[mdhopt36]

After using a tank of different PP up the road, which netted 19.2mpg, ('18 1SS) I topped off with abt 3/8ths tank of Shell premium yesterday---and now, it's setting on 19.8mpg.
Also used to have an old model Tundra, that got to the point of almost refusing to start on said PP. Filled up with 3/4 tank of Shell premium, and the difference in starting/running in that truck was very apparent before I got out of the gas station parking lot.
*****
Research indicated as what's stated here, the gasoline is consistent, and likely from same trucks whether discount, or top tier sellers--- but it's the detergent/additives that make the difference.
IMO, that's precisely what I found out for stations around here.
In NH, they have ethanol-free gas at separate pumps. I tried some, but so far, I haven't noticed any difference between it and top tier premo stuff, except it having a slightly higher price. (?)

[GM-ACE]

Originally Posted by Elite Engineering

Oil Man has it correct out of all that have posted, at least what I have read.


First, ALL fuel comes from the same bulk tank farms and is graded by octane. Any additives above what is required by law for highway use is done either in the truck transport or at the station when it is delivered by the driver. I have watched at the port and all fill up at the same bulk tanks.


Next, while top tier fuel was an excellent choice for older port injection engines as the fuel constantly washed and cooled the valves keeping them clean and deposit free, no fuel touches the intake valves back sides where the coking takes place any longer with GDI engines (except the few that have added in small port injectors in an attempt to slow the coking rate, but so far these all show coking nearly as severe as no hybrids, but is far from a fix.


So, what is top tier doing for these new GDI engines? Absolutely nothing except possibly helping injectors stay clean, but at 2,000-3,000 PSI there is not a very high incidence of "dirty" injectors as in the past port injection engines operating at 45-55 PSI.

While I agree with most of your points, I would share that the first 2 2010 Camaros I worked on for cylinder misfire issues were caused by fuel from "mom & pop" stations in BFE somewhere, both V6s needed multiple injectors replaced as a result of the quality of gas they had gotten. I have stuck with TopTier ever since, and to my knowledge, the main difference in the gas is what additives the producer is using. Mostly used Shell and Chevron from newer stations and have never had issues, especially with pinging, which I can always hear. Now ask me what my wife just said and.......

[Emoto]

Originally Posted by Leadrightpedal

Back when the premium was 20 cents a gallon it was a no brainer. These gas stations have gotten clever advertising only regular and diesel. You pull in and find up to a 80 cent differential on premium now.

I have a brand new HEB gas station that undercuts everyone else. Gas gets sold quickly. I understand they may not have the “top tier” additive package but does it really matter? I’ve resolved to put Techron in every month instead. HEB premium is $2.50. The “top tier” marketing cartel licensing play guys charge $2.80-$2.99 for premium.

I use 150 gallons a month. That’s between $45 and $74 extra a month. I’m not going to pay that. I’ve bought enough Techron for 6 months from Amazon. I also bought Lucas additive I might use between Techron. Some Liqui Moly Jectron to change it up every now and then.

It seems the sensible thing to do. These guys will market to you like Michael Kors does to women. I can buy my own additives if need be. I’m not paying 80 cents a gallon extra. They do this to drive more traffic to their stations rip you off on gas and get more convenience store sales. If they stop making us subsidize regular grade gas and become more honest about displaying premium gas prices again I’ll go back. Until then I will vote with my wallet. They think people who buy cars that need high octane gas are price inelastic fools who don’t care about what they pay. They are wrong. Most of us are intelligent enough to call out the marketing BS play. They want everything to be a fashion statement these days “I use xyz gas only, I only wear xyz headphones, I use only xyz cell phone service” etc. it’s gone a bit too far.

Did you look at the Top Tier retailers list? Costco is one, and their gas is usually quite reasonably priced. Go talk to some mechanics - people bring them cars that are not running right and a lot of the time it is because they have been using the "bargain" gasoline. A tank or two of Top Tier and they run well again. Your strategy of adding Techron or Lucas may cover you; I certainly hope it works out for you.

[DenverTaco07]

I use Costco gas exclusively because:

1. I trust Costco and their claim of "Top Tier"
2. Pricing - yes it is the best pricing almost always. I remember in SoCal, it being 60 cents cheaper than the station down the street.
3. They keep their stations clean, including the pumps.
4. They are staffed at the stations, I mean a staff member at the pumps = less chance of skimmers being installed.
5. I love Costco

I even look for Costco's on road trips to stop for gas.

[Allez]

Originally Posted by DenverTaco07

I use Costco gas exclusively because:

1. I trust Costco and their claim of "Top Tier"
2. Pricing - yes it is the best pricing almost always. I remember in SoCal, it being 60 cents cheaper than the station down the street.
3. They keep their stations clean, including the pumps.
4. They are staffed at the stations, I mean a staff member at the pumps = less chance of skimmers being installed.
5. I love Costco

I even look for Costco's on road trips to stop for gas.

+1, I use Costco for all of my cars for the exact same reasons.

[SuperSnake1972]

I only use chevron premium in my 2020 2SS and at each fill-up I also add Heet water remover, stabil fuel stabilizer, and RP fuel system cleaner. Since a tank lasts me between 6-8 mos I make sure it's got all the stuff it needs to stay a happy, clean engine.

[2SS Capt]

Originally Posted by DenverTaco07

I use Costco gas exclusively because:

1. I trust Costco and their claim of "Top Tier"
2. Pricing - yes it is the best pricing almost always. I remember in SoCal, it being 60 cents cheaper than the station down the street.
3. They keep their stations clean, including the pumps.
4. They are staffed at the stations, I mean a staff member at the pumps = less chance of skimmers being installed.
5. I love Costco

I even look for Costco's on road trips to stop for gas.

Same here for all the same reasons, right now the Costco near me (North County San Diego) is $4.99 for Premium, the Shell is $6.01...

[haggler]

I avoid costco at all costs. Not because the gas isnt quality, its just the place is too much of a zoo unless you go at 5 am or closing time.. Time is $.

[SSDan]

Originally Posted by 2SS Capt

Same here for all the same reasons, right now the Costco near me (North County San Diego) is $4.99 for Premium, the Shell is $6.01...

Ouch! I just filled up at Costco for 93 at $ 3.35 a gal. I go anytime I want and have very little wait. Another reason I buy there - they sell a lot of gas thus the tanks are refilled often which equals fresher gas.

[pitrott1]

Sams club

[Allez]

Originally Posted by pitrott1

Sams club

I don't think Sam's club gas is Top Tier, is it?

[2SS Capt]

Originally Posted by pitrott1

Sams club

Wait a minute!!! I didn't realize you could change the number of miles the Econ Meter uses, I just noticed the up/down arrows and your's sawy 25 mi, mine is at 50 mi!

[pitrott1]

Sams in my neck sells 93 octane. And as for the econ yes you can adjust with the right arrow!

[Gunkk]

Sam's is no longer top tier, unless it's hiding under some brand like Costco's Kirkland, which is. I use Shell Vpower 93.

https://www.toptiergas.com/gasoline-brands/