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Octane affects the amount of turbo boost... Posted by IrieTom [Email] (#1032) [Profile/Gallery] (more from IrieTom) on Thu, 21 Jun 2001 14:22:18 In Reply to: how does octane rating affect performance (86T), matt, Thu, 21 Jun 2001 13:03:13 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The octane level in fuel directly affects the fuel's ability to resist knock, which is hazardous to the health of your engine. Knock is more likely to occur with increased heat and pressure, which are the direct result of turbocharging. The APC system has a small transducer inside the engine block which listens for knock, and reduces the amount of turbo boost when knock is detected, thereby protecting your engine.
There is nothing inherently dangerous or wrong with burning regular (lower-octane) gasoline in a SAAB turbo engine, but you will definately notice a difference in performance. Higher octane gasoline will allow your turbocharger to blow air into your cylinders at a much higher pressure, which results in substantially higher power output.
Try a tankful of regular gas, and drive around for a while. When you're nearly empty, fill up with super-premium. I am positive that you will notice a difference. Once you have experienced this difference, you will have to decide whether or not the improved performance is worth the more expensive gas.
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