Testarossa owners: What octane fuel do you use? | FerrariChat
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Testarossa owners: What octane fuel do you use?

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Tifoso1, May 6, 2005.

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  1. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

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    #1 Tifoso1, May 6, 2005
    This is sort of a x-post from the tech forum, but I figure I ask here as well.

    The Testarossa's engine is set at a compression ratio of 8.8:1, not trying to be cheap or anything like that but I have read somewhere that the type of fuel a engine should run on (87, 89, 92, 93 etc) depends on what the engine's compression ratio is. Meaning, if it's ratio is 8.8, you will get no benefits by running a higher octane fuel such as a 93 and it can also cause it to run not as smooth. Is this correct?
     
  2. Capone

    Capone Karting

    Mar 29, 2005
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    #2 Capone, May 6, 2005
    I'm not sure about the ratios. I've just always used that Amoco 92 octane in all my cars. The other two choices are an 87 octane and an 89 octane with ethanol. I'd also like to hear some input on this.
     
  3. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

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    #3 Tifoso1, May 6, 2005
    Okay, FYI here it is:
    http://www.theserviceadvisor.com/octane.htm#1

    The Testarossa's c.r. is at 8.8:1, and the OM stated that it should use unleaded, with minimal RON 91 which equals to 87 Octane here in the States.
    I know what I will be doing on the next tank of gas, instead of opening up a Padora's box, I will let you draw your own conclusions. :)
     
  4. HUTCH91TR

    HUTCH91TR F1 Rookie

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    #4 HUTCH91TR, May 6, 2005
    I use 93 octane in my TR. Always have and always will. I do shop around for the lowest price, though.
    Also, worth noting regarding octane requirements, is what altitude you live and drive at. I recall reading somewhere that higher altitudes require lower octane gas.
     
  5. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

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    #5 Tifoso1, May 9, 2005
    Not trying to beat this topic to death, but just happen to be looking over the owner's manual and noticed on the inside of the front cover (US version) it states the following:

    This automobile is equipped with catalyst: Use unleaded fuel only (Recommended: Premium unleaded)

    I guess I will be re-thinking what I was going to do the next time I am at the pump again, *LOL*
     
  6. Bruckner

    Bruckner Rookie

    May 22, 2004
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    #6 Bruckner, May 9, 2005
    Higher octane fuel burns at a higher temperature, exhaust gazes are therefore hotter with higher octane than the engine is designed for, creating extra stress on exhaust valves. This said, a high performance engine should run fine with 91 or 93, but no benefit should be expected. And contrary to popular belief, higher octane isn't higher quality, octane rating is a measure of the blend's combustion characteristics. In fact, regular 87 octane gaz, being sold at much larger quantities than higher octane fuels, is more likely to be of better quality (blend purity, etc) because of higher production volume than comparatively speciality higher octane compositions.

    Does the Testarossa have ceramic exhaust valves?

    Regards,
    Bruckner
     
  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 Steve Magnusson, May 9, 2005
    87 AKI (but at 5300 ft elevation I could probably even run 85 AKI most days)
     
  8. dexter

    dexter Karting

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    #8 dexter, May 11, 2005
    87 octane in US for me.
     
  9. Wolfgang

    Wolfgang F1 World Champ
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    #9 Wolfgang, May 11, 2005
    Shell V-Power 100 Octane in Germany.
     
  10. steve f

    steve f F1 World Champ

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    #10 steve f, May 11, 2005
    I have tried diesel but the performance was down but it did more to the gallon
     
  11. Wolfgang

    Wolfgang F1 World Champ
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    #11 Wolfgang, May 11, 2005
    ROTFLMAO :D
     
  12. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

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    #12 Tifoso1, May 11, 2005
    Cool, who did the coversion for you?? It must be nice to have a Ferrari that can get you about 50MPG. :)
     
  13. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 Bullfighter, May 11, 2005
    Steve, do you notice much (any?) power loss at 5300 ft compared to closer to sea level? I drove a 328 in Denver and it felt pokey, and the owner said the altitude had an adverse effect on performance.

    I had driven a Ford Explorer just prior, so I didn't have a Ferrari frame of reference for "fast."

    We were using premium gasoline.

    Jon
     
  14. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #14 Steve Magnusson, May 11, 2005
    Jon -- I really don't have a frame of reference for judging the power loss due to the elevation since I don't do any driving at sea level (and the more HP you've got, the less the loss matters ;)) -- but every normally-aspirated car takes a ~16% power hit at 5300 feet elevation.
     
  15. hanknum

    hanknum Formula 3

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    #15 hanknum, May 11, 2005
    I've heard that you want to use the lowest octane rating that doesn't knock or ping. Knowing exactly when it knocks and pings can be a little difficult to determine. I run an Electromotive DIS with a different advance curve and have always used mid grade (89).

    Henry
     

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