C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

New C3 owner needs your help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 06:24 PM
  #1  
cmrws67's Avatar
cmrws67
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Default New C3 owner needs your help

I just got my my first corvette, an 81 black with red interior, 4 speed, last night at 1130pm. I now believe in love at first sight, let me tell you. What I need is advice on the gas to feed her. I did put premium in her today, but what is best for the car. I am not worried about the extra $3 a tank to use the better gas, I just want to do what is best for her. Any advice is really helpful.
Thanks, Chrissi
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 06:27 PM
  #2  
capevettes's Avatar
capevettes
CF Community Team
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
Conversation Starter
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,363
Likes: 5,243
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Chris, Congratulations on your new 81 You should be able to run regular on an 81. Try it. If it doesn't ping (detonate), your OK with regular. If it does ping try the next highest octane.
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 06:28 PM
  #3  
Glass Act's Avatar
Glass Act
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Default

Originally Posted by capevettes
Chris, Congratulations on your new 81 You should be able to run regular on an 81. Try it. If it doesn't ping (detonate), your OK with regular. If it does ping try the next highest octane.
100%
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 09:01 PM
  #4  
Aggitated Monkey's Avatar
Aggitated Monkey
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Default

Welcome to the adventure

Love black and red; very classic and I had a '79 with the classic combo.

I use the premium in all of my cars; don't ask me why, just do. I never cared about a few dollars more per tank. If i had to give a reason I would think that it burns cleaner and more efficient.

Post some photos of the new love affare
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 09:09 PM
  #5  
GD70's Avatar
GD70
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Default

Congratulations and welcome to the forum. This will be like your new extended family!
I've always put premium in my 70. I once put a few gallons of regular and it started pinging. Went back to premium but backed off on the timing slightly. Tonight I filled up with regular just as a test and to my surprise it ran great! No ping, so adjusting the timing made the difference.
Again it depends on how well it runs and personal preference.
Now, POST PICS!!!
Glenn
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 09:17 PM
  #6  
C3 4ME's Avatar
C3 4ME
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Default

Gotta love black with red interior. i agree with what's above, use the lowest ocatane you can get away with without pinging.
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 09:35 PM
  #7  
hicswa's Avatar
hicswa
Pro
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 13
From: Carlstadt NJ
Default

My 75 runs fine on regular, no ping since I owned her from 1975.

Danny
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 10:29 PM
  #8  
Sidepiper's Avatar
Sidepiper
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 2
From: Perkasie Pa
Default

Chrissi, Congrats... Did you end up buying that one you were looking at in Pa?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:06 AM
  #9  
OURSHARK's Avatar
OURSHARK
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 4
From: Alcolu S.C.
Default

Welcome Chrissi

I have an 81 with stock engine. I run regular gas and have no problem. Once in a while I put in premium just to mix it up. Congratulations and happy motoring in your Vette.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:44 AM
  #10  
ZR-111's Avatar
ZR-111
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Default

Stick to regular gas you will get better perfomance then using premium gas. Premium gas burns much slower and can harm your engine. Enjoy your new baby. later
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:55 AM
  #11  
79 t-top's Avatar
79 t-top
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: MN
Default

Mid grade...(89) is at a reasonable price now...if you can call $2.85 reasonable but... then agian you didn't buy the car with the intent on getting rice burner gas mileage did you?
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2008 | 11:02 AM
  #12  
Spocc's Avatar
Spocc
Drifting
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 7
From: Toronto Ontario
Default

C-3's

fun to drive & awesome to look at !

enjoy !
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2008 | 11:07 AM
  #13  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Default

If it runs smoothly with regular, buy regular and save your money. If it doesn't, move up in grades until it does....or do some tune-up work on the timing. For gosh sakes, don't feel guilty about putting "less than premium" in it.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2008 | 11:15 AM
  #14  
TEXASDESERTVETTE's Avatar
TEXASDESERTVETTE
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: PYOTE BOMBER BASE TEXAS
Default

To get your complete value for the money one spends on gasoline....Search for "TOP TIER GASOLINE" retailers in your area...
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2008 | 07:34 PM
  #15  
cmrws67's Avatar
cmrws67
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Default

To Sidepiper, yes I did buy the one in PA. And I am totally in love with this car. She drives like a dream. Shifts every gear perfectly. And everyone, everyone looks at her. My first day out, 3 C5s were driving in a row and THEY slowed down to take a peek.

How do I add pictures????? I have a ton..this car is like another baby. I swear I dream about the car, Pathetic, aren't I ?
Chrissi
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2008 | 08:53 PM
  #16  
justasbad's Avatar
justasbad
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Orrville Ohio
Default

congrats, ive been running regular and it runs like a dream.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2008 | 09:56 PM
  #17  
Brian74n81's Avatar
Brian74n81
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 6
From: Mississippi
Default

15 replies, and 226 views and an '81 gas mileage question........imagine that?

Wow, I bet this female could get you hard legs to help her with a frame off for free if she played her cards right..........lol..........

BTW.......I run regular in my '81.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To New C3 owner needs your help

Old Jan 28, 2008 | 02:22 AM
  #18  
king1971's Avatar
king1971
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Taylor Ridge Illinois
Default Congrats Chrissi

Originally Posted by ZR-111
Stick to regular gas you will get better perfomance then using premium gas. Premium gas burns much slower and can harm your engine. Enjoy your new baby. later
What? I've never heard that before! I've always heard that the older cars NEEDED high oct. gas. How would putting Premium gas in harm your engine???
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2008 | 02:29 AM
  #19  
king1971's Avatar
king1971
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Taylor Ridge Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by Brian74n81
15 replies, and 226 views and an '81 gas mileage question........imagine that?

Wow, I bet this female could get you hard legs to help her with a frame off for free if she played her cards right..........lol..........

BTW.......I run regular in my '81.
Ya know ,now that you mention it she is quite attractive isn't she? In fact, me thinks she's a babe! Awwww God! I'm such a looser!
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2008 | 07:46 AM
  #20  
glen242's Avatar
glen242
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Default

Originally Posted by ZR-111
Stick to regular gas you will get better perfomance then using premium gas. Premium gas burns much slower and can harm your engine. Enjoy your new baby. later
Where did you get this information??

Documentation please!
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:57 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE