Dad read the 'Trash to Treasure' article and wants an early Miata. He'll be commuting and doesn't want to use premium, is it required, will regular damage the engine, etc?
Thanks!
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Dec. 15, 2008 8:30 p.m. Duende Reader
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Dec. 15, 2008 8:38 p.m. Tim Baxter Online Editor
Not required until '01, IIRC.
Make sure he reads this one, too: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/mazda-miata/
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Dec. 15, 2008 8:39 p.m. jrw1621 Reader
No, the early Miatas were built for 87 octane.
Stated here: http://www.miata.net/faq/faq3.html#O
What type of gasoline should I use in my Miata? See your owners manual. In general, 87 octane unleaded fuel is fine. If you have altered your engine timing from factory specifications or made other performance enhancements, you may notice pinging and benefit from a higher octane fuel. Oxygenated fuels and gasahol may cause trouble and the owners manual recommends that they be avoided. Miata Magazine reports that the Miata will loose four horsepower when running on oxygenated fuel. If your Miata is running well (ie., no pinging) on 87 octane fuel, there is no reason to pay for higher octane unless you own oil company stock. You will not get any additional benefit from it.
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Dec. 16, 2008 8:58 a.m. confuZion3 Dork
^^^^ Well said.
