Petrol for 2008 Subaru Impreza S-GT variant. 91 OK?

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CrashAndBurn

669 posts

Ultimate Geek

#315707 8-Aug-2024 13:55

I have a Japanese import 2008 Subaru Impreza S-GT variant. I have been using 95 since I owned it (2 years). With this cost of living biting hard, does anyone know if 91 is OK to use as saw online where 91 is acceptable for the standard Impreza's but cannot find anything for the S-GT variant. Thought about going 91 as moving farther away from work so will use more petrol but don't want to risk it if engine will suffer.

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Uber Geek

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#3269481 8-Aug-2024 13:59

Turbo? I wouldn't use 91 if so. It'll likely cause detonation.

mudguard

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#3269483 8-Aug-2024 14:01

I'd have thought it was more likely to 95/96 minimum if not 98 or higher. Most turbo motors seem to require higher octane, though more recent ones in the quest for economy probably not so much.

Is there nothing in the manual at all? Typically the NZ equivalents tend to be at reduced outputs for our fuel so could get away with lower octanes but you'll need to dig more for anything JDM

wellygary

8331 posts

Uber Geek

#3269486 8-Aug-2024 14:10

https://specs.cars-directory.net/subaru/impreza/2.0_S-GT_sports_package_4WD_56380.html

"Fuel Type High octane premium gasoline"

"Hai-Oku" (High Octane) in Japan (its JDM) is 96, so it needs 95 here....

CrashAndBurn

669 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3269487 8-Aug-2024 14:13

Thanks all. Will stick with 95 and try and cut elsewhere.

mudguard

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#3269488 8-Aug-2024 14:15

wellygary:

https://specs.cars-directory.net/subaru/impreza/2.0_S-GT_sports_package_4WD_56380.html

"Fuel Type High octane premium gasoline"

"Hai-Oku" (High Octane) in Japan (its JDM) is 96, so it needs 95 here....

I'd have not thought 95 is high octane when they have 100 available?

Batman

Mad Scientist
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#3269550 8-Aug-2024 17:05

it will self adapt and give you less power, though there is a small risk of permanent damage to engine but that's not likely

RunningMan

8961 posts

Uber Geek

#3269552 8-Aug-2024 17:09

Typically the owner's manual and/or a sticker near the fuel filler cap are the 2 places the manufacturer will put this info for your specific car. It can differ between individual models and markets so best not to go from a general comment on the internet about a what fuel a specific vehicle takes.

Going too high in octane won't hurt the car (only the wallet), but too low can cause terminal engine damage in some situations.

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RunningMan

8961 posts

Uber Geek

#3269555 8-Aug-2024 17:15

What can happen when it goes wrong https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/115903134/driver-put-wrong-grade-petrol-into-her-car-loses-compensation-bid

Goosey

2834 posts

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#3269633 9-Aug-2024 07:13

I’d be setting yourself a target to improve fuel efficiently…

use your dash stats (litres per km).

I used to drive a turbo suv…. When having fun…..get 500km, when being a grandpa with the foot I got over 600km by not wanting to drag everyone off or being silly and not driving to the conditions e.g. drive to the traffic speed instead of fast slow fast slow….

xpd

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#3269649 9-Aug-2024 08:00

As others have said, 95 at a minimum unless you want to strip the engine down and redo all the seals etc, and then you "might" get away with 91.

I had a 96 Legacy GT wagon, run 95 only on that and it was a beast. Use to get "wow that must cost you a fortune to run" comments all the time because it was twin turbo. Honestly though, unless you are extremely heavy footed, you'll find you don't hit the turbo that often and it costs as much to run as a standard 2L vehicle.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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CrashAndBurn

669 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3269650 9-Aug-2024 08:03

Managed to find a manual online and it says 91 AKI which is equivalent to 93 RON. So yeah will stick with 95.

danielparker

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#3269653 9-Aug-2024 08:18

I own this exact model and run it on 95.

mudguard

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#3269655 9-Aug-2024 08:24

CrashAndBurn:
Managed to find a manual online and it says 91 AKI which is equivalent to 93 RON. So yeah will stick with 95.

I looked for a good hour (nicely put off the work I was supposed to be doing). It's a bit like JDM Hondas, it be very difficult to find out info.
I found the 91 AKL in a Canadian owners manual. But again you need to make sure. Do you have a genuine manual? It may be in Japanese but usually the fuel can be found in it.
JDM VTEC Hondas had higher compression than the non Japanese versions and more aggressive timing so wanted a higher octane fuel.

I am sympathetic though, it is probably one of the least fuel efficient vehicles to own. Tremendous fun and limpet like grip. I don't know what motor they have in them, EJ20 still? 180kW so it's running a reasonable amount of boost.

You can always pump your tyres up and drive slower which is a bit depressing. As the others have said, check your fuel flap, check the manual. Whatever the NZ new versions run will probably be the minimum you can put in it and I don't know for how long.

mudguard

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#3269656 9-Aug-2024 08:26

xpd:
Honestly though, unless you are extremely heavy footed, you'll find you don't hit the turbo that often and it costs as much to run as a standard 2L vehicle.

My 2L vehicle runs at 5.7L (FWD though) so I'd be impressed if they can get anywhere near that!

I had a twin turbo GT back in the day, it was good fun but had that classic valley of death between the two turbos. Sold it when I got a quote for a cambelt 😭

xpd

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#3269663 9-Aug-2024 08:56

mudguard:

I had a twin turbo GT back in the day, it was good fun but had that classic valley of death between the two turbos. Sold it when I got a quote for a cambelt 😭

Mine had major VOD when I got it, but was caused by a leaking exhaust - once that was fixed, it was extremely smooth and hardly noticeable. Helped that the guys who did the exhaust were well known Subie fans and probably gave it a slight tickle at the same time to assist :D

I miss my Subie :(

Mate just bought a 96 RS Legacy, and **** it moves. Turns out previous owners spent over $10k on the engine. And it shows.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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