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85 is functional at elevation, but definitely still not preferable at elevation. Works best with carbureted engines, which are obviously few and far between th
by wiremaus 6y ago
85 is functional at elevation, but definitely still not preferable at elevation.
Works best with carbureted engines, which are obviously few and far between these days. You shouldn't put 85 octane in a modern fuel injected engine period.
- culopatin 6y agoThe method of fuel metering the car uses does not necessarily have any connection with what octane you should use. It's all about the engine design. If we are going after rules of thumb, I would say that if the car is turbocharged, it will most definitely run better with higher octane. Although my turbo VW can run with regular fuel, it will just change timing and make less power. I have a 78 Fiat with a carburetor however, that definitely needs 91 or higher.
- aquaticsunset 6y agoVW is seemingly, in my experience, an outlier. Their small displacement turbocharged engines will run fine on 87, but really like 91 (or E-15 88). My '14 Jetta with the 1.8T got better power and fuel economy on "the good stuff."
- aquaticsunset 6y agoThis is an oddly specific hardline stance to have. When you have 85 octane available at 7,000 ft and your car is engineered to run with 87 at sea level, you'll be fine.