Burning Regular Gas ?????
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 38,655
Likes: 25
From: Bunnell FL
Burning Regular Gas ?????
Updated: 10:45 EST Thursday
COLONIAL PIPELINE RESTARTS SYSTEM
August 31, 2005
Colonial Pipeline today announced that it is safely restarting its pipeline. The initial restart of Colonial's Main lines 1 and 2 is scheduled to begin within the next several hours.
Initial service restoration will provide between 25% and 35% of Colonial's normal operating capacity.
Read More at: http://www.colpipe.com/home.asp
OK - so the current shortages of gas may be short lived.
But in the meantime, do any of you have experience burning regular gas in your Vettes?
We are off to Daytona Beach, FL tomorrow for my Mom's 86th birthday. AAA-Carolinas said yesterday "Stay Home this Labor Day!"
Will the world end or my Vette CROAK if all I can find is regular gas?
Anyone used Octane Boosters?
Any Suggestions?
Updated: 10:45 EST Thursday
I visited Wall Mart, Home Depot, & Lowe's this morning, they sold out of gas cans yesterday, but I found some nice 2 gallon cans at Northern Tool & Equipment and bought the last 5 they had. I plan to carry 10 gallons with me on the trip.
The first 17 gas stations I drove by were sold out, but at Number 18 I topped off the tank in the Vette and filled the 5 plastics cans with High Test gas. The cans fit nicely in the rear of the hatch area and I was able to place them all inside the rear net.
My brother in Daytona Beach recently got a generator and had bought ten 5 gallon cans for it so he filled them all up with High Test for me this morning.
The trip from Charlotte to Daytona Beach is about 480 miles, 99% interstate highway, and I normally average about 28 mpg for the trip with my cruse control set just below 80 mph.
I also bought two bottles of Octane Booster at Wall Mart so if I have to use regular gas, I can.
The local news is saying now that the gas shortages are temporary and things should be back to "normal" in a week or two.
Thanks for all of the good advice guys.
TrainMom will pack tonight and I will load the Vette for an early departure tomorrow morning.
I will post again when I get to Daytona Beach tomorrow.
COLONIAL PIPELINE RESTARTS SYSTEM
August 31, 2005
Colonial Pipeline today announced that it is safely restarting its pipeline. The initial restart of Colonial's Main lines 1 and 2 is scheduled to begin within the next several hours.
Initial service restoration will provide between 25% and 35% of Colonial's normal operating capacity.
Read More at: http://www.colpipe.com/home.asp
OK - so the current shortages of gas may be short lived.
But in the meantime, do any of you have experience burning regular gas in your Vettes?
We are off to Daytona Beach, FL tomorrow for my Mom's 86th birthday. AAA-Carolinas said yesterday "Stay Home this Labor Day!"
Will the world end or my Vette CROAK if all I can find is regular gas?
Anyone used Octane Boosters?
Any Suggestions?
Updated: 10:45 EST Thursday
I visited Wall Mart, Home Depot, & Lowe's this morning, they sold out of gas cans yesterday, but I found some nice 2 gallon cans at Northern Tool & Equipment and bought the last 5 they had. I plan to carry 10 gallons with me on the trip.
The first 17 gas stations I drove by were sold out, but at Number 18 I topped off the tank in the Vette and filled the 5 plastics cans with High Test gas. The cans fit nicely in the rear of the hatch area and I was able to place them all inside the rear net.
My brother in Daytona Beach recently got a generator and had bought ten 5 gallon cans for it so he filled them all up with High Test for me this morning.
The trip from Charlotte to Daytona Beach is about 480 miles, 99% interstate highway, and I normally average about 28 mpg for the trip with my cruse control set just below 80 mph.
I also bought two bottles of Octane Booster at Wall Mart so if I have to use regular gas, I can.
The local news is saying now that the gas shortages are temporary and things should be back to "normal" in a week or two.
Thanks for all of the good advice guys.
TrainMom will pack tonight and I will load the Vette for an early departure tomorrow morning.
I will post again when I get to Daytona Beach tomorrow.
