Drivetrain Running 100 Octane
This should probably be a new thread, it's a bit off topic.
This looks to be the latest thread on the issue. Maybe it's time to revisit the thread and debate the merits again. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...daptive+ecu%27
All in all it may be my butt dyno recalibrating due to a psychologically perceived methodology of how I think the ECU adapts
I've wondered about this, too. I've heard a lot of people say that the ECU is "adaptive", but some people claim that the adjustments to new conditions only take a matter of seconds, while others claim it takes days or longer for the ECU to adjust to new gas/modifications/driving habits/etcetera.
Before we put the pulley on my wife's MINI, our two cars were essentially identical (same year/make/model/option packages), and the mileage on the two cars was within a few thousand miles of each other. When I drove her car, it felt just like mine, and vice-versa, even though her driving habits are *vastly* different than mine.
I just really don't see the ECU doing any kind of long-term trend analysis. You're either in open-loop operation, or closed-loop.
Before we put the pulley on my wife's MINI, our two cars were essentially identical (same year/make/model/option packages), and the mileage on the two cars was within a few thousand miles of each other. When I drove her car, it felt just like mine, and vice-versa, even though her driving habits are *vastly* different than mine.
I just really don't see the ECU doing any kind of long-term trend analysis. You're either in open-loop operation, or closed-loop.
Not as off topic as you think. As we are still talking about the ECU adapting (and making more power) to high octane unleaded fuel or hard driving. Do these things make alot of diff ?, that's the question. Maybe the adaptive legend lies with high dollar automatic cars and their shift patterns.

growing up Sunoco had 96 and 98 on in the north east..
I'm not sure what you are talking about, because my manual says recommended octane is 91.
LOL this is why I love "the church of NAM" cuase like the bible everything gets interpreted...

the manual AND you gas cap say the MINIMUM is 91.. LOL there are signs on the highway that say the MINIMUM speed is 40 but what speed to you travel? LOL


the manual AND you gas cap say the MINIMUM is 91.. LOL there are signs on the highway that say the MINIMUM speed is 40 but what speed to you travel? LOL

This 100 octane discussion interested me so I stopped by the Sunoco gas station last night and filled up a 2.5 gallon tank with 2.95 gallons of 100 octane and then poured it in my almost completely empty tank.
And...
It feels like my car got tuned. I'm pretty sure its not in my head, but the pulls harder at WOT in the low RPMs and is just smoother in general to drive. I never notice any pinging when I run the usual 93 octane, but it makes me wonder how much a good tune would improve things.
Is it worth 5.19 a gallon, hell no. But it's worth a try.
And...
It feels like my car got tuned. I'm pretty sure its not in my head, but the pulls harder at WOT in the low RPMs and is just smoother in general to drive. I never notice any pinging when I run the usual 93 octane, but it makes me wonder how much a good tune would improve things.
Is it worth 5.19 a gallon, hell no. But it's worth a try.
I will double check what "me "gas cap and manual says. However, if you can stop laughing, you will note that does not change my point. If the car is designed for 91, higher octane will just be wasted as the EMS will simply compensate for it, if what I read in other posts is correct. Note that I am saying IF. I don't profess to be an expert and would just like a reasonable response. What I like about NAM is that there are plenty of posters who actually provide a useable answer.

