Which gasoline

[SOBESVT]

I have been shopping around for prices lately. Today I paid 2.06 per gallon of Exxon Premium. I had the idea that most gasolines are more or less the same thing and that the only important consideration was using the right octane according to the manufacturer's specs. I noticed however, that Shell has begun to advertise a new kind of Premium called V-Power that supposedly “Actively cleans as you drive”. When you read the small type Shell claims that this V-Power “has more than five times the minimum amount of cleaning agents required by government standards”

My questions are:

1. Do you guys this is just a market plot or there are really better brand of gasoline than others? and
2. If you think that there are better brand of gasoline than others, which one do you like the best?

I have ruled my self out of Citgo (which is a shame since they carry the cheapest premium in town) since Citgo belongs to the state owned Petroleos de Venezuela and the Venezuelan government is actively supporting Fidel Castro’s regime in Cuba and has been blaming the US for all of everything that goes wrong there (which is almost everything).

Bottom line, I was wondering which is the better gas to buy or if I should keep on buying the cheapest premium I can find?

[Euro_SVT]

Some places do put "additives" in - but other than that it's all pretty much the same to me.

I've had problems in the past with Shell (low test) knocking in other vehicles - so I never buy there. (Even thought I don't have those vehicles any longer.)

I think It's pretty much a marketing scam they can back by their "additives".

[svt170]

I buy Shell 93 octane, and nothing else. I used to buy 94 from Sunoco, but my SVTF didn't like it... Not sure why. :huh: I was given a coupon for 5 free gallons of the new V-Power you are talking about, but haven't tried it yet. I only have 7300 miles, so I'm not all that worried about the fuel cleaning. Am I wrong to think that? What exactly do those cleaning agents do? <I know, I know, "They clean" :D >

[junehhan]

I use either Marathon 93 octane premium, or BP/Amoco premium. As far as Sunoco 94 octane goes, I think that would be overkill for most SVTf's since you are paying a premium for just 1 octane point. Using too high of an octane in a car not designed for it can hurt performance. Since the factory requires 91 octane, most of us have access to 93octane premium anyway(sorry about you people in Cali) :moon:

[Rudejake]

I believe that adding more additives to gas is like taking vitamins, once you reach a certain level, adding more has little positive effect. Ever once in a while one of the companies try it again, but it never seems to last long. Back in the 60's I believe it was Shell advertised their gas had a super additive called TCP. (which my grandfather told me stood for Tom Cat Pee!) I'm betting the new stuff was dreamed up by an ad-exec and does little to help your car.

There are very few companies that actually refine their own gas today. There are 3 or 4 main ones that pipe it to distribution centers and then the marketing people (station owners) buy from them. Chances are if you'd buy gas from 3 different stations it all came from the same refinery. The only gas that I've had problems with and won't buy is BP. Any time I ever put it in my truck, it pings and knocks. I just buy from whomever is the cheapest... usually the "Joe's Carryout" type place.

The group that really bothers me is OPEC. We depend on those countries WAY TOO MUCH and one of these days they're going to say... no oil for you! Then we'll be royally :kiss:

[SOBESVT]

The group that really bothers me is OPEC. We depend on those countries WAY TOO MUCH and one of these days they're going to say... no oil for you! Then we'll be royally :kiss:

Isn't that what is happening right about now? :eek:

[Rudejake]

Ya, they just backed off production to raise prices and remind us who's really in charge. Just think what it would be like if they refused to sell us ANY! It wouldn't even have to be permantent... just a month. They've got enough $$$ to do it for that long, they could just sit back and laugh as all the SUV's litered the highways.

[SOBESVT]

They've got enough $$$ to do it for that long, they could just sit back and laugh as all the SUV's litered the highways.

Don't be so sure about that. Most of the OPEC countries have estremely corrupt goverments that believe it or not need the cash flow desperately. The sure can do some black mailing but as to halt production I am not so sure. Those guys lack discipline and common goals (other than to make money) and I can hardly see them getting together to take such a huge step.

