Best gas solved

Most people here who run premium do so because the motor runs smoother and the overall driving experience is better. Not for MPG gains. Some people are lucky and the truck runs the same on regular or premium. It's the same as some have trucks that clunk on downshift, or vibes in the pedals, or vibes on decel, etc, etc. It all depends on the truck.

I have never seen anything here that shows premium improves MPG. I doubt that is really possible.

My truck on regular runs like it's dropped a cylinder. My truck on 93 runs like a Singer. And yes, I have brought this issue up with the dealer.

 

lol, let me help with that

 

I agree and disagree. It is the detergent that makes the difference between the tankers because for the most part the base fuel is the same. The purpose of the top tier and cleaner gas was EPA based due to wanting an improvement in smog levels. He in southern Cali we have the strictest smog laws. That’s why everytime you look to buy an upgrade like an intake for example it will say legal in 50 states except California ( that would make 51 states in my math book)
We used to have smog alert days when I was a kid and dinosaurs roamed the earth. When it was a smog alert, no recess just stayed in doors all day. So TOP TIER, recently joined by ARCO is cleaner. Why exactly does it burn faster? Well some say water or alcohol content. Unless I am there with beaker and analyzing kit at every pump I would just be spreading rumors also. BUT take the challenge and do the miles per tank test not mpg and you WILL see a difference. As far as “warehouse” gas. As discussed I’m not going to get a membership just because it’s cheap but because it is equal to chevron in quality and miles per tank in my opinion. If I just wanted cheap gas I’d go to Valero or arco or sunshine ,or other mom and pop places in the ghetto. Arco is great gas....for a lawn mower!

But hey. To any readers of this post. Just experienment. Try 2 or 3 tanks of one brand then 2or 3 of another till you find the truth for yourself. But you have to be somewhat scientific as far as accurate documentation and consistance. Some people might say it not worth the trouble but here in southern Cali with extremely high gas prices and vehicle registration in the long run.... it’s worth it.

 

So should I run race gas then?

 

I found that farting in my gas tank seems to be the most natural and effective at allowing me to gain maximum ponies and tire burning torque as I hear bald eagles exiting my exhaust pipe as I’m blasting “Take Me Home, Country Roads“. It’s all about the smiles per gallon right?

 

Yes and yes. You can add 76 to that list bro I’ve done’em all. As far as octane?
Well over the years my OCD has had some benifets for others as far as me being the “test pilot.”

This 3rd gen Tacoma. 91,89,87. Not enough difference in HP or mpg worth mentioning if any. I just go down the middle with 89. Heavy freeway traffic. Mountain and hills sometimes and a lot of tools and materials so...

 

The only choice l have for Top Tier Fuel is Valero, I fill up with it whenever I can.

 

Never noticed a problem with Arco. Top tier, and they sell so much fuel, it’s always fresh.

 

I just want to note that the full discount of fuel at Costco is pretty huge, considering the Top Tier fuel and the price at the pump. $0.40 less per gallon than the local average. Combine that with the now-paid-for Executive Membership, and if using the Costco Citi Visa, there is another 4% layered on for fuel purchased anywhere with the card.

I use Costco for the Taco and bike. My wife uses 76. She says that her Forester XT runs rougher on cold starts and believes that she is getting better MPGs at 76.

Totaled up, with just enough stuff purchased to come close to covering the Executive Membership, we're getting a $600+ check at the end of the month from the credit card.

 

I agree but I do know that the Executive Membership 2% does not qualify for the cash back just the Costco Citi 4% back at any qualifying gas station.

 

Yes. I apologize if that was unclear.

 

Found the Costco baller lol.

 

Here's some good fuel that's CARB/California compliant and 100 octane . Available at VP Racing Fuels gas stations in 5 gal containers at $76 per container or $15 per gal

https://vpracingfuels.com/vp-street-legal-fuel/

 

I use Costco gas 99% of the time. I have a Costco right next to work and also another close to home. I've had no issues in regards to idle or rough starts and my mpg is pretty consistent depending on season.

Before that I used the gas station (not top tier) right around the corner from me and after awhile have had the hesitation and rough idle. Before doing anything to diagnose, I simply used Techron in two tanks along with top tier gas and the hesitation and rough idle went away.

I've never used non top tier after that.

 

Before we switched to Chevron 15yrs or 20yrs ago, we would need to dump in some injector cleaner every 6mo. Chevron fuels solved that permanently. I think with the advent of Top Tier (or industrial espionage), additives have gotten a lot better. 10yrs ago, I avoided all the new market-priced stations popping up at big box stores. Now, esp once the easy-to-get-to Chevron closed, I gave Costco a shot and came away happy for over 18mo now.

 

I started using 91 and my truck runs and even shift better. I am also getting 20 more miles per gas tank, so there is that.

 

According to Costco's advertisement at the pumps, they use 5x more detergent than the minimum required.

 

I love this conversation. Me and the wife drove from Florida to Utah and back. We stuck with top tier gas as much as possible but using 87 86 octane. About mid Texas we decided to use premium 91 93 (top tier) Because we where so loaded down with weight. And on average we got about 40 more miles out of a tank.
Just my 2 cents

 

Ha! That was initially disturbing to me. In the way of what was mentioned above about additives not being fuel. My MPGs (Taco and two different bikes) were steady at Costco compared to Chevron.

I will say that the E-0 I filled up once at a Cenex that is too far away was jaw-dropping good. I could feel the change just starting the motor and leaving the station. Fuck ethanol.

 

I just want to throw in some math here, because everyone loves math

Assuming you can use Costco to fill about 5k miles/yr at 20mpg. Gas costs 2$/gal. You would buy 250 gallons. Getting 4% cash back would net $20, saving 40 cents/gal from other top tier stations nets you another $100.

I drive more than that, gas costs more than that, and I save more than 40 cents locally. 3 for 3 in my favor. And I pay the $110 yearly membership or whatever it is now. So the cost of membership is worth it for just gas access alone.