Does anyone know why in the western states that regular gasoline is 85 octane?

Question

Is it ok to use? Or is it a scam to get people to buy the correct grade at a higher price. I know of no vehicles owner manual as stating it is correct grade of fuel. Also does anyone know where to get a kit to convert vehicles to flex fuel use?

Answer 1

Octane labeling is to indicate the fuel's resistance to pre-ignition.

As pressure in the cylinder increases due to higher atmospheric pressure, higher compression ratio or use of a turbo, you need higher octane to prevent pre-ignition which can damage the engine.

You can reduce the chance of pre-ignition by reducing the load on your engine (not pressing down as hard on the gas when accelerating)

Most modern car engines have relatively low compression ratios and are fine using the lower octane fuel.

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To get a flexi-fuel kit for your car would require you to see your dealer or a company that specializes in such conversions.  It will involve reprogramming the fuel control system computer in your car. and possibly replacing the fuel injectors. (it might be cheaper to sell your car and buy one that is already flexi-fuel ready)

Answer 2

You can use any octane you want.  It doesn't really matter.  Higher octane is just to get you to pay more.

And 85 octane is sold everywhere, not just in the west.

Answer 3

I live in Oklahoma and they do not have it here. They have 87 lowest.

Answer 4

If you have 85 octane in your area, I can PROMISE you are not near sea level!

The higher you go in the mountains, the "thinner" the air is, and the less compression your engine will be able to inflict on the fuel, so a lower octane fuel can be used.

I would use it, just not if you're going to drive down to the beach and drag race your buddies on the Sunset strip on the same tank of gas.  But chances are wherever you are that's selling it, you probably couldn't get there on that tank of fuel anyway.

Answer 5

The octane requirement for any engine declines as altitude increases.  Most western states are at a high enough altitude that 85 is sufficient for engines that require 87 octane at sea level.

Answer 6

farm vehicles may burn at the lower octane

don't know where to get a kit to convert vehicles to flex fuel use, but i expect it makes more sense to buy a car with the flex fuel