Perf. difference 87 - 93 octane
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 73
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From: Hatfield PA
Perf. difference 87 - 93 octane
I just got my Vette (bone stock) and have been running it on 87, just to save a few bucks at the pump. I figure the computer is just pulling back timing and lowering my overall performance, but i'm wondering by how much.
Anyone have any track or Dyno data on the performance difference between low and high octane?
thanks
Mike
Anyone have any track or Dyno data on the performance difference between low and high octane?
thanks
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 27
From: Minneapolis MN
I used to always use premium 93 octane in my '86, but recently started using midgrade 89. It definitely feels like it picked up some power by using the lower octane ... I think the early L98 calls for 87 octane, not sure about the LT1.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by mstanton
Why would lower octane give more power?
RACE ON!!!
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Yardley PA
This is interesting. I'm looking at the manual for my '87 right now and it calls for premium grade unleaded fuel. It states that you may use regular unleaded fuel at slightly reduced acceleration performance. Based on this, I've been using 93 up until this point.
I never thought about putting anything under 91 in the car, but it sounds like premium is a relative term. I guess this real question is whether or not 89 octane meets "premium" requirements?
Also, I've heard higher mileage vehicles may require higher octane fuel. Has anyone else heard this?
This is a topic that's been discussed on this forum before, but since there's been a difference of opinion on the subject I haven't brought myself to try the 89 just yet. Maybe with a few more replies that will change
I never thought about putting anything under 91 in the car, but it sounds like premium is a relative term. I guess this real question is whether or not 89 octane meets "premium" requirements?
Also, I've heard higher mileage vehicles may require higher octane fuel. Has anyone else heard this?
This is a topic that's been discussed on this forum before, but since there's been a difference of opinion on the subject I haven't brought myself to try the 89 just yet. Maybe with a few more replies that will change
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 7
From: n/a SC
My 95 lt1 requries premium which I know atleast means 91....I've always used 93 octane thats what the preminum around here is however, I have saw 94 a few times....
I'll stick to what they recommend
I'll stick to what they recommend
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
If you notice, a lot of programming companies offer programs that run under "optimum" octane ranges (i.e. our Z28 is programmed to run 90+ octane but they also have lower octane programs than that and 92+ also due to various areas without access to these fules, anything under DOES feel weaker, but before that we could run anything with no different results). Might just be mental, but my friends and I all felt a slight increase with better octane after the program. I only run premium because it seems to give me slightly better gas mileage. CFI hit the premium area of this topic, how fast it burns. Do a search, MANY threads about this. 
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by stick91
Also, I've heard higher mileage vehicles may require higher octane fuel. Has anyone else heard this?
RACE ON!!!