Last edited by Trainman-2; Sep 1, 2005 at 10:48 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,772
Likes: 343
From: SIOUX FALLS SD
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
I would have to think the regular gas will prematurely wear out your engine due to the fact that is somewhat starving for the correct fuel. Think of it as eating candy bars all day instead of balanced meals. There is a reason the manual requests premium gasoline. I also am aware there is a section in the manual that indicates they will run on somewhat less octanes but I will not run them in my car on a regular basis. It would probably take a long long time to show any premature wear but why worry about it? The cost difference is just not worth it and I have not seen any stations yet that have run out of premium around the midwest. These cars ping easy enough on the good gas. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,275
Likes: 19
From: Camden County NJ
On a stock motor they save it can be done but will retard the timing thus reducing the power. For mine there is no option, super or in the garage she stays if there is a shortage of premium. If you have no choice and can only get regular, I would avoid hard driving. I wonder if octane boost would be an option if you have to use regular?
Last edited by BT-01-vette; Sep 1, 2005 at 08:08 AM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Lake Worth Florida
Originally Posted by Trainman-2
COLONIAL PIPELINE RESTARTS SYSTEM
August 31, 2005
Colonial Pipeline today announced that it is safely restarting its pipeline. The initial restart of Colonial's Main lines 1 and 2 is scheduled to begin within the next several hours.
Initial service restoration will provide between 25% and 35% of Colonial's normal operating capacity.
Read More at: http://www.colpipe.com/home.asp
OK - so the current shortages of gas may be short lived.
But in the meantime, do any of you have experience burning regular gas in your Vettes?
We are off to Daytona Beach, FL tomorrow for my Mom's 86th birthday. AAA-Carolinas said yesterday "Stay Home this Labor Day!"
Will the world end or my Vette CROAK if all I can find is regular gas?
Anyone used Octane Boosters?
Any Suggestions?
August 31, 2005
Colonial Pipeline today announced that it is safely restarting its pipeline. The initial restart of Colonial's Main lines 1 and 2 is scheduled to begin within the next several hours.
Initial service restoration will provide between 25% and 35% of Colonial's normal operating capacity.
Read More at: http://www.colpipe.com/home.asp
OK - so the current shortages of gas may be short lived.
But in the meantime, do any of you have experience burning regular gas in your Vettes?
We are off to Daytona Beach, FL tomorrow for my Mom's 86th birthday. AAA-Carolinas said yesterday "Stay Home this Labor Day!"
Will the world end or my Vette CROAK if all I can find is regular gas?
Anyone used Octane Boosters?
Any Suggestions?
You can safely use Regular which will slightly affects the perf of your car without tearing the engine as long as you do not use it permanently.
My understanding is that you are going to Daytona not to race but to visit.
Happy Birthday to your Mom
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
I believe your question is in regards to availability, not a means of saving dollars. You certainly can burn regular, and a little octane boost would be a good idea. Just be mindful of neithr lugging your engine, nor running in higher rev ranges. Shouldn't be a problem over the short term. Good luck! 
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 191
From: Orange County California
Don't worry about it, as always people become corvette hypochrondiacs.
All that will happen is that the cars computer will pull back the timing on the engine and you will lose a little performance. I think you are concerned about availability and not price. You will be 10000)% fine with regular.
All that will happen is that the cars computer will pull back the timing on the engine and you will lose a little performance. I think you are concerned about availability and not price. You will be 10000)% fine with regular.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 52
From: Largo,Fl fl
I've run a few tankfulls in my z06 and if no one had told me what was in the tank I would have not known the difference. BUT your talking about 1 cent per mile so why run it. I drive about 5000 miles a year. I can afford the $50.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 166
Likes: 3
From: East Coast!
Can you run regular fuel?: YES
Will your car blow up?: Only if you toss some dynamite into the front seat.
Like many have already stated. The PCM will pull timing to help offset the lower octane (in order to prevent pre-ignition/detonation). You will lose some HP, but you're going to be "cruising" to Daytona, not Cannon-ball running it, so you will be fine. Your Air/Fuel mixture will be uneffected so therefore reduced Fuel economy will be negligent.
Keep in mind though that if you intend to do any spirited driving while in Daytona, I'd certainly fill it w/ 93. You don't want any high rpm detonation taking place.
Will your car blow up?: Only if you toss some dynamite into the front seat.
Like many have already stated. The PCM will pull timing to help offset the lower octane (in order to prevent pre-ignition/detonation). You will lose some HP, but you're going to be "cruising" to Daytona, not Cannon-ball running it, so you will be fine. Your Air/Fuel mixture will be uneffected so therefore reduced Fuel economy will be negligent.
Keep in mind though that if you intend to do any spirited driving while in Daytona, I'd certainly fill it w/ 93. You don't want any high rpm detonation taking place.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have a buddy that ran regular all the time, in both his '04 C5 and his SL55 AMG Mercedes. Both cars obviously call for 93 octane. He was fine for both cars. No damage or long term side effects.
