I use Shell 91 "V-Power NiTRO+" mainly because it's ethanol free (in Canada) and because of the detergents. I've noticed a 50-60 km increase in total range compared to Shell 87. Your (literal) mileage may vary.
For anyone in the U.S. and Canada wanting to find out if ethanol free gas is available locally, start here: www.pure-gas.org
For those who have ethanol free in their locations:
1- is any of it big name brand?
2- what do you know about the additives in it?
Ethanol free is obviously better than ethanol blends in every respect, everything else being equal.
But is everything else "equal"?
I can't really say, as the only ethanol-free gas available where I live is 91 octane and only comes from 8 Shell locations and one Co-Op location. That said, the prices of gasoline between the competing brands (Petro Canada, Esso, etc.) usually only vary by 2-3 cents per litre (and are ethanol-blended). Ethanol-blended 91 octane is available for about 6 cents less per litre at 7-11 Convenience stores.
I buy from Shell primarily because it's close to home and because I know its ethanol free. They also boast about having "the best total engine protection you can get".
First you live in Arizona ...there is no such thing as highest quality fuels?? LOL. Fuels must be federal approved to be used in the USA and Arizona and all the other states have Federal standards for fuel sold none of which has to do with the quality rating of high or low. The chosen fuel anyone uses like Shell or Chevron, BP, CostCO, etc., have there own additives they all support for cleaner engines , improved emissions and so on, what ever sells their fuels and this has nothing to do with quality. If you look into all fuel where they begin most all suppliers get the raw fuel from only a few refineries and add their "elixir" to the finish product they offer. Even the less expensive branded fuels still meet federal requirements and are not by definition LOW or HIGH quality fuels. Octane rating is what it is and that can not be changed without FEDERAL APPROVAL in the USA and even in Arizona.Everybody is right in their own way
I can speak for my experience. Multiple engines opened up at 100k+. The ones driven on highest grade fuel + frequent and good oils were always much cleaner inside than few others which we opened and were driven on lower fuel grade filled from everywhere they can buy cheap. Not talking mpg.
I have to admit though if one plans to drive/lease for 30-60k miles, it does not matter much. Change the car every few years, etc.
I always use top tier fuel in my cars, typically Chevron and Shell. My Z06 and the new Signature CX-5 are only fed the highest octane available which in my local area is 92. Other vehicle get top.tier but regular grade.
FUEL TESTED ON A DYNO
About 2 years ago a group of racers I race with took a Spec Miata to the dyno with the purpose of determining if brand of fuel made any difference. They test several brands all on the same dyno on the same day. The fuel test took a couple of hours to complete. All fuel used for the test was standard pump grade 92 octane purchase from local gas stations. No additives were added to any of the fuel tested. A couple of gallons of fuel was added to the car and then the car dyno'd for power. After each test the fuel was completely drained through the fuel test port and the next brand of fuel was put in. This process was repeated for each brand. Two brands came out on top...Shell and Chevron. Although both were measurably better compared to the other brands tested the Chevron actually had a slight edge over Shell. In a class where we fight for every last horse power fuel matters. Will it matter in our street car s...maybe not but this test proved there were differences between brands of fuel. Your money, your car, your wallet.
I like this!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I DON"T like when I visit your state of Oregon that it is state law that an attendant must fill you vehicle. So looking into this law (actually my attorney and fellow car enthusiast did) law I (we) found the loop hole to pump my own! LOL
I just say now... "modified vehicle"! And pump my own.
That was one of the hardest things to get used to after moving here. For some reason NJ and Oregon think we are idiots and can't do what others do in 48 states. Most pump attendants are careless as s***. In addition to spilling fuel on the car I've witnessed the attendant hit the cars with the oumo nozzle. I usually pump my own fuel in Oregon. And if they stop me I watch them like a hawk. I just get out and start pumping. Sometimes I get yelled atmakws me deel.like a chikd again
But it is legal to pump your own diesel which I remind them of. They almost always ask me if I want to pump my own fuel when filling my Z06. I'll have to try the "modified" statement the next time someone gives me s***.