Any generic gas = rebranded good gas? - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

cody · 2006-06-17, 01:52 PM

Anybody have any "insider" info on generic gas that is just as good as the name brand stuff? I recently heard a radio commercial from the company that makes gas for Chreveron and Winners Corner. I'm wondering if Winners Corner gas is just Chrevron gas minus the Chevron name.

sperry · 2006-06-17, 02:04 PM

All gas is the same gas. Gas isn't shipped from the refineries to particular stations based on brand, it's simply added "to the network"... so Chevron puts 10,000 gallons into a tank one day in New Orleans, then pulls 10,000 gallons out from a tank in Sparks thus "shipping" 10k gallons in a minute.

The only difference between brands is the additives that are added to the gas shortly before it's delivered to a particular brand's gas station. So you might be getting "Chevron" gas at Costco, but it won't have Techron in it. Or Shell gas at Walmart w/o V-Power.

At least, that's how I've had it explained to me before.

cody · 2006-06-17, 02:16 PM

Based on TV programs I've seen on the subject, I think you're right, Scott. All gas is basically the same except for the additives, unless it gets contaminated, usually with rain water. So the additives and the particular station make the gas. Based on my experince, I like Chevron and 76 and I don't like Shell. Other than that, I just try to go to busy, newer, stations that offer a seperate hose for each octane.

What I'm asking here is if Winner's Corner has the same additives as Chevron. Also if anybody knows somthing I don't about what brand or station is best, please enlighten me.

sperry · 2006-06-17, 04:02 PM

Many Winner's Corners are Chevrons... but the ones that are, are clearly marked as such.

My choice for gas goes Chevron, 76, Shell, Sunoco (not that there are many Sunoco's on the west coast).

Dean · 2006-06-17, 04:25 PM

Here is an interesting Chemists thought on brands, additives, etc..

http://vettenet.org/octane.html

cody · 2006-06-17, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

Here is an interesting Chemists thought on brands, additives, etc..

http://vettenet.org/octane.html

Interesting. I guess I'll just keep buying the name brand stuff. I've been using Chevron for days since I can't find any 76 stations that have 3 hoses/pump. I may just have to switch to somthing else for 5000 miles like he suggests.

M3n2c3 · 2006-06-17, 05:14 PM

Chevron's 91 octane keeps my car happy. In order to feel comfortable going to one of the cheaper places, I'd have to know without any shadow of a doubt that I was getting the same quality gas. Otherwise, it's not worth the pennies saved.

rubberbiscuitt · 2006-06-17, 09:13 PM

i like chevron because they have their own tankers, and their own pipelines(according to a tv show). some of the contaminates that can be found in gas can include kerosene, diesel, or anything else that gets transported in a tanker truck. for example today a tanker will carry kerosene, and tomorrow that same tanker will deliver gasolene to your favorite gas station. and chevron delivers chevron.

Kevin M · 2006-06-18, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

Chevron's 91 octane keeps my car happy. In order to feel comfortable going to one of the cheaper places, I'd have to know without any shadow of a doubt that I was getting the same quality gas. Otherwise, it's not worth the pennies saved.

Why are you running premium? Trust me, you don't need it, just keep going to the brand name stations if that makes you happy.

sybir · 2006-06-18, 11:32 PM

What Kevin said. I've tried running 91 octane in my NA 2.5 (that even has a slight compression bump) and the only difference I see is worse mileage. Seriously, I get a noticable 2-3mpg improvement on 87 vs 91.

M3n2c3 · 2006-06-19, 07:34 AM

Maybe I made it up in my head, but 91 just seems to feel a little better. When I fill up today I'll try 89 again, to see what happens. . .

Dean · 2006-06-19, 08:48 AM

OK, this is a gross oversimplification/generalization, but...

Typicaly, you want to run the lowest octane you can that allows the most timing advance without detonation.

On a low compression NA engine, especially at altitude, this is most often 87.

If your owners manual says to use 87, using 91 is most likely to deminish performance.

Octane is basically, the amount of fire retardent in the gas. And you want the minimum amount possible to eliminate knocking.

MPREZIV · 2006-06-19, 08:53 AM

Chevron, Shell, Texaco, 76. From the inside, the additives added to the fuel in these stations are really the best you'll find. Funny thing is, they are ALL Techron, and the other stations have simply paid Chevron to use their additive under a different name.

Scott's first post was VERY correct.

M3n2c3 · 2006-06-19, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

OK, this is a gross oversimplification/generalization, but...

Typicaly, you want to run the lowest octane you can that allows the most timing advance without detonation.

On a low compression NA engine, especially at altitude, this is most often 87.

If your owners manual says to use 87, using 91 is most likely to deminish performance.

Octane is basically, the amount of fire retardent in the gas. And you want the minimum amount possible to eliminate knocking.

That explanation helps.

Owner's manual says to use at least 89.

I put 89 in it this afternoon, and I can't really tell the difference, so I must have imagined the difference that 91 seemed to make.

Another positive - gas went down another $0.05 today!

