I had an '02 Odyssey with the v6 engine. It was clearly stated in the owner's manual that you could use regular (87) gas and generate 210 horsepower, or you could use premium (91) and the engine's computer would adjust automatically and generate 240 hp.

 

That's just what I was figuring. You can use 87 if you want to...the engine will pull the spark timing back because it detects knocking on the lower octane fuel. If you use the correct octane based on it's 10:1 compression ratio, then there will be no knocking and the engine can run optimally without slowing down the timing at all.

Pretty weird that they don't just specify 91 octane. Even thought an engine can manage itself with knock sensors, it still lets a few pings slip by and that means that over time you'll start seeing some engine damage. I would stick with 91...more performance, no chance of long term damage, and you only spend another couple hundred dollars per year anyway.

 

I think the reason they don't mention it is most people buy a honda for reliability and economy. most honda owners will never put premium into their cars. I think its awesome that the cars can dect different octanes. it makes sense because most states have different octane standards so each accord will adjust to where they are driven.

 

The Accord Coupe EX V6 6MT has all speed traction control and a hellical limited slip differential. But only the 6MT coupe has this. The regular V6 coupes only have traction control without the HLSD.

It's a similar setup to the 2001-03 Acua CL Type-S 6MT.

 

I really wish someone could pull up some official Honda.com page saying "250HP! LSD!" It's not that I dont believe anyone, it's just I'm considering a used 03 V6 Coupe for my next car and I need a straight answer

 

Here's a quote from Honda V-6 engineer Yasuaki Asaki

"The Accord V-6 ratings assume regular-grade fuel, and Honda will market it as a regular-fuel engine. But — pssst — it's good for another 10 hp and 10-plus lbs.-ft. on premium, acknowledges V-6 engineer Asaki."

You can find this quote located about half way down the page under Powertrain at http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...1-accord_x.htm


Where did you find this? The Accord V6 MT and the CL-S use the same manual tranny, but the Accord does not have the LSD.