343000kms (213000mi) - weekend warrior, Cortex Superchips on 87 Octane Tune, K&N filtercharger, Airlift 1000, Prodigy Brake controller, 7 pin trailer hookup, Prostart Remote Starter, Cooper Discoverer ATw P265/70/16

disallow · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 5:06 am Post subject:

08PathPounder · Joined: 17 Dec 2014 Posts: 117 Location: NJ

I notice a decently significant difference in fuel mpg and how long a tank lasts as far as miles go when I use higher octane fuel. I know this because my driving habit doesn't change and I do some pretty consistent driving to and from work @ about 80mph daily for 17 miles one way and about 40 mph for 4.5 miles in the same shot. Higher octane last me about 315 miles per tank lower octane I won't break 300. Roughly 285 miles per tank. Is it worth the 4 extra bucks at fill? Thought the year id say yes.
[img]

This is with 91 oct with 89 I'll get 47 at the very best @ this mph and rpm
Please excuse the SES . That damn evap leak. Po456 [/img]
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08 Pathfinder S :
Bull Bar, Spectra Premium Radiator Swap, Air Lift 1000. Nexen Roadian A/T Pro RA8 LT245/75r16
JVC touchscreen head unit, JBL 6x9, MTX Thunder 6.5 Sundown svc-2000d pushing a Sundown Zv4 12 d2 @1ohm

jeepguy07 · Joined: 12 Nov 2014 Posts: 5 Location: United States

I hauled gas for 8 years all over Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. I quit in 2011. As of then you could not load conventional gasoline ANYWHERE. Even branded product had 10% ethanol in it. It is now mandated in the U.S. that ALL gasoline have at least 10% ethanol in it. I don't necessarily agree with it, but it is what it is.
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05 Pathfinder SE
03 Jeep TJ (salvage) built not bought Smile

99 Mercury Mystic (work beater)
98 Jeep TJ (wrecked but running)
84 Chevy K20 (coast start only) Sad

70 CJ5 (in pieces)

Zen_master · Joined: 12 Apr 2013 Posts: 262

skinny2 · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 9:30 am Post subject:

I've started consistently running premium over the last month or two and my mpg is up 1mpg or better. Pretty much pays for the fuel premium.
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2008 Pathfinder SE 4x4

FLiPMaRC · Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 472 Location: NJ

This is the best "Distance to Empty" I've gotten using regular 87 octane gas. This was during a 1,600 mile road trip to Canada.

Disregard that 28.4mpg. With all highway driving, I only average 21-22mpg. With mix city/highway I average 16-17mpg.

I only use 87 octane so far.
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2012 Pathfinder SV 4x4 | 2001 Eclipse GS