Post by Elmo P. ShagnastyPost by TeggerYes, but the ES350's Owner's Manual specifies 91 octane, whereas the
Avalon's says 87 octane.
This suggests the Lexus's engine has some fundamental difference from the
Avalon's, such as a higher compression ratio.
Actually, it suggests more that the marketing people stuck their hands
into things and overrode the engineers.
The marketing people have a vested interest in the buyer thinking that
he has something "better". And as we all know, public perception is
that "premium" gas must be better because they call it
"premium"--when
the only difference in most cases (except Shell) is octane rating.
So why do you think Shell is better than BP, or Chevron, or Texaco?
Remember Shell is the company than refined gasoline that destroyed
thousands of in tank fuel level sensors because of excess
sulfur....http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/food-stores/4482391-1.html
.
I'll bet you the "Shell" gas in Southeastern Virginia comes out of the
same refinery as the BP gas in Southeastern Virginia (although I am
sure the additive packages are different). GM, Toyota, BMW all
recommend the so called "Top Tier" gasolines, and Shell is one of the
providers of this type, but not the only. Ford recommends BP (but
doesn't require it). And remember that until Chevron took over Texaco,
Shell and Texaco gasoline was actually provided by two joint ventures
owned by Shell, Texaco,and Aramco (look up Equilon Enterprises and
Motiva).
Here are out of date description of Equilion and Motiva:
"EQUILON ENTERPRISES LLC. On January 15, 1998, Shell Oil and Texaco
Inc. ("Texaco") reached agreement on the formation and operational
start up, effective January 1, 1998, of Equilon Enterprises LLC
("Equilon"). Equilon is a joint venture which combines major elements
of both companies' western and midwestern United States refining and
marketing businesses and both companies' nationwide trading,
transportation and lubricants businesses."
"MOTIVA ENTERPRISES LLC. As reported in the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 1998, on July 1, 1998
Shell Oil, Texaco and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) jointly
announced the formation and operational start-up of Motiva Enterprises
LLC (Motiva), a joint venture combining major elements of the three
companies' eastern and Gulf Coast United States refining and marketing
businesses, including assets previously held by Star Enterprise, a
partnership of corporate affiliates of Texaco and Saudi Aramco. Shell
Oil has 35 percent ownership of Motiva, and Texaco and Saudi Refining,
Inc., a corporate affiliate of Saudi Aramco, each have 32.5 percent
ownership of the company (such ownership to be subject to adjustment
in the future based on the performance of the assets)."
After Chevron purchased Texaco, they were forced to divest their
interest in Equilon and Motiva. Around here, that meant most Texaco
Stations became Shell Stations. The gas is still the same as before,
even the additive package (referred to before as "System 3" at Texaco
Stations).
I think you are fooling yourself if you think Shell gasoline is
"special," at least compared to other major brands. And remember,
Shell owns the company that markets "Slick 50." It is hard to trust a
company that sells that snake oil.
Ed
Post by Elmo P. ShagnastyRunning grocery store 91 or 93 octane gas is probably worse for your ES
than running Shell 87.