Gas Prices and Octane
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: LBL TN
Gas Prices and Octane
Has anybody with stock 350s :lol: beside me considered running a lower octane fuel because of the high cost of gas. I haven't done it yet but seriously considering doing so. Think there will be any problems. What does the 350 require? It's not listed in my owners manual. :nonod: :flag
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Gas Prices and Octane (N5OMU)
Look under the hood right above the brake master cylinder, there should be your information on what oct to run. If not, what year and eng option to your have? You can always exp with it by dropping the oct. Just let the tank run to 'E' then fill up half way in case your eng doesn't like the new gas you put more higher oct fuel in. One the new gas has had time to get into the carb give it some full throttle runs, if it pings you can either change back to higher oct or try retarding your timing. You only have to run oct high enough to keep your eng from detonating with your set-up, anyhigher yeailds no performance increase unless you to some eng adj.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Gas Prices and Octane (N5OMU)
I have a stock L48 in my '77.
I've run 87 octane the whole time I've had it.
Very rarely, I'll hear light pinging.
I did try the 93 octane on a couple of trips and noticed no performance or MPG improvement.
I've been averaging about 15.5 MPG.
I've run 87 octane the whole time I've had it.
Very rarely, I'll hear light pinging.
I did try the 93 octane on a couple of trips and noticed no performance or MPG improvement.
I've been averaging about 15.5 MPG.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,631
Likes: 14
From: Fountain Hills AZ
Re: Gas Prices and Octane (N5OMU)
I agree with Fevre and Jerry. If it runs good on lower octane, there's no benefit (except to the oil co :)). There are situations where a low compression engine might need higher octane but if yours doesn't, save your money.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Gas Prices and Octane (N5OMU)
I agree with the other guys, there is no reason to run hi octane if you have a stock L-48 or any fairly low compression engine. Now if you have a high performance, hi-compression engine then you probably need the highest octane fuel you can get.
