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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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?
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.
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
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???
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