Thanks to everyone for the replies. Car seems to be fine and I am running out this fuel pronto. I am not running the car hard right now. I am going to wait until I get through this.

Throtex: Excellent paper included in your response. You get an 'A'.

Thanks again,

Barry

 

The ECU will adjust for the gas. Performance will suck but no harm done just don't make a habit of it and it will be fine.

 

My take on this: Don't Panic (thanks Josh3i0 & Douglas Adams).

Add some octane boost, and/or top up with premium. Don't run out the low octane before adding high octane. That just ensures that you are running the lowest possible octane for the longest possible time.

Yes your ECU will hear the pinging and retard the ignition, but it won't hear it till well after it's happened (knock sensors are pretty inaccurate), and there is a very remote risk of engine damage. The more high octane or octane boost you've got in there the less likely this highly unlikey event occurs.

All will be well, but running out the low octane is pushing the envelope.

Also, even after you add the octane boost or premium fuel it will take a while for the ECU to realise all is well in Octaneville and bring the ignition back up. Don't be surprised if you get dragged off at the lights by a Miata.