L98s
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 449
Likes: 2
From: Frisco TX
L98s
Do L98s require premium gas? Have any bazaar quirks? blah blah blah...
I'm thinking about a 89-91 with a 6 speed. Anyone have any warnings, suggstions, or the like.
[Modified by Electron2002, 10:31 AM 7/8/2002]
I'm thinking about a 89-91 with a 6 speed. Anyone have any warnings, suggstions, or the like.
[Modified by Electron2002, 10:31 AM 7/8/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
Re: L98s (Electron2002)
I used the middle grade, 89 for mine and never had a problem. Ran it on the dyno with that gas and it pulled just fine.
One of the most reliable, trouble free engines you can find :yesnod:
One of the most reliable, trouble free engines you can find :yesnod:
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Paris AR, USA
Re: L98s (joecaver)
Owners manual recommends premium fuel, but says other grades may be used, with "some loss of acceleration performance".
Aside from the TPI system, and maybe the aluminum heads and roller cams on the later models, the L98 is just basic old small block Chevy.
Aside from the TPI system, and maybe the aluminum heads and roller cams on the later models, the L98 is just basic old small block Chevy.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 859
Likes: 17
From: Houston TX
Re: L98s (Electron2002)
90-91 L98s will need premium due to 10.25:1 compression.
89 can run on regular with lower compression and aluminum heads.
I only run premium in my 89 though.
Technically, you can try the middle and lower grade fuels in either. You just need to be aware of detonation. The timing retards on these cars work well enough that you might not even notice it without directly monitoring it.
89 can run on regular with lower compression and aluminum heads.
I only run premium in my 89 though.
Technically, you can try the middle and lower grade fuels in either. You just need to be aware of detonation. The timing retards on these cars work well enough that you might not even notice it without directly monitoring it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Re: L98s (Electron2002)
I couldn't be happier with mine. It runs better than I expected and gets 24 mpg highway. It is one great cruising motor. No shakes, no hesitations, no weak spots. And--you can power-wash the motor without fear. Is it the fastest thing out there? Not likely. I think it combines the best of both worlds--plebnty of horsepower with long-term reliability....no regrets!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,297
Likes: 0
From: Stamford VT
Re: L98s (dgoodhue)
I only run 94. Has anyone look at a scan tool (daicom, DM, etc.) to see if the car is pulling out any timing with lower octane?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '12
Re: L98s (Electron2002)
Do L98s require premium gas? Have any bazaar quirks? blah blah blah...
I'm thinking about a 89-91 with a 6 speed. Anyone have any warnings, suggstions, or the like.
I'm thinking about a 89-91 with a 6 speed. Anyone have any warnings, suggstions, or the like.
Qirks - The area between the radiator and AC condenser is a vaccum bag. It will pile up with leaves
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
The earlier lower compression can run 87 octane. You might not get full potential, but if you are just cruising 3000 miles across the country why not save some money.
I run 94 in my '87 even though it is completely unnecessary. But in the same breath I can run some more timing BTDC and get no knocking.
I run 94 in my '87 even though it is completely unnecessary. But in the same breath I can run some more timing BTDC and get no knocking.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,808
Likes: 1
From: Sierra Foothills California
Re: L98s (Electron2002)
I've always used premium as the book suggests, the cost difference in Ca. is only a buck or so per tank between lower octane and premium. I have 136K miles on the clock, and use no oil whatsoever, and I just got 29 mpg on a trip to Utah. :hat
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,747
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From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: L98s (Electron2002)
Nothing but Amoco White Premium 93 octane goes in my babies. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
Re: L98s (Electron2002)
Someone's gotta be a serious moron to put anything less than premium or "supreme" grade fuel in their L98. That would be listed in my book under "abuse". If someone with even the least bit of intelligence about L98s put less than premium grade in their vette, they obviously are with the intent on sabotage or just plain destruction to their ride. I put nothing less than "supreme" in mine which is always atleast 92 or 93 Octane. If it was available closer and more often where I live...I would put even higher grades in as much as possible. :cool:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: L98s (MaSTeRofDZaSTeR)
Someone's gotta be a serious moron to put anything less than premium or "supreme" grade fuel in their L98.
Any real reason why? They run fine on less.