2011 2.5L I4 Runs Better on 89 octane

[NuclearRat]

I stepped up to 89 recently and noticed an improvement in both mileage and low-rpm torque and acceleration. I figured there would be a noticeable improvement since this engine has a fairly high compression ratio. I got it close to empty and filled it up with 89. It took the computer about two days worth of driving to fully adjust timing to make use of the higher octane. I've been using 89 ever since.

I'm just curious if any of you have tried different octane ratings and noticed a difference in performance/mileage.

[C11Red]

I have not tried that

But how much of mpg did you gain

[arabianobsession]

I have used both 89, 91, and 93 in my SE with a 6 speed manual and have noticed no difference whatsoever. The 2AR engine is not like the 2GR where it can change the timing.

[NuclearRat]

Hmm.. Must be placebo effect :P

I've gained about 2mpg

[BlackCamSe]

I run 93 in my 2gr. Much better power. With a compression ratio of 10.8:1 it's deff worth it. Not sure what the compression of the 2ar is

[nuchieboy]

^
me too....only bp ultimate (93)

[arabianobsession]

I believe 10.5 but see my above post.

[julyaric720]

With a compression ratio of 10.8:1 it's deff worth it.

[BlackCamSe]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

I have used both 89, 91, and 93 in my SE with a 6 speed manual and have noticed no difference whatsoever. The 2AR engine is not like the 2GR where it can change the timing.

Any modern car running OBDII can adjust timing based on the octain of the fuel being used. Timing and spark advance is constantly monitored and changed by the ECM by using the inputs of many sensors. One of which is the knock sensor. When you use a lower grade fuel the ecm will retard the timing based on inputs from the knock sensor, making the plugs fire earlier to prevent detonation. which can rob some power. When you use a higher grade fuel the knock sensor tells the ecm that there is no detonation and will then advance the timing. But with a compression ratio of only 10.4:1 you shouldnt notice much of a difference.

[NuclearRat]

Well, the reason I switched octane to begin with is because I heard what sounded like a ping when I goosed it from a stop while the engine was cold. It could have just been the sound of the intake or something, but it sounded a lot like a ping. Since switching to 89 I haven't heard it make the sound since and then I started noticing smoother acceleration and it seems to get up to speed a lot easier, with less gas pedal travel. I'm wondering if ethanol is to blame for needing to step up to 89 octane.. It could also be the winter blend.. I use BP.. I've tried Chevron 87 too, though and still hear a ping every now and then.. Which the owners manual says is normal, actually...

I will say though that this engine does not like 93 octane. It takes longer to get started on 93 octane.

[mmm666]

I run chevron 87 all the time on my 2006 camry v6. I get 30 mpg all the time.

I suggest you run chevron 87 on your 2011 camry and sleep well.

[2011SECAMRY]

I always run Chevron 91 regardless of what the factory tells me the min octane rating is (87) The car runs smooth and has great power.. Even if your car doesn't suggest to I would run 91 all the time. Its just better for the motor and all around performance. For and extra 2.00 bucks a tank it is totally worth it to use 91 or higher. Just my .02

[alexorozco92]

I wish California had 93.
I use Chevron 91, no complaints here!

[GT-R]

Damn you guys with 93!!!

I wish I can feed my 2GR 93 too... but stuck with 91.

[BlackG5]

Originally Posted by mmm666

I suggest you run chevron 87 on your 2011 camry and sleep well.

this.

all this "feels more powerful, runs better, etc" is garbage. the cars were designed and tuned(ecm) to run on 87.

My dad's Z06 can run on 87, its all in what the computer tells it to do. Too much timing advance with lower octane and it'll ping.

Ask Paul@Dezod Motorsports how dynamic the ecu in the tC is(same as the 2az camry)-- he said it's always changing and trying to find the knock threshold even on cars with piggyback ecu's, which basically means, run 87 octane because the car will figure it out.

If it makes you sleep better to waste money on fuel then so be it.