Regardless, not every Mobil station carries 98 (R+M)/2 - in fact, all but a few of them *don't* For 99% of the gas stations in the country, the highest octane you're going to find at the pumps is 93 or perhaps 94, (R+M)/2, so I don't think anyone can say that 98-100 octane (R+M)/2 is "widely available" with a straight face.
Last edited by ScottRiqui; Aug 22, 2007 at 07:14 AM.
I will double check what "me "gas cap and manual says. However, if you can stop laughing, you will note that does not change my point. If the car is designed for 91, higher octane will just be wasted as the EMS will simply compensate for it, if what I read in other posts is correct. Note that I am saying IF. I don't profess to be an expert and would just like a reasonable response. What I like about NAM is that there are plenty of posters who actually provide a useable answer.
I have seen the timing change DRAMATICALLY due to octane... this is not SPECULATION that I speak... and this is why I have to Laugh when I write cause other wise I would get frustrated and just say screw it! I have done sooooo many tests.... and the fact is... 100 is loved by the MINI... ESPECIALLY if you have a pulley... or turbo... LOL
This 100 octane discussion interested me so I stopped by the Sunoco gas station last night and filled up a 2.5 gallon tank with 2.95 gallons of 100 octane and then poured it in my almost completely empty tank.
And...
It feels like my car got tuned. I'm pretty sure its not in my head, but the pulls harder at WOT in the low RPMs and is just smoother in general to drive. I never notice any pinging when I run the usual 93 octane, but it makes me wonder how much a good tune would improve things.
Is it worth 5.19 a gallon, hell no. But it's worth a try.
And...
It feels like my car got tuned. I'm pretty sure its not in my head, but the pulls harder at WOT in the low RPMs and is just smoother in general to drive. I never notice any pinging when I run the usual 93 octane, but it makes me wonder how much a good tune would improve things.
Is it worth 5.19 a gallon, hell no. But it's worth a try.
GREAT SUCCESS! you are correct... it is not in your head!
Actually, "Mobile" is in Alabama, although there may be plenty of "Mobil" gas stations there in Arizona. 
Regardless, not every Mobil station carries 98 (R+M)/2 - in fact, all but a few of them *don't* For 99% of the gas stations in the country, the highest octane you're going to find at the pumps is 93 or perhaps 94, (R+M)/2, so I don't think anyone can say that 98-100 octane (R+M)/2 is "widely available" with a straight face.

Regardless, not every Mobil station carries 98 (R+M)/2 - in fact, all but a few of them *don't* For 99% of the gas stations in the country, the highest octane you're going to find at the pumps is 93 or perhaps 94, (R+M)/2, so I don't think anyone can say that 98-100 octane (R+M)/2 is "widely available" with a straight face.
I am aware that most do not have it... thanks... you know again.. I never noticed that... wow I guess I am a total retard... my point was you called it special it's not... just that in AZ I guess they appreciate good gas... well at least a a few MOBILs

well at this point as I have said before.... the Horse is dead.... to those of you who want to belive the EMS can't "see"
anything better than 91... the EMS also has a TQ limiter.. so My car doesn't really make 350 Ft lbs TQ.... LOL
I have decided for the price of few more dollars I will treat my daring baby to good food forever. 
There is a station about 2 miles north of where I live (union 76) that sells 100 octane. At 1st I started putting in half the tank, mixing it with that other garbage 91, which by the way was the only other/best we could get.
However, since about a month ago I have decided to go 100 octane at 100% of the time. My car is loving it and seems it has gained more smoothness throughout the rpms specialy in the higher rpms and pulls much stronger and runs healtier than ever before.
Has anyone else cought this same desease?
There is a station about 2 miles north of where I live (union 76) that sells 100 octane. At 1st I started putting in half the tank, mixing it with that other garbage 91, which by the way was the only other/best we could get.
However, since about a month ago I have decided to go 100 octane at 100% of the time. My car is loving it and seems it has gained more smoothness throughout the rpms specialy in the higher rpms and pulls much stronger and runs healtier than ever before.

Has anyone else cought this same desease?
Last edited by Tüls; Aug 22, 2007 at 07:26 AM.
I will double check what "me "gas cap and manual says. However, if you can stop laughing, you will note that does not change my point. If the car is designed for 91, higher octane will just be wasted as the EMS will simply compensate for it, if what I read in other posts is correct. Note that I am saying IF. I don't profess to be an expert and would just like a reasonable response. What I like about NAM is that there are plenty of posters who actually provide a useable answer.
In my wifes old GTP, there was a noticeable difference between running 93 and anything less. You could hear pinging even with 89... Be it my MINI or her G35C, all we use is 93 octane.
thanks for the spelling lesson... what wooould we do with out folks like you out there to point out others short comings... LOL
I am aware that most do not have it... thanks... you know again.. I never noticed that... wow I guess I am a total retard... my point was you called it special it's not... just that in AZ I guess they appreciate good gas... well at least a a few MOBILs
I am aware that most do not have it... thanks... you know again.. I never noticed that... wow I guess I am a total retard... my point was you called it special it's not... just that in AZ I guess they appreciate good gas... well at least a a few MOBILs

