copelals Posted December 14, 2003 Share Posted December 14, 2003 I just bought an RX330 yesterday and am a bit confused about what grade fuel to use. The manual says 87, but "using a higher grade may improve performance". I have heard that modern engines designed for regular unleaded may be damaged by using higher octanes. What does everybody use and have you noticed any performance problems, advantages or disadvantages of either? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwest Posted December 15, 2003 Share Posted December 15, 2003 The only damage a higher grade fuel will do is to your wallet. I picked up my C4 in Germany and was advised that basically any grade available anywhere in Europe, absent ones with lead, would work because of the adaptive nature of the engine ecu. Lexus has the same capability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW03ES Posted December 15, 2003 Share Posted December 15, 2003 Not entirely true. Using higher octane gas in a car designed for lower can increase carbon deposits and buildup in the engines because they don't burn completely. Its two different schools of thought. Not really a concern on the RX330, now Lexus gives you a choice on the new V6 models. I run 93, but if you can run 87 and get no pinging then go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tds Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Here is the reply I received from Lexus re Octane and the RX300. I interpret this response to mean I should be able to get an additional approx 10 hp by using 94 Octane gasoline. Here is the response: There is more than one "octane rating". Research Octane Number (RON) is a laboratory rating that manufacturers generally use. Motor Octane Number (MON) is another laboratory method of measurement. Anti Knock Index (AKI) is the number quoted at gas stations. It is an average of these two: RON + MON / 2 87AKI is equal to 91RON. The engine in the RX300 produces 220 hp on this "regular" fuel. If premium fuel is used (over 87AKI or 91RON), a slight improvement in power output is likely. The ignition system used on the RX300 continually monitors engine knock (detonation), and tailors spark advance to operate at where its peak performance can be obtained. Hence, the better the fuel, the better the potential performance (within limits, of course). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachbum Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 I've definitely noticed increased performance when I fill up with premium fuel. Frankly, it's somewhat surprising how dramatic the difference is... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tds Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 Your right! It is one of the best kept secrets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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