re: Am I killing my quattro?

[Phil Rose <pjrose@servtech.com>]

John,
Since I can't authoritatively comment on what low octane may (or may not)
be doing insofar as damaging your engine, I'll try to limit myself to
pontificating on the economics:

But first (alright I have no self-control): Keep in mind that if the ecu is
dialing back the ignition-timing a whole bunch in order to help run that 87
octane fuel, it may have  no available remedy in "reserve" for preventing
engine damage if some _other_ problem arises. Audi does a lot of foolish
things, but trying to attract customers by telling them their car should be
run on octane higher than it actually needs is (I hope) beyond even AOA's
capacity for own-foot shooting.

So, that being said, next the so-called "economy". I don't know your gas
price situation (I assume USA) or how many zillion miles you commute to
work, but I pay--typically-- about 20 cents/gal more for 93 octane over 87.
The extra cost for 91 octane is typically about $0.10! So since I fill my
tank no more than once a week that's $4/wk or less than $200/yr (or $100/yr
for 91 octane). Since you admit that your car's performance is compromised
with 87 octane, my opinion is: Hey, Why? Live a little! Hard to imagine
(for me) that "pocketbook appreciation" can kick in so cheaply, when you've
already made a decision to drive a $40K, rare, high-performance sedan with
parts that sell for  sometimes-astronomical prices. (you did ask for "any
opinions")  :-)

Phil



>Date: Wed, 19 May 1999 06:54:26 -0400
>From: "John and Barbara Mallick" <mallick@netheaven.com>
>Subject: Am I killing my quattro?
>
>Since I spend about 99% of my driving time putt-putt-ing back and forth to
>work, am I foolish to put
>regular grade (87 octane) gas in my '91 200q?  The manual says that premium
>(91 octane) is "recommended", but 87 will work fine.  I assume that the
>knock sensors are fiddling with the timing so
>detonation is avoided, and I certainly haven't heard any knocking.  I do
>notice a difference at wide open throttle, with max boost limited to about
>1.7 bar (I can hit and hold 1.8 bar with premium gas), but, hell, how often
>do you hit WOT driving around town?  The car has the stock ECU, and my
>pocketbook appreciates the difference.  I don't see any mileage hit either
>around town.
>
>Any opinions (beyond the fact that my poor 200q is never going to live up to
>its potential)?
>
>John Mallick
>'91 200q


Phil Rose				Rochester, NY
'91 200q				mailto:pjrose@servtech.com
'89 100