5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I've been trying out different types of regular and premium gas, but im still not sure what the best way to go is. I've been using premium for around a week now, but I dont notice much of an improvement in power (who would notice 4hp afterall?), but I seem to be getting pretty low gas mileage on premium.
I do alot of city driving, and on my old '94 Camry V6 I got around 18-21mpg when I was doing mostly city driving. On my new Camry, I filled up when I had about 3/4 left, and I only got 18.5mpg, which is horrible, considering that 22mpg is the EPA for city, while it was 17 on my '94 for EPA city. But I used my ScanGuage and on my way home I was able to get 33mpg, but I accelerated slowly, kept a consisitant speed (55mph), and didn't have to stop at all for about 10 miles.
So anyways, does using premium fuel lower the gas mileage? And is it worth using premium 93 gas when I have to fill up at least once a week?
personally i don't know why you would spend money for premium when you can fill it up with 87... it's silly to spend all that extra money with no noticable improvement...
__________________ 2003 Toyota Camry XLE V6, 18x7.5" ASA rims +40mm offset, Bridgestone Potenza Tires 225/45/18, H&R Sport Springs, TRD Exhaust/Strut Tower Brace/Rear Sway Bar, Wood Steering Wheel, 20% LLumar Tint
Thats what I was thinking, I wanted to use premium for a bit to see if I noticed a difference, but I really didnt. Is the only difference between using premium and regular that premium octane gives you a tad bit more power because of the advances in timings?
Higher octane fuel takes longer to burn and is harder to ignite. When you have a high performance engine the higher octane will allow you to run more aggressive timing, higher compression and such without pre-ignition/detonation.
A stock Camry being driven normally will not gain any performance. Granted, if the car was running really hot and you were climbing a steep mountain grade, premium fuel may get you a little more power by keeping the car out of spark knock. However, with the higher octane taking longer to burn you will likely end up with more deposits in the combustion chamber.
He's basing it on the way some vehicles advance timing when they sense a higher octane grade. The Accord supposedly puts out additional power on premium once the computer slowly adjusts for it. I thought I kept hearing about the 2GR-FE putting out 272 on premium, but I'm not familiar with the Camry and don't have a link.
There is absolutely no sense in feeding a car higher octane gas than what it's made to burn, because you will not receive any benefits.
Now if you were debating feeding 87 to a car that usually eats 91, that's a different story.
It's like some guys out there feeding their BMWs some special Sunoco 94 crap. LOL then they claim how their BMWs make at least 20 horses more. Pathetic fools.
__________________ 2008 Camry Hybrid | Magnetic Grey on Grey Leather | Bi-Xenon H1 4300K Retrofit | Italian Hertz Sound System (dash 4" EM 100, front 6.5" ECX 165, rear 6" x 9" ECX 690, 10" ES 250D sub in custom trunk enclosure, HDP5 5-channel amp, 1320W total power) | 4-sensor Rear Parking System | 20% Metallic Tint | Weathertech Floorliners | 17" ASA AR1 Rims | Toyo Garit KX (winter) | Toyo Versado LX II (summer)
The new HP ratings are based on the engine using the lowest grade fuel that the engine can burn. I know the 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE recommended 91 octane for best performance, but they could also run just fine on 87 with the timing retarded.
I hazard guess that the 2GR-FE is the same way. IIRC the 2GR-FE has a CR similar to that in the 1MZ-FE which recommended 91 octane. Some people with 1MZ engine noticed an increase in power and MPG when they used 91 over 87.
Higher octane fuel takes longer to burn and is harder to ignite. When you have a high performance engine the higher octane will allow you to run more aggressive timing, higher compression and such without pre-ignition/detonation.
A stock Camry being driven normally will not gain any performance. Granted, if the car was running really hot and you were climbing a steep mountain grade, premium fuel may get you a little more power by keeping the car out of spark knock. However, with the higher octane taking longer to burn you will likely end up with more deposits in the combustion chamber.
The point is use regular unleaded.
From what I heard, the 2GR-FE has knock sensors which will adjust the timing slowly when you use higher octane fuel, which would give you an extra 4HP and 8ft-lbs of torque. I know the gas itself doesnt give you more power.
He's basing it on the way some vehicles advance timing when they sense a higher octane grade. The Accord supposedly puts out additional power on premium once the computer slowly adjusts for it. I thought I kept hearing about the 2GR-FE putting out 272 on premium, but I'm not familiar with the Camry and don't have a link.
No, I'm not.
I didn't know vehicles could "sense" the octane of fuel. I could also give a flying fukk about a Honda Accord.
FACT: If a vehicle is not having preignition problems, RAISING THE OCTANE WILL NOT CREATE MORE POWER!
My Formula however, DOES make more power on premium fuel. The engine and the PCM programming were DESIGNED to run premium fuel. The car runs fine without it, but has less power because of preignition which causes the timing to be retarded.
premium dude she needs premium if she treats you well than give the love back i believe it makes your engine run smoother and it compliments your engine's compression ratio. but it does hurt to pay a $3.50 a gallon in L.A.
Another thing to consider is that I drive alot. I deliver pizza as a part-time job, so I put on around 50-80 miles per day. If it was a car that I used to get places, then I wouldnt have a problem using premium fuel, but since I drive so often and fill up so often im not really sure if it's worth it for me to continue using premium.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Premium will not give you more power. 
Linear Mode
