Is it necessary to use 98 octane gasoline after a Stage 1 tune?
2 Answers
Using 98 octane gasoline is not mandatory after a Stage 1 tune, but it is recommended in most cases. Here are the detailed advantages of 98 octane gasoline: Overview: 98 octane gasoline refers to gasoline with an octane rating equal to a mixture of 98% isooctane and 2% n-heptane. The benefits of 98 octane gasoline can be summarized as "two highs and two lows": higher anti-knock performance and power output, along with lower harmful substances in the gasoline and reduced exhaust emissions. Advantages: Compared to other octane ratings, 98 octane gasoline excels in "two highs and two lows": superior anti-knock performance and power output, while minimizing harmful substances and exhaust pollution. Using higher-octane gasoline allows for greater engine power and smaller displacement, improving both performance and fuel efficiency.
After flashing a Stage 1 ECU tune, it's not absolutely necessary to use 98-octane gasoline, but I personally recommend it. When the ECU increases engine performance, the ignition timing becomes more aggressive. If the octane rating is too low, such as 95 or 92, it can easily cause knocking—that's internal engine vibration which can damage pistons or valves over time. My car had a Stage 1 tune before, and I tried using 95-octane. It drove fine without major issues, but the acceleration didn't feel as smooth as before, and occasionally I heard strange ticking noises, which worried me about potential failures. After switching to 98-octane, the engine ran more smoothly, and fuel consumption slightly decreased. Ultimately, it depends on how the tuning software is configured—some programs are optimized for high-octane fuel, and using lower-grade fuel might waste the money spent on tuning. For peace of mind, I think using 98-octane is safer and helps extend engine life.