Kevin M · 2006-06-19, 04:59 PM

It actually says to use 89? No footnotes about harsh conditions or anything like that? Sucks, that's totally not worth 4 hp.

doubleurx · 2006-06-19, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

It actually says to use 89? No footnotes about harsh conditions or anything like that? Sucks, that's totally not worth 4 hp.

The STI manual says 92 min. Classic!

Dean · 2006-06-19, 07:59 PM

Does it specify 92 on which scale? Is that RON, MON, or AKI-PON-[(RON+MON)/2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

Kevin M · 2006-06-19, 08:18 PM

It's the scale that comes out to 91 on CA gas. Sucks for you STi owners. (Although above 3500-4000 feet it's a total non-issue.)

M3n2c3 · 2006-06-19, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

It actually says to use 89? No footnotes about harsh conditions or anything like that? Sucks, that's totally not worth 4 hp.

Ok, I must be going nuts. I just checked the PDF manual that Subaru has online, and it says 87 or higher. I was sure that the one in my glove box says 89, but I guess not.

Me = OMGWTF INSANO

khail19 · 2006-06-20, 07:03 AM

I'm pretty sure my manual specifies 87. I tried using 89 for a while when I first bought my car and got worse mileage, so I went back to 87.

doubleurx · 2006-06-20, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

Does it specify 92 on which scale? Is that RON, MON, or AKI-PON-[(RON+MON)/2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

I do not know. I just remember reading 92 minimum and thought "great not even an option in California".

A1337STI · 2006-06-20, 09:54 AM

the owners manual for my 2005 STI says you should use 93 or Higher octane. but it also says that above 1500 feet 91 is okay.

so basically all gas in the same state are the same, But does each state does have different additive requirements right ? IIRC California used to require MTBE , but in 1999 now stations that have MTBE have to be labeled as such. and IIRC Tahoe won't allow that in any gas , (so i'de guess all tahoe stations get a different blend, and/or only use the nevada side blend, but i'm guessing )

I do know they all have signs saying they are MTBE Free .

Should i try to only fill up on the NV side ? or fill up on the Cali side ? There's 2 stations on the cali side that have 1 nozzle per octane, where as on the NV side its 1 nozzle for all 3 octane ratings.

Kevin M · 2006-06-20, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1337STI

the owners manual for my 2005 STI says you should use 93 or Higher octane. but it also says that above 1500 feet 91 is okay.

91 is "okay" at sea level too, you just lose a little bit of power and knock protection. Car won't blow up without mechanical issues though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1337STI

so basically all gas in the same state are the same,

Nope. There's more to gas than octane, but even that typically differes from state to state.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1337STI

But does each state does have different additive requirements right ? IIRC California used to require MTBE , but in 1999 now stations that have MTBE have to be labeled as such. and IIRC Tahoe won't allow that in any gas , (so i'de guess all tahoe stations get a different blend, and/or only use the nevada side blend, but i'm guessing )

I do know they all have signs saying they are MTBE Free .

California "banned" MTBE after being the only state requiring its use as an oxygenate because it turned out it was doing less good for the air than harm to groundwater. It's not in any fuel now, and Tahoe stations got it when it was.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1337STI

Should i try to only fill up on the NV side ? or fill up on the Cali side ? There's 2 stations on the cali side that have 1 nozzle per octane, where as on the NV side its 1 nozzle for all 3 octane ratings.

It's the same formulation, only changes for altitude. So if you fill up above 3000' or so you're good to go. Personally, I think the seperate nozzle thing is overrated.

A1337STI · 2006-06-20, 02:46 PM

cool i'll go cheapest 91 for a while then

Bob Danger · 2006-06-20, 04:45 PM

Yeah mine requires 100 octane, dam that 11:1 compression ratio. If i'm racing i'll use 91 with an octane booster, or mix some 91 and 110 together.

2006-06-17, 01:52 PM	#1
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	Any generic gas = rebranded good gas? Anybody have any "insider" info on generic gas that is just as good as the name brand stuff? I recently heard a radio commercial from the company that makes gas for Chreveron and Winners Corner. I'm wondering if Winners Corner gas is just Chrevron gas minus the Chevron name. __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2006-06-17, 02:04 PM	#2
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	All gas is the same gas. Gas isn't shipped from the refineries to particular stations based on brand, it's simply added "to the network"... so Chevron puts 10,000 gallons into a tank one day in New Orleans, then pulls 10,000 gallons out from a tank in Sparks thus "shipping" 10k gallons in a minute. The only difference between brands is the additives that are added to the gas shortly before it's delivered to a particular brand's gas station. So you might be getting "Chevron" gas at Costco, but it won't have Techron in it. Or Shell gas at Walmart w/o V-Power. At least, that's how I've had it explained to me before. __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2006-06-17, 02:16 PM	#3
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	Based on TV programs I've seen on the subject, I think you're right, Scott. All gas is basically the same except for the additives, unless it gets contaminated, usually with rain water. So the additives and the particular station make the gas. Based on my experince, I like Chevron and 76 and I don't like Shell. Other than that, I just try to go to busy, newer, stations that offer a seperate hose for each octane. What I'm asking here is if Winner's Corner has the same additives as Chevron. Also if anybody knows somthing I don't about what brand or station is best, please enlighten me. __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2006-06-17, 04:02 PM	#4
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	Many Winner's Corners are Chevrons... but the ones that are, are clearly marked as such. My choice for gas goes Chevron, 76, Shell, Sunoco (not that there are many Sunoco's on the west coast). __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2006-06-17, 04:25 PM	#5
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	Here is an interesting Chemists thought on brands, additives, etc.. http://vettenet.org/octane.html __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids...

