85 octane regular gas mid west states?

[Fishy_Old_Man]

I will be driving car to Wyoming from Tennessee. Will I encounter 85 octane for regular gasoline? Hard to find 87 octane in Midwest?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Lynnmor]

Keep in mind that turbo charged engines have nearly the same octane needs regardless of elevation.

[wa8yxm]

IN the mid-west (IE: Michigan) 87 is no tribble at all

IN THE MOUNTAINS I've seen 85.. Seems at higher altitude you don't need as much Octane (Actually I understand why that is but I'd rather not get into a technical post just now)

But I recommend avoiding it less you plan on STAYING at high altitude .. Go Mid Grade if you encounter it.

[Sam_Spade]

DougE wrote:
Your computer-controlled car can compensate by reducing timing advance if necessary.

That's spark knock.

If it is so bad that you are getting true compression knock, then playing with the timing won't help any......since the fuel ignites BEFORE the spark hits.

Thankfully that condition is pretty rare.

[Sam_Spade]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
85? News to me 😞
More alcohol?

No. E100 has an "octane" rating of about 100.

You just missed all of those previous discussions about this.....that have been going on since about 1930 or so. 😉

Lower octane fuel is cheaper to make.

The lower variety works just fine at higher altitudes.

[DougE]

Your computer-controlled car can compensate by reducing timing advance if necessary. Best to fill up often so you don't get a full tank of it though.

[Lwiddis]

I follow the Chevy owner's manual recommendation - "Do not use gasoline with an octane rating below 87, as it may cause engine damage and will lower fuel economy."

[MEXICOWANDERER]

85? News to me 😞

Pray tell, how did they manage two lose 2, R+M /2 points? Here we are SELLING sweet fracked crude or trading it for sour thick Mayan asphaltic crude, prices are going up and finished gasoline quality is going down? The commodities speculators strike again? More alcohol?

[RAS43]

Colo Native wrote:
Here in Colorado 85 is the same as 87 I believe

Correct! In many western states 85 octane gas will work the same as 87 due to the higher altitude. No need to buy the much higher priced 87. The car won't know the difference.

[Sam_Spade]

Colo Native wrote:
Here in Colorado 85 is the same as 87 I believe

ONLY as long as you STAY at high altitude.
I has something to do with atmospheric pressure and air density.

85 stays 85 no matter what you do.
And when you hit the valley, it's not quite enough.
But not likely to cause a major problem either.

[Colo_Native]

Here in Colorado 85 is the same as 87 I believe

[time2roll]

Probably fine with 85... however I use the next higher grade as my owner's manual says 87 minimum.

[gvisnic]

I live in Colorado and use 85 octane in my 2005 v10 motorhome, 2010 v6 Buick Lacrosse and 2014 v6 Jeep Grand Cherokee. No problems at all.

[1320Fastback]

Bring along some onctane boost just in case.

[Sam_Spade]

wnjj wrote:
Some mountain states have 85 but still have mid and/or super which will be higher. The thing is, if they sell it, it probably means you're at a high enough elevation that you can use it just fine.

All true.
But IF you are just passing THROUGH the mountains, it is best not to pump in a full tank of 85 if you will be down in the valley again before it's gone.
Put half a tank in......or go for mid-grade.

[darsben1]

87 may not be the lowest grade on the pump in some areas but you will have an option for 87 or better octane. A little simple math if necessary should keep you around 87 octane. for example the pump may have 85 and 89 octane a fifty fifty mix should suffice