Turbo Engine Knock Sensor

[laborsmith]

Questions have come up about how the Bosch E78 engine control module handles different grades of fuel. I am posting links to two sources now, and will add links as I find more info.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze: Hot Weather MPG Part 2

Fuel Grade - Page 2

I also recall reading info directly related the the use of this ECU in Europe but so far have not put my eyes on it, but I will continue to look.

Laborsmith

 

[SteveSonic]

Thank you for doing the research, Labor. I read through the Insideline text and comments. Fortunately the Sonic IC is located front/center; however, my UltraGauge is pointing out that my intake temp is high (140*F+) even after the engine has sat for hours, even in 'normal' ambient air temps of about 70*F. I attribute it to the iron block pushing its heat throughout the engine bay. It takes a while for the intake temp to go down to ambient+10*, too.

Note: I'm now breaking 40 MPG as my average mileage, and I haven't switched to Amsoil in the crank; changed the tranny lube to full synthetic; or, pumped the stock tires to 44 psi. And these tires absolutely s*** for LRR.

 

[SonicBoy24]

Note: I'm now breaking 40 MPG as my average mileage, and I haven't switched to Amsoil in the crank; changed the tranny lube to full synthetic; or, pumped the stock tires to 44 psi. And these tires absolutely s*** for LRR.

As far as I know, you can't change the tranny lube....
My dealer told me that the tranny is sealed for life

 

[SteveSonic]

As far as I know, you can't change the tranny lube....
My dealer told me that the tranny is sealed for life

I searched in the Cruze forum and it can b done, albeit through fill /level check holes in the case, IIRC. Owners there have been complaining about their manual trannys getting notchy in hotter weather, and debating what lube improves the problem, focusing on what weight is proper.

 

[RichieRocket]

Laborsmith, thanks for posting that info, but the reason I PM'd you was asking about your comment about the computer reseting to run high octane, then retarding down ign adv when knock comes in.
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/t1597/
Niether of the links addresses those?

So it sounds like the octane effect on torque and mpg will show up much more in hot conditions. I'll have to retry my mpg test in mid-summer. Until then I'll keep running 87...

- Some of the Cruzetalk posters are incorrect on the USA vs. Europe engine octane requirements. The fuels are basically the same...the octane 'RATING' system is different. In the USA, we us R+M/2 average of Research and Motor octane. In Europe the use Research only, so the number is 4-5 larger.
A few years ago, I was surprised filling up our rental car in Ireland, the only gasoline pump had "95" on it...
Octane rating - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[laborsmith]

I have not stopped looking. My memory is the specific info you seek is in an answer to a question not its own thread. I have gone through many of the Vince from Trifecta Performance answers and have not started on the Brian from Vermont Tuners answers.

Yes, I am acquainted with the two different systems used to measure octane, which is why I tried to phrase my comments the way I did. It is not the stated value (Euro system would attribute a higher value than the US system for the same fuel) but that there is a difference in the actual fuel so Euro fuel would be higher in octane value even when using the US system.

Anyways, I will continue the search.

Laborsmith