will I notice a difference in performance if i put higher octane in my car? I could've sworn the 1MZ-FE was a low compression motor and therefore would not benefit from putting in higher octane gas. I looked in the FAQ's and found nothing regarding what fuel to put in my car.

Try it and find out. I doubt you'll notice any difference just driving, but maybe you'll notice a difference at full throttle. Depends what you normally put in it I guess.

I would just follow the recommendation in your owner's manual.

Try it and find out. I doubt you'll notice any difference just driving, but maybe you'll notice a difference at full throttle. Depends what you normally put in it I guess.

I would just follow the recommendation in your owner's manual.


well, actually it's my mom's car. and she lives out of state. she swears her car takes premium and i'm telling her that it doesn't. I cannot seem to find any engine spec. on the vehicle anywhere. If i could just find out the compression ratio, i'll know for sure.

There's more to it than compression ratio. Ignition and valve timing are critical also, particularly at WOT.

For the engine parameters, look up your engine here:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Pit/9975/dataBySubject/GasolineEngines.html

If the engine is retarding the ignition on 87, then you will see some performance, and throttle responce increase.
The engine calls for 87, but maximum performance is gained with premium.


Most will run 87 without retarding timing. Some 1mz-fe engines have overactive knock sensor problems, and will retard timing constantly, regardless of the gas used. Those loose 10hp erratically through the rpm ranage. An obvious problem.


If you don't feel it pull erratically in second or third, you don't really have anything to gain with premium fuel.