Re: 87 octane vs 89 octane

I'm considering the purchase of a 2006 Charger with the 3.5L V6.

> I'm concerned about the recommended octane level for the 3.5.

If it's the same engine they put in the 300M's, then my 2000 300M does just fine on 87 octane. That's all I ever use.

I've read that 87 octane is "OK" to use in the 06 3.5 but there > must be a difference or 89 wouldn't be the primary choice.

The horsepower, torque, 1/4 mile times they publish are probably using

89 or 91 octane. That's why they say the recommended octane is 89 - so that you don't complain to them when you don't get the 1/4 mile time that Road and Track says they got.

Recommended is basically bullshit. It's when they say "required" that you have to sit up and take notice.

What problems will I have if I use 87 exclusively? (pinging, > loss of power, etc.) Thanks.

With electronic timing and ping sensors, and the fact that the lowest grade of gas you can find is basically 87, even engines designed to use 89 (which I'm sure the 3.5l isin't) can get by with 87.

Reply to
MoPar Man
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I have an '06 Ram with the Hemi and in the manual it says to use 89 octane. I've read stories where people have used 87 instead and have had to have all fuel lines and fuel rails replaced. I just look at it as spending a few more dollars for something that's required.

Reply to
Tbone

I've heard stories about werewolves and vampires.

I guess that lower octane wears out steel???

Reply to
Tony D.

That's bull crap.

The fuel lines aren't affected by the octane rating of the gas.

They're not even affected by the blend of ethanol or methanol in the gas (but rubber and plastic components are).

That's exactly what the oil companies want you to do. They put a premium product out there for people with money burning a hole in their pocket.

Reply to
MoPar Man

I've got about 65K miles on it after almost 7 years of ownership. 85% of those are city miles.

When I'm on the highway, with the cruise control set for 120 km/h (75 mph) my tach says about 2250 rpm and the overhead milage display shows anywhere from 26 to 30 mpg (highways around here are pretty flat) but there might be a headwind sometimes. Seeing the display at 28 for long stretches on perfectly flat sections is not uncommon. Turning the AC on will usually knock about 1 mpg off the readout.

I'm very happy with the milage I get on the highway.

I also keep my tires at 34 psi. That probably helps.

Reply to
MoPar Man

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