See what happened in Venezuela last year when the Oil Industry striked against the government for almost 3 months. That sole strike left the 5th largest oil exporter's industry cripled -for lack of investment- and hasn't recovered all that much ever since.

[oskarSVtee]

I use either Marathon 93 octane premium, or BP/Amoco premium. As far as Sunoco 94 octane goes, I think that would be overkill for most SVTf's since you are paying a premium for just 1 octane point. Using too high of an octane in a car not designed for it can hurt performance. Since the factory requires 91 octane, most of us have access to 93octane premium anyway(sorry about you people in Cali) :moon:

And us in Maricopa County, Arizona with our "boutique" mixes that primarily come from California. 91 octane is the top we get and we're still paying around $2.25 a gallon for the 91 octane stuff. :kiss:

[Jugomugo]

I generally use Phillips 66 (93 oct) since the gas station is right down the block and nice. Other than that, Shell and Amoco/BP generally.

[foreverford]

i hauled gasoline for westgate oil co. and learned that marathon gas is best, Amoco also sells it and stations sell whatever is cheapest that day so you get a mix of gasolines everytime you buy from them. sometimes the mixer is better then other times,but most of the time you get ashland,sunoco(shell) or BP.

[jb10fan]

I filled up with the V-Power stuff today, car is running great, I will probably use it from now on, same price as same old premium too.

[jdrawlings07]

I use Mobil, it's probably the same as Exxon since they own it. Mobil cost a little more than the others sometimes, but you get what you pay for! Besides, Mobil created Mobil 1 oil, which is the BEST!!!

[SOBESVT]

Funny! Here in Miami Mobil is always the cheapest

[deactivated]

here we have sort of a gas monopoly....citgo pretty much has all the stations. I go to Texaco though most of the time. I guess I shouldn't since their CEOs are racist, but I fill my tank up with gas, not politics. :wtf:

[foreverford]

ya i forgot about mobil, you got it good stuff.

[junehhan]

here we have sort of a gas monopoly....citgo pretty much has all the stations. I go to Texaco though most of the time. I guess I shouldn't since their CEOs are racist, but I fill my tank up with gas, not politics. :wtf:


Let me ask you, do you think Texaco is racist because you have seen it first hand, or because Jesse Jackson and his extortionists say it is? If you have done solid research and have come to the conclusion they are racist, that's fine. However, for the people who say Texaco is racist because some lying extortionist says they are, then I guess Coca Cola, Annheiser Busch, Microshaft, and the many other companies that have been shaken down for bit donations into someone's personal charity that is their personal slush fund is racist as well. There are always separate sides to each story, and rarely does the side that get's told by the liberal media, and told by the parties involved tell the entire story. Thankfully, we have a good choice of gasolines in our region from BP, Shell, Marathon, Sunoco, Mobil, Exxon, and many others of which also includes Citgo(never had good luck with it).

[foreverford]

the biggest thing about gas is, the deposits it leaves behind after it is burned. there are cleaner gases then others due to the refinement. your car may run fine on most gases but it is what you don't see is what you should also concern yourself with! Mobil or Marathon for me for what is availible in west michigan.

[springbuck]

I filled up with EXXON or CITIGO in my V6 Countour and I had to replace the fuel pump twice because the filters on the pump clogged up from the fuel. Once under warrenty and the next time at 37000 miles at my own expense. Very expensive it was as well as you could only get it from Ford. Since then I try to use only shell.

[BLKSVT03]

:hbomb: Hey my gas station in IL here Sells 110 Octane in the pump.... But its leaded, and the motor will probably melt........... SHOULD I TRY IT?? hehehehehe

Oh wait... its almost 4 bux a gallon, and says not for highway use..... nevermind.

[Jugomugo]

Yeah... I don't think the Zetec would care too much for race fuel...

Better left for :fryem:

[BLKSVT03]

Yeah I know.. it was a joke on the 110 Octane but there are a few places that do sell 100 Octane unleaded around here still I think.

