tms chiping and octane

[hyperollah]

if i get the turnermotorsport chip on my e30 325is will i be able to use the lower 87 octane. since the engine will run more powerful, the company says it must use 91 octane. if anybody has experience with this, could you drop a line. im planning on installing this chip in and if octane is a problem, i might not use it.

 

[rjp325i]

I have the Conforti/Turner Motorsport chip in my '89. You have to us 91 octane. The engine in yours and my E30 does not have knock sensors to retard timing. Using a chip to improve performance relies to a certain degree on a modified advance curve. Furthermore I live where we have extreme temps in summer and the 91 is not always adequate. When the temps rise in the 105+ range I use a mix of 25% 100 octane unleaded Union 76 Competition 100 to bring the octane up to just over 93. This allows the full performance potential to be realized without pinging. The engine also runs smoother with better response with the chip and in my case anyway yields a slight increase in fuel economy (about 5-10%).

 

[wood_e]

You'll want to use 91.... maybe you could get by with an 89, but if you get pinging you'll want to get a higher octane. 91 should be fine for your chip, as 87 won't fit the bill IMO.

 

[hyperollah]

does anybody have any other opinions or knowledge. thankyou for the info. i will take it into account.

 

[rjp325i]

You may get by at times with 87 but remember there is a reason why Conforti , Dinan or whoever say a minimum of 91 octane is required. Using a lesser octane fuel negates the purpose of the chip and compromises engine durability. A lot of pinging (pre-ignition) is not healthy for any engine. If you are going to spend the 249 dollars or whatever necessary to buy a chip why not spend the extra dollar a tank for the right fuel. If you do not want to use premium fuel don't install a chip because you won't get its benefits.