And back to my post that you were responding to -- As I said before, " 98 RON hasn't been widely available at pumps anywhere for years". I don't care what the gas stations carried when you grew up in the Northeast, and I don't care that there are a few Mobil stations in *your* particular town that carry 100 (R+M)/2. That's not what "widely-available" means.
And I still haven't seen any evidence that my car's ECU is pulling timing with 93 (R+M)/2. That's with a totally-stock engine - I'm not interested in what octane you need if you're running a pulley or a turbo, or both, or if you have friggin' methanol injection in your engine.
I feel like I'm poking my head out of a hole in the street in the middle of a gun fight....
but how about Octane boost in a bottle ,NOS or otherwise? any good? it might be easier to find.
but how about Octane boost in a bottle ,NOS or otherwise? any good? it might be easier to find.
Hey Tuls, *you* got snarky first, talking about Mobil, Arizona and how "I may have heard of it". And I put a smiley on my post just like you did, so don't start acting like I'm gunning for you anything.
And back to my post that you were responding to -- As I said before, " 98 RON hasn't been widely available at pumps anywhere for years". I don't care what the gas stations carried when you grew up in the Northeast, and I don't care that there are a few Mobil stations in *your* particular town that carry 100 (R+M)/2. That's not what "widely-available" means.
And back to my post that you were responding to -- As I said before, " 98 RON hasn't been widely available at pumps anywhere for years". I don't care what the gas stations carried when you grew up in the Northeast, and I don't care that there are a few Mobil stations in *your* particular town that carry 100 (R+M)/2. That's not what "widely-available" means.
sorry bout that... it's hard to tell what intent people have sometimes... and the constant Naysayers get really old.. again.. I am not speculating about this... I have done the testing... not like "oh I filled up and it felt good" but spent weeks doing tests... watching and logging data
Just to clarify... I wasn't speaking in RON... since I understand the diff I wouldn't want to confuse anyone... and I was talking OCTANE...
On a side not... thanks to this thread I googled 100 octane for my local area.. and to my delight there is 110 RON on pump not 1 mile up the road.. LOL
I was so excited that I jsut got back from getting 5 gallons! LOL and the car she'sa idling better already... it's amazing....
And I still haven't seen any evidence that my car's ECU is pulling timing with 93 (R+M)/2. That's with a totally-stock engine - I'm not interested in what octane you need if you're running a pulley or a turbo, or both, or if you have friggin' methanol injection in your engine.

if you get one of those OBDII loggers.. you will be able to see the timing.. and just hot much it's pulling... agian ... my point was simply to answer the ORIGINAL post.... is it fun? YES! am I hooked from the extra smoothness and power? YES! lol... does it accually make a diff? YES!
so to answer you ScottRiqui even a totally stock MCS can benifit... go fill up 5 gallons on an empty tank.... what I used to tell people was... you may not notice it when you get it... but when you put the 91 back in.. you will!
then the addiction starts