2006-06-17, 05:14 PM	#7
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 1,888 Car: Current: 2014 Forester 2.5i Premium. Old: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP, long ago (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Chevron's 91 octane keeps my car happy. In order to feel comfortable going to one of the cheaper places, I'd have to know without any shadow of a doubt that I was getting the same quality gas. Otherwise, it's not worth the pennies saved. __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential Last edited by M3n2c3; 2006-06-17 at 05:17 PM. Reason: Elucidation, bishes!

2006-06-17, 09:13 PM	#8
rubberbiscuitt EJ22 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: south lake tahoe Posts: 234 Car: L just push the brake pedal.	i like chevron because they have their own tankers, and their own pipelines(according to a tv show). some of the contaminates that can be found in gas can include kerosene, diesel, or anything else that gets transported in a tanker truck. for example today a tanker will carry kerosene, and tomorrow that same tanker will deliver gasolene to your favorite gas station. and chevron delivers chevron.

2006-06-18, 11:32 PM	#10
sybir The Don Real Name: Aaron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,097 Car: '97 Legacy / '05 FXT Class: low	What Kevin said. I've tried running 91 octane in my NA 2.5 (that even has a slight compression bump) and the only difference I see is worse mileage. Seriously, I get a noticable 2-3mpg improvement on 87 vs 91. __________________ Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic.

2006-06-19, 07:34 AM	#11
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 1,888 Car: Current: 2014 Forester 2.5i Premium. Old: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP, long ago (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Maybe I made it up in my head, but 91 just seems to feel a little better. When I fill up today I'll try 89 again, to see what happens. . . __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2006-06-19, 08:48 AM	#12
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	OK, this is a gross oversimplification/generalization, but... Typicaly, you want to run the lowest octane you can that allows the most timing advance without detonation. On a low compression NA engine, especially at altitude, this is most often 87. If your owners manual says to use 87, using 91 is most likely to deminish performance. Octane is basically, the amount of fire retardent in the gas. And you want the minimum amount possible to eliminate knocking. __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids...

2006-06-19, 08:53 AM	#13
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	Chevron, Shell, Texaco, 76. From the inside, the additives added to the fuel in these stations are really the best you'll find. Funny thing is, they are ALL Techron, and the other stations have simply paid Chevron to use their additive under a different name. Scott's first post was VERY correct. __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can f*ck for HOURS..."

2006-06-19, 04:59 PM	#15
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	It actually says to use 89? No footnotes about harsh conditions or anything like that? Sucks, that's totally not worth 4 hp. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-06-19, 07:59 PM	#17
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	Does it specify 92 on which scale? Is that RON, MON, or AKI-PON-[(RON+MON)/2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids... Last edited by Dean; 2006-06-19 at 08:02 PM.

2006-06-19, 08:18 PM	#18
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	It's the scale that comes out to 91 on CA gas. Sucks for you STi owners. (Although above 3500-4000 feet it's a total non-issue.) __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-06-20, 07:03 AM	#20
khail19 EJ205 Real Name: Khail Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,769 Car: 2016 VW GTI Meets? We have meets?	I'm pretty sure my manual specifies 87. I tried using 89 for a while when I first bought my car and got worse mileage, so I went back to 87.

2006-06-20, 09:54 AM	#22
A1337STI EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,840 Car: Impreza and an Impreza Class: AS / CRS PerfStock "pedal on the right"	the owners manual for my 2005 STI says you should use 93 or Higher octane. but it also says that above 1500 feet 91 is okay. so basically all gas in the same state are the same, But does each state does have different additive requirements right ? IIRC California used to require MTBE , but in 1999 now stations that have MTBE have to be labeled as such. and IIRC Tahoe won't allow that in any gas , (so i'de guess all tahoe stations get a different blend, and/or only use the nevada side blend, but i'm guessing ) I do know they all have signs saying they are MTBE Free . Should i try to only fill up on the NV side ? or fill up on the Cali side ? There's 2 stations on the cali side that have 1 nozzle per octane, where as on the NV side its 1 nozzle for all 3 octane ratings. __________________ Fighting uphill battles, one bullet at a time!

2006-06-20, 02:46 PM	#24
A1337STI EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,840 Car: Impreza and an Impreza Class: AS / CRS PerfStock "pedal on the right"	cool i'll go cheapest 91 for a while then __________________ Fighting uphill battles, one bullet at a time!

2006-06-20, 04:45 PM	#25
Bob Danger Tape Terrorist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Melmac Posts: 1,792 Car: ? Class: Retired! Warning: Prolonged eye contact may cause insanity	Yeah mine requires 100 octane, dam that 11:1 compression ratio. If i'm racing i'll use 91 with an octane booster, or mix some 91 and 110 together. __________________ A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi.

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