Here in AZ, with the high heat, he did notice some pinging under load, and after he had swapped his 2.73 for a 3.42 and did a Predator tune.
He switched back to premium and most of the pinging disappeared.
To save 20 cents a gallon on a 15 gallon fill-up = $3.00, as much as I drive my car, it just doesn't seem worth discussing. For me - that's about $6.00 per month.
Here in AZ, with the high heat, he did notice some pinging under load, and after he had swapped his 2.73 for a 3.42 and did a Predator tune.
He switched back to premium and most of the pinging disappeared.
To save 20 cents a gallon on a 15 gallon fill-up = $3.00, as much as I drive my car, it just doesn't seem worth discussing. For me - that's about $6.00 per month.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Originally Posted by JH
I believe your question is in regards to availability, not a means of saving dollars. You certainly can burn regular, and a little octane boost would be a good idea. Just be mindful of neithr lugging your engine, nor running in higher rev ranges. Shouldn't be a problem over the short term. Good luck!
What he said.....Octane boost 
, no lugging 
, no high revs 
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,678
Likes: 34
From: Fayetteville GA
Originally Posted by robertpel9
Don't worry about it, as always people become corvette hypochrondiacs.
All that will happen is that the cars computer will pull back the timing on the engine and you will lose a little performance. I think you are concerned about availability and not price. You will be 10000)% fine with regular.
All that will happen is that the cars computer will pull back the timing on the engine and you will lose a little performance. I think you are concerned about availability and not price. You will be 10000)% fine with regular.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by jrose7004
I don't think that overall you'd really be saving!
HOW MANY OF YOU ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO POST WITHOUT READING THE ENTIRE THING??? He's not talking about saving money, he asked a hypothetical question about running lower octane if THAT'S ALL THAT'S AVAILABLE!!
I've had to use 89 because that was all that was available a few times. I did not notice any difference at all, and I'm sure the only way I would have would be at the track with an increase in the ole timeslips.
Using lower octane does NOT affect your gas mileage, the only difference is the flashpoint in the gas, meaning the flashpoint is lower in lower octane fuel, which is why your computer "throttles back" to avoid pinging. Pinging is simply a result of early combustion because of a lower flashpoint which is fixed by higher octane fuel.
run it, you'll be fine!!
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 38,655
Likes: 25
From: Bunnell FL
Thanks Bounty Hunter 6,
My tank is full and I have 10 gallons in small cans which will get me there OK.
My brother has high test gas waiting for me in cans at his house in Daytona Beach.
My main concern was could I run regular if that was all that I could find.
If I wanted to save money I would have bought a YUGO, not a Vette.
My tank is full and I have 10 gallons in small cans which will get me there OK.
My brother has high test gas waiting for me in cans at his house in Daytona Beach.
My main concern was could I run regular if that was all that I could find.
If I wanted to save money I would have bought a YUGO, not a Vette.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: white hall ar
asked that very question to some gm reps at a corvette rally 3 years ago .they said the comp would readjust itself .period....so there isnt any problems ....as for the extra cans in your car VERY bad idea .i know its only for this trip but it only takes 1 accident .and your gone .please be careful .gas in the trunk is different than gas in the car with u.have a safe trip .....
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,737
Likes: 217
From: Arizona AZ
Originally Posted by Trainman-2
Thanks Bounty Hunter 6,
My tank is full and I have 10 gallons in small cans which will get me there OK.
My brother has high test gas waiting for me in cans at his house in Daytona Beach.
My main concern was could I run regular if that was all that I could find.
If I wanted to save money I would have bought a YUGO, not a Vette.
My tank is full and I have 10 gallons in small cans which will get me there OK.
My brother has high test gas waiting for me in cans at his house in Daytona Beach.
My main concern was could I run regular if that was all that I could find.
If I wanted to save money I would have bought a YUGO, not a Vette.
My concern would be the 10 gallons you are hauling in the back...
....good luck.........may God be with you 
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Pacific North West WA
What I worry about is
I would not carry gas 'in the car' for any distance at all. A gallon of gas has the same energy as a stick of dynamite. Fumes are explosive. You are talking about putting the two gas cans over the exhaust in the back of the car. They are going to warm up. No protection in a accident.
Nope! I'd rather run out, than go up in flames.
Take care of yourself, and family.
Nope! I'd rather run out, than go up in flames.
Take care of yourself, and family.
