The ECM will adapt the fuel/spark tables based on the octane it senses in use. As you mentioned that will indeed raise the horsepower. I’ve seen gains as high as 50hp due to octane/fuel type changes so it’s a valid point. For me though, what mandated use of premium fuel is in either a performance application or where direct injection is used. Once you see the carbon buildup from using regular fuel you become a believer in premium ! Not to mention RELIGIOUS use of oil separators, ESPECIALLY when the vehicle has a power adder like a supercharger or turbo.
I did add a catch can when I brought it home, and you make a valid point about carbon build up. I'm just not sure I can justify the added cost of premium for the amount I use it and what I use it for. Now a high horsepower car or truck, that may be a different story. Lol
The ECM will adapt the fuel/spark tables based on the octane it senses in use. As you mentioned that will indeed raise the horsepower. I’ve seen gains as high as 50hp due to octane/fuel type changes so it’s a valid point. For me though, what mandated use of premium fuel is in either a performance application or where direct injection is used. Once you see the carbon buildup from using regular fuel you become a believer in premium ! Not to mention RELIGIOUS use of oil separators, ESPECIALLY when the vehicle has a power adder like a supercharger or turbo.
I did add a catch can when I brought it home, and you make a valid point about carbon build up. I'm just not sure I can justify the added cost of premium for the amount I use it and what I use it for. Now a high horsepower car or truck, that may be a different story. Lol