what kind of gas?

[hunka27]

this may sound like a really stupid question, but this is my first New car and i just want to be sure... what kind of gas should the Titan be using... is regular ok?

[honeykeeper]

Manual says regular......I've used about 7 top-ups with regular and no problems here in the mountains with it and 1,500 miles.

[Ape0r]

Regular is better for it. The only difference is that the higher octanes allow for more compression. If you hear it knocking, a tank of 89 or 91 couldn't hurt, but otherwise stick to regular. I've HEARD that using higher than your engine requires can even cause carbon buildups, but don't quote me on that without googling it first!

[ITSDREW]

If everyone would read this. We would never have to debate/discuss this subject again:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/041008.html

[keiffers]

The service advisor at my dealer told me that regular is the way to go, but everyonce in awhile throw in a tank of premium. It won't make a difference MPG wise, but helps clean it out once in awhile.

[OnebadSE]

I use regular but I use premium sometimes. The slight difference in performance probably isnt worth the extra cost but Im used to using premium on my other vehicles that require it. Itll run fine on regular but premium is suggested for max performance according to Nissan.

[Nuckle]

You may want to do a search as this topic has been discussed a couple of hundred times. Seems like I remember some pretty good discussion.

Nuck

[billaku]

I would use a higher-additive major brand gasoline:

Chevron, Conoco, Phillips, QwikTrip

Just saw: http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-engine-transmission-drivetrain/17184-top-tier-detergent-gasoline.html#post201302

Grade as recommended in Owner's Manual.


edit: OK, QwikTrip not a major brand, but says it meets the Top Tier specs. for additives.

...

[Z33Fan]

Not trying to flame or start an argument, but where was it stated or mentioned that premium is suggested for max performance by Nissan? I may have missed it, but I could be wrong.

Again, not trying to be a jerk - just curious. What I found in the Owner's Manual is:

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 91).

The AKI is equal to the octane rating on the pumps, making Regular Unleaded the acceptable choice for the Titan.

Also note the following about using other grades of fuel:

Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe,
this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are encountered,
have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.

I hope this helps. I do know that on other Nissan vehicles such as the 350Z, Premium was recommended in the same fashion that Regular is recommended for the Titan.

Just trying to help cut down on the misinformation. Others have spoken to using a higher grade of fuel than recommended, so I won't go through it again. I don't advocate using higer octanes than recommended, but that's my opinion and choice only.

Regards,
Z33Fan

Originally Posted by OnebadSE

I use regular but I use premium sometimes. The slight difference in performance probably isnt worth the extra cost but Im used to using premium on my other vehicles that require it. Itll run fine on regular but premium is suggested for max performance according to Nissan.

[OnebadSE]

Apparently there are different versions of the owners manual for Titans. Mine says what yours does, but there are others (one who scanned it in the forum) that claimed 91 was recommended. However, all the tests in mags and brochures mention premium fuel as the recommened fuel. Mine runs just fine on 87.

[Z33Fan]

There is a difference between the Research Octane Number (RON) recommendation of 91 (in my Owner's manual printed July 2004) and the AKI of 87 (the number shown on the pumps that we all use at the local station).

Can anyone reproduce where it states that premium fuel is recommended? I'm not doubting, and I'll go search the archives now, but I can't imagine that premium would be required for this vehicle, engine, and application.

[Half Shovel]

Use 87 octane. If you get knocking, your fuel has problems or your Titan does. This topic has been thrashed significantly on this forum.

HS

[OnebadSE]

Originally Posted by Z33Fan

There is a difference between the Research Octane Number (RON) recommendation of 91 (in my Owner's manual printed July 2004) and the AKI of 87 (the number shown on the pumps that we all use at the local station).

Can anyone reproduce where it states that premium fuel is recommended? I'm not doubting, and I'll go search the archives now, but I can't imagine that premium would be required for this vehicle, engine, and application.

That difference between RON and AKI was also brought up in the thread. And the member actually scanned and posted where it was mentioned in the manual. Then others claimed to see the same thing. I'll have to scour the forum to see if I can find it but I'm sure others remember it too.

[Squid]

WRONG!! 91 RON is the same as 87 AKI which is regular unleaded! These are two ways of measuring the octane level. If you read your manual they show this. Some states use RON while others use AKI but in mosts places 87 AKI is regular. Some higher states or some really cheap gas stations might have 85aki as regular...you can't buy it that low from where I am.

I think this will help with the confusion,this was from a while back

[dcrobt]

says in the owners manual straight from nissan. This automobile (350Z) requires 93 octane fuel if possible! NEW 300hp Z
01/05
MSRP
$41,510