Regular Gas

[Rick's CX-7]

Mikey,

How many miles did you have in your car? Cars do get better with age....to a point of course.

 

[mikey1981]

when all said and done, 7,000

 

[CX-7owner]

I hear you and understand you point, AWmustang. I can only report on what I've done.....and so far, I haven't had any problems. I'm also running 89 octane.....NOT 87. I did not have any problems with 87 though.
BTW, what exactly was changed parts wise? Pistons, heads, camshafts?

Lastly, for those who have different views than me, let's keep the peace, PLEASE! If you don't agree with what I do, you have the right to disagree and state why. Just don't do it in an offensive manner. I'm too old for any kind of nonsense.

Thanks!

As far as I know, they changed the catalytic converter and remapped the ECU. Probably more things were done, those are just the ones I know of.

 

[Rick's CX-7]

What was wrong with the cat?

 

[CX-7owner]

Clearly not able to run on anything but 91+, but I'm just guessing. They probably did it for the longevity.

 

[1Sleepy93]

Sleepy,

Is it audible or have you live-scanned the PCM?

Oh you could hear it and feel it. They even data logged it at the dealer when they took it out for a test drive. They ended up draining the tank and filling it up at their pump, no charge I might add, and all was well. Happened again on the next couple fill ups (all different 76 stations) so they said to try switching brands. Once we did that all was well. End result, 76/Conoco/Phillips brand premium sucks!

 

[Killer]

I try to run Shell V-Power only in my Mazdaspeed 6. Run mid grade in our 6i.

 

[1Sleepy93]

I try to run Shell V-Power only in my Mazdaspeed 6. Run mid grade in our 6i.

Yeah Shell is good. Also have had good luck with Chevron, Sinclair, and Cenex.

 

[Killer]

and in the 6 section this guy was having problems due to sub recommended octane levels...

Well, I have my car back, and I can't believe what was found. They were able to re-create the issue I am having at highway speeds and the "bucking" when accelarating. When they brought it back in to do diagnostic work, they found that the knock sensor was producing no results. It all pointed to Low Octane fuel, which made the car shift to "safe" mode. I informed them I only use 93, and it has been determined for the time being, that the station I most frequent apparently has a lower grade fuel than posted. I added some Octane Boost per their rec and tried it out, and for now it seems to work fine. No more bucking, but it makes me wonder what is going on with the gas in the station tanks. I have been told that premium fuel when it has sat for a long time it will lose Octane, but it certainly makes me suspicious. So Franz, try adding some Octane boost and it may just work. They did check everything else like O2 sensor and for leaks and the knock sensor, and they were all fine. A CEL would have been thrown if there was an issue with those. So I am back in action and if anything changes, I will post again.

So my oringinal point serves a purpose...

 

[Rick's CX-7]

Most definitely....buy gas from a busy station. If you buy gas from an isolated station, then you are taking a chance.

Guys, I can not stress enough that I am not recommending people switch over to 87 or 89 octane just because I said so. I am simply giving you facts about "my" vehicle. I haven't had a single incident from using lower octane. From reading people's comments, I get much better mileage per tank than probably half the members here. The only explanation that makes sense to me is that maybe the software on my PCM is slighty different. Elevation may have an effect too. I don't see gas being all that much better here.

Anyway, how did this member determine the gas he was using was indeed lower than what the station advertise? State's DOT or Department of Agriculture check that every year (per sticker at the pump.) A vendor caught in the act can be in very hot water.

 

[Killer]

Regardles, running sub level octane fuels leaves the door open for warranty issues that if found out you are running non recommended fuels could be a way they can get out of paying for a warranty repair.
Example, you go to the dealer and say you have a excellaration problem and knocking...they have to replace a coupkle of sensors..the bill is about $300.00 but warranty is paying. If they find out you ran regular...get your wallet out.


Not worth saving 2 bucs a fill-up in my book.

 

[Killer]

Good reading...

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.shtm

 

[Rick's CX-7]

Guys,

Ran this many miles (305) on a tankful of 89, for an average of 18.48MPG. Traffic isn't too bad until I get on base. The biggest factor on MPGs is the long hills I drive on every day. I did step on it a few times as well.



I also filled up with this:



Have a nice day!

Rick

 

[Rick's CX-7]

when all said and done, 7,000

Mikey,

Which feels faster, the 7 or the RDX? How's low end vs the 7? How are you liking your new car?

 

[mikey1981]

RDX is faster on all counts, but -

the mazda felt more powerful around the 20-40mph range with all that torque coming at such a low RPM, the RDX however is simply at bat out of hell. Where the 7 would seem to run out of power after 70+mph, the rdx is almost the direct opposite. It seems like the RDX just wants to go faster and faster and the turbo does not crap out on the highway like the 7. The RDX could use a 6th gear, and when it shifts into 3rd sometimes there is a dead spot in power delivery where ill have to increase the throttle more so than normal for more linear acceleration.

the turbo works much differently in the Mazda - the boost is bigger with a much bigger kick in the pants at lower speeds, the acura operates like a more normal engine. boost grows as speed increases and comes on more progressively, and man its thrust. After driving the Mazda for 9 months, the RDX feels like it has zero lag compared to it. the acura operates much smoother but different. For city driving, the mazda was more fun, because most of my driving was in the engines sweet spot. The RDX is a ton of fun on the highway or on a clear stretch of road, its speed is really impressive.