Can I Save Money and Run Low Octane?
Article/dyno taken from
http://www.dynospotracing.com
Quote:
Here is a dyno chart showing two different cars. When I dynoed one of these cars, I knew that something was immediately wrong! Guess which one?
Notice that the 89 Octane car's power curves are very jagged. This is a result of the car "hearing" knocking and pinging and desperately trying to adjust the timing and save the engine. The ECU is almost searching for the best advance and having quite some trouble, not good.
The stunning results of running the lower grade fuel are -22 ft/lbs and almost -19 HP!!!! Ouch!
Folks, don't abuse the knock sensing capabilities of you beloved car. Let's just stick to the good stuff!
http://www.dynospotracing.com/images/octane.jpg
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Granted it's not a Maxima, it should make you think twice before filling up with the cheap stuff.
Click here to see the article:
http://www.dynospotracing.com/octane.htm
Thread here:
Can I Save Money and Run Low Octane?
This article from Car & Driver magazine also has lots of good information on why to follow the OEM octane specs:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran...e_gasoline.xml
Credit: Y2KevSE
Which is better- horsepower or torque?
Horsepower (HP) is just a function of torque (TQ).
HP = (TQ * RPM) / 5252
Therefore, any time you increase torque you have increased HP...and vice versa.
Most people use TQ to refer to low end power and HP to refer to high end power. Try not to get into that habit. Just say high- or low-end power.
Another good
article.
What is "the beam?"
The 4th Gen Maxima does not have independent rear suspension. It uses what Nissan calls the "Multi-Link Beam." It has several advantages and disadvantages over other systems. Sport Compact Car did a column about it a few years ago which has been transcribed by se-r.net.
http://www.se-r.net/about/g20/scc/oct98/tb.html
Alternator ampere rating
This question always seems to pop up. "How many amps is the stock alternator?" Theres speculation from 85 to 135 amps. Well, according to my 97 FSM, its either 100 or 110 depending on the alternator. It lists the former as Standard with model LR1100-711, and the latter as Option LR1110-709. It does not specify how they differ in what trim package, etc, but I have a feeling it is part of the cold weather package (heated mirrors, seats, heavy starter and heavy alternator, low washer fluid warning lamp).
Update: The different alternators are used for different emissions equipment. Fed-spec cars use the 110 amp part, CA-spec uses the 100 amp part. No, I don't know why they are different.