OMG, you're killing me here!

 

My old TDI Beetle must have been a car that was built on a Friday or a Monday I guess.... I loved it, but just got sick of the little things that went bad.

I've actually been improving my mpg's on my IS300 by using the same techniques that you describe. It does become a game; I actually set up a spreadsheet and am tracking mpg's on all three of our cars. I increased the mpg's on the IS by about 20% (18mpg to 22-23mpg combined) simply by shifting 1-3-5 with my manual, and not winding out each gear so much. Also helps to coast to stoplights rather than the old "accelerate to the end & then brake" method. I agree with you about getting in other folk's way; always try not to, and will speed up / change lanes when necessary to accommodate them.

Can't wait to see what I can wring out of the MC, which, by the way, left Southampton today!

 

Tracking it accross the ocean is fun, but like watching paint dry too.

 

I drive pretty swiftly most of the time. I used 89 ocatane a couple of time and by accident 87 once. I only use premium from Chevron now. Would I have any engine damage from using lower octane for a couple of fill ups?

 

No.

Matt

 

What brand has premium gas without ethanol in it? What gas does your MCS run better on. I've heard Shell and Chevron.

 

One point that has not been mentioned in this long thread is:
The car manufacturer can claim higher hp numbers if high octane fuel is recommended.

 

Are there quality "gas additives" available that are safe and offer real improvements?

 

And this is true only if they use knock sensors to adjust timing. But this is pretty much standard fair in engine management now, at least in sportier offerings.

This is one of the things you pay for by buying TopTier gas. One example is you can by Techron from Chevron stations, just like they use in thier gasoline.

Matt