Running a 2.0T on 87/89

[LegacyGTv2.0]

Does anyone have any experience with the 2.0 engine at 87/89? My manual has a sticker says 91 only, covering over the prior 91 recommended for best performance. I'm curious if anyone has logged it or anything. Driving is mostly dense urban, lots of stop and go.

There's a large price difference (~$0.70/gal, 30-40% more) in my area (DC/VA). It's sad that premium in CA (with all the CA taxes) is about the same price as here.

 

[Cyrus Duong]

You can do it. It's not recommended. You'll more than likely lose some power and have a small increase in risk in potential damage.

The car and its ECU is very smart though. If you put lower quality gasoline it'll pull timing, lower boost, and limit throttle in order to protect itself should it detect any sort of pre-ignition (knock) occurring. There are some people that run 89 and have not had a problem yet. If you're really pressed for saving money it's probably fine to do. But if affordable I'd stick to the manufacturers recommendations.

 

[MerlintheMad]

No damage. Just loss of performance. Even the MPG might be unaffected; some on here have even claimed as good as or better MPG than with premium gas. But, at the far end of an engine's life, one that has been burning 91-93 octane is going to be a "happier" engine than one that has been force-fed low octane. "Happier" means a bit longer life at the end; which more than likely won't be any concern of yours.

 

[Cyrus Duong]

Yeah more of an end of life thing... I plan on keeping this car as long as possible. So I guess it matters depending on how long you plan to keep.

 

[Mike_TX]

I've run Regular gas (87 octane) in two Kia Optima 2.0 Turbos, and in my Stinger 2.0, with zero ill effects. Gas mileage doesn't change, as far as I can tell, and the power loss might not even be noticeable to you.

I'll admit that my 2.0 Stinger DOES seem a little happier with Mid-grade (89 octane), and I've been running that for the last couple of months. But it's subtle enough that you might not notice the difference unless you're as persnickety as I am.