[Jugomugo]

Yeah I know.. it was a joke on the 110 Octane

Yeah I know... I was just commenting. :-)

I was talking to some Gran National guys and they were talking about this special paint thinner at Sherwin Williams that you can mix to gas to make race fuel... I think I'll just stick with 93.

[BLKSVT03]

Well My family had a hardware store for many years as i ws growing up ... it was probably "Denatured Alcohol Solvent" which is basically Grain Alcohol... A.K.A Moonshine or we drink it as "Ever Clear" 100 Proof stuff... but they have to add Naptha to it so it is Undrinkable. but it is basically just alcohol...

Yes you could put it in the car and yes it would go faster, but the problem is alcohol itself dries out the seals, and gaskets in cars.... why do you think they use a lot more metal fuel lines these days.

The poor Dukes of Hazard boys should have installed metal fuel Lines, just doe to the fact that someone kept "Cutting their lines"

Of course every line that was cut in the General Lee was rubber... this included gas lines and brake lines. hahahahaha

Remember: Special Paint thinner= Denatured Alcohol Solvent

[jdrawlings07]

I filled up with EXXON or CITIGO in my V6 Countour and I had to replace the fuel pump twice because the filters on the pump clogged up from the fuel. Once under warrenty and the next time at 37000 miles at my own expense. Very expensive it was as well as you could only get it from Ford. Since then I try to use only shell.
You must of bought CITGO. The fuel filter is probably one of the most things people don't change. About every 20,000 miles I believe is good maintenance. Exxon is the same as Mobil I believe. Mechanics don't really like warranty work that much, no $$$.

[deactivated]

well I got some 91 Citgo today and frick it was like cleaning the injectors. I guess every once in a while it is good to get some 91.

[svt170]

well I got some 91 Citgo today and frick it was like cleaning the injectors. I guess every once in a while it is good to get some 91.
:jawdrop: :thud:
Inteller! I'm surprised at you! :eek: You don't always use 91? :wzup:
Just yankin' your Continentals, brother. :hehe:
I guess I take my Shell 93 for granted sometimes. Makes my car go bananas :bna.

[deactivated]

well, I actually had the choice of 91 today for a good price cause I was out in the middle of BFE and suddenly I find this ultra modern Citgo with blend choices galore. Otherwise we always have 93 in T-Town. People say to run the minimum octane for your NA car....I sorta believe it....it seems to take well to the hotter weather anyhow.

After I burn through this tank, I'll go back to 93 probably.

[svt170]

Now I'm confused. :confused:
I've never heard that before (not saying I don't believe it). If it's better, why go back to pumping the 93?

<EDIT> You updated your post. Now I get it. What do you mean by "blend"? Choice of 88-94?

[deactivated]

Well, it is what I've heard....I don't totally believe it either, but if you rode with me with the 93 I had and then with the 91 you would agree something is different. It even burns different because the car had a slightly lower exhaust note. That could be due to some adjustment in MAF sensors on the octane.

Or it could all just be because I had really stale gas and the new stuff was tank day 1 fresh.

[svt170]

:geek: Now I gotta try the 91.

[Fordson]

I live 3 miles down the road from the Tuscarora reservation - 93 is $1.90/gallon. Regular stations are like $2.13 now. Runs great - I have filled up with brand-name gas when on long trips, and there is no difference I can see. Only thing makes a difference in how this car runs is outside temperature. I bet it's making 10-15% more hp at 60 degrees than at 90.

[deactivated]

i'd say if all you have ever run is 93...then yeah you should.

[BLKSVT03]

As far as my old understanding is, at least in the Chicago area with "special reformulated gasoline, for lower emissions" is that the 91 is actually regular unleaded with alot more Methanol (grain alcohol) to raise the octane. 93 is actually better refined gasoline. The difference you could be noticing is the alcohol cleaning some of the gunk out of the engine, and depending on the blend of alcohol/peroleum could be running hotter.

I always used to use Amaco (BP) 93 (cause it was clear and that was cool) and it seemed to work ok, but with my luck if I was using 91 and the car broke they would probably say they can't warranty it cause I did'nt have premium gas in it.