again sorry for my misunderstanding... "snarkyness"
Last edited by Tüls; Aug 22, 2007 at 08:50 AM.
as for NOS.. LOL.. uhh what? deffinetly easy to find... thought Like I said I googled 100 octane in my area and found a thread on bimmer forum for one that was no more than a mile away... in fact lemme map it and see how far it was...
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Octane Boosters
I used it for about a month in my tank of 91 and it seemed to help, but nowhere near what 104 racing fuel did. Of course my car has "issues" so while I might be a special case--the relative improvement differences between 91, 91 with booster was minimal and barely noticeable but to 104 racing--was a night and day difference.
For SoCal owners looking for Race Gas, I use this resource
http://www.dchoe.net/wordpress/
Ooops looking at the list--I thought I had 104, seems I had 105.
There's a 100 Octane pump near my shop (listing says $5.99)--think I'll try it today--and confirm the pricing.
Richard
For SoCal owners looking for Race Gas, I use this resource
http://www.dchoe.net/wordpress/
Ooops looking at the list--I thought I had 104, seems I had 105.
There's a 100 Octane pump near my shop (listing says $5.99)--think I'll try it today--and confirm the pricing.
Richard
What I meant was the NOS brand Octane booster,( but When I turn the Mini into a toy, and no more a daily driver the Nitrous Oxide will be something to look at.
)
)

oooohhh I was gunnah say... from race gas straight to spray?! LOL.... funny stuff...
Glad I could help.
And your welcome.
And your welcome.
ha ha ok.. well it was the "special" place comment so
sorry bout that... it's hard to tell what intent people have sometimes... and the constant Naysayers get really old.. again.. I am not speculating about this... I have done the testing... not like "oh I filled up and it felt good" but spent weeks doing tests... watching and logging data
Just to clarify... I wasn't speaking in RON... since I understand the diff I wouldn't want to confuse anyone... and I was talking OCTANE...
On a side not... thanks to this thread I googled 100 octane for my local area.. and to my delight there is 110 RON on pump not 1 mile up the road.. LOL
I was so excited that I jsut got back from getting 5 gallons! LOL and the car she'sa idling better already... it's amazing....
whether or not it's pullign timing that "matters" isn't my point.. you are by no way hurting your motor if stock by running 91.. the fact the car can pull timing is meant for just such a senario... it's hot.. it's 91.. it pings... pull timing...
if you get one of those OBDII loggers.. you will be able to see the timing.. and just hot much it's pulling... agian ... my point was simply to answer the ORIGINAL post.... is it fun? YES! am I hooked from the extra smoothness and power? YES! lol... does it accually make a diff? YES!
so to answer you ScottRiqui even a totally stock MCS can benifit... go fill up 5 gallons on an empty tank.... what I used to tell people was... you may not notice it when you get it... but when you put the 91 back in.. you will!
then the addiction starts

again sorry for my misunderstanding... "snarkyness"
sorry bout that... it's hard to tell what intent people have sometimes... and the constant Naysayers get really old.. again.. I am not speculating about this... I have done the testing... not like "oh I filled up and it felt good" but spent weeks doing tests... watching and logging data
Just to clarify... I wasn't speaking in RON... since I understand the diff I wouldn't want to confuse anyone... and I was talking OCTANE...
On a side not... thanks to this thread I googled 100 octane for my local area.. and to my delight there is 110 RON on pump not 1 mile up the road.. LOL
I was so excited that I jsut got back from getting 5 gallons! LOL and the car she'sa idling better already... it's amazing....whether or not it's pullign timing that "matters" isn't my point.. you are by no way hurting your motor if stock by running 91.. the fact the car can pull timing is meant for just such a senario... it's hot.. it's 91.. it pings... pull timing...

if you get one of those OBDII loggers.. you will be able to see the timing.. and just hot much it's pulling... agian ... my point was simply to answer the ORIGINAL post.... is it fun? YES! am I hooked from the extra smoothness and power? YES! lol... does it accually make a diff? YES!
so to answer you ScottRiqui even a totally stock MCS can benifit... go fill up 5 gallons on an empty tank.... what I used to tell people was... you may not notice it when you get it... but when you put the 91 back in.. you will!
then the addiction starts

again sorry for my misunderstanding... "snarkyness"



I didn't know that.
I've heard of computers in cars doing that but I always thought it was an urban legend
Is it because you're beating the car and its trying to accommodate you , then on the street it continues until it figures out you're not racing anymore?

it was..... 1.6 miles