Premium gas

I chuckle at those who put 91+ in a Tacoma.
Sorry, complete waste of money.

 

Lexus is tuned to make more hp., the reason for premium fuel. The tacoma v6 is not, and runs best with 87.

 

On the topic of higher octane fuel in modern engines that are designed to operate on 87; if the ECU has the ability to increase timing, then you may see some increase in area under the curve, but not likely any increase in peak power or torque. The vehicle may be able to hold a lower gear longer, as it won't downshift to get out of a high load, low RPM knock-prone range of operation. Some vehicles may also see a slight increase in fuel economy.

Low speed pre-ignition is what most modern engines are trying to avoid.

Everything I just said is even more likely on a modern boosted engine. For example, my F150 (3.5TT) will safely run on 87, but when I run 91, it makes about 30 more lb-ft and downshifts less. It also gets slightly better fuel economy (~5%). Again, it's trying to fend off low rpm knock, it has nothing to do with peak power.

I'm not saying any of this applies to the Tacoma 3.5L, as I don't have that data. But, I can say that showing peak HP/TQ gains (or lack thereof) isn't the whole story.

 

You are not correct.

We have VVTI engines that are designed and can be tuned to benefit various octane ratings

But, it's really not a dramatic difference

 

On my POS tacoma the Premium fuels allows the truck to be driven without the feel that the truck is about to break down and not feeling like I am being hit in the back bumper all the time between 40 - 60 mph. It shifts correctly with the premium.

There has to be something wrong with certain trucks that the premium fixes the issues. I contacted Corp Toyota and their answer was take it to an independent mechanic because Toyota does not want to deal with the issue. I believe Toyota knows what is wrong and it will cost to much to fix the issue because of EPA Regulations.

 

This is dated info. The Tacoma’s ECU does dynamically adjust to octane levels.

 

Just for curiousity, I took your given information and compared it to mine with a little spreadsheet. This morning I filled up with regular at $3.299/gal and Premium was $3.949/gal, let's use these prices for comparison.

Your numbers are on the top, using premium fuel at $3.949/gal. Mine are on the bottom, with regular peasant fuel at $3.299/gal.



Even with your significantly better mpgs (which I don't know how you prove is 100% due to using premium fuel, when you also have a tune, etc..), you still are spending more $ per mile. Your earlier post mentioned you getting 19-20 mpgs, which by the #'s you gave, you clearly are not lol (averaging 18mpgs).

Fuelly may not lie, but neither does math.

 

even my 2005 4.0 adjusts.

 

that's your opinion. i did the math and it's about the same price per mile no matter what octane you use. averaged 287 miles per on tank on 87, 315-320 on 89, 365 on 91, and 410 on 93. but really, i just like the way it drives with higher octane fuel. pinging, gear hunting, and pathetic power loss from the timing retard is normal with 87. I do have a 2.7L engine so your experience may differ. almost any modern OBD2 vehicle can take advantage of higher quality fuel.

it runs like shit because it's running on knock sensors with cheap gas. seems like the transmission doesn't like that.

 

What does VVTI have to do with octane? It allows for better performance by advancing or retarding the cam timing.

Are you saying that switching to 93 octane netted you at least a 6 MPG improvement over 87?

 

it doesn't just retard timing.

quit looking to argue and read all the posts in this entire thread. only then will you be capable of learning something, my son.

open your mind by focusing your chi.

 

It sounds like you're in agreeance though, that it is a waste of money, since you admitted "it's about the same price per mile no matter what octane you use". Therefore, it would be a waste of money since you are paying more to go the same distance.

But if you like the way it drives with 93, that's fine!

 

I'm not arguing with you about the price. I'm saying the truck runs better on higher octane fuel and it's not any more expensive to run that fuel. it's absolutely not a waste of money. stop trying to imply I'm saying things that I'm not.

 

I'm trying to learn. Please explain what a system called variable valve timing with intelligence does besides vary the valve timing?

 

good question. It can adjust not only the timing, but also the lift, in other words, it can adjust how open or closed a valve is (more than just what the cam lobes could do on their own). with all these variations in adjustment, the Ignition can be altered accordingly, making a really wide range of variations, and other systems adjustments etc... in other words, change one thing and other things can be changed too.
I'm not the best person to fully explain this, so let me find a link for you.

How Toyota's VVT-i System Works - Olathe Toyota Parts Center


and this read would complement the first.

Gasoline explained - octane in depth - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

 

https://jalopnik.com/how-variable-valve-timing-works-500056093

 

It adjusts alright...to run worse on premium. My 3.5 tacoma runs like a turd after a few tank of premium gas. Switch back to 87, and after a number of miles the truck runs normal again. I'll never run anything more than 89 in my truck...seems that's the cutoff point, with any higher octane it loses power.

 

There are many factors. Octane, quality of gas, elevation, temperature, spark plugs, etc. It’s hard to make blanket statements and it also explains everyone’s differing experiences.

 

Being tuned I get to take advantage of premium fuel so there ha eat it

 

Many people here are tuned.