Fuel Type Myths
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 176
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From: San Diego CA
Fuel Type Myths
So we are all told to use super unleaded gas in our verts. I was taught by someone, a while back, that the only reason you would use a higher octane fuel (super unleaded) is to prevent "engine knock". If your engine doesnt knock with regular gas, keep using it. I put regular gas in my 97 last time, and it seems to run fine. Any thoughts on this from anyone? I gotta know with these f'n gas prices. Thanks
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
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From: N. Potomac MD
Because of this car's sophisticated computer it will retard the spark automatically to keep it from knocking. To get the most power you want high test to let the advance go as far as it can. BTW: I run and have been running regular for 60k miles in m C5. However, do know that you can feel the difference in the seat of the pants. Mine is a daily driver and regular and a few less ponies is just fine for me.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Hurricane Alley
If you car is stock then it wont hurt it to run regular gas. Just dont drive it hard or will probably start pinging. If you are modded, and depeding on what mods you have, you need to use premium. 
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,643
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Besides the obvious problem of potential pinging you might experience by using regular, I do know that premium contains a better detergent package which cleans (and keeps clean) your fuel system and valves. Regular not as much. So to me, a $3 - $4 savings to fill it up with regular is not worth it, I choose to use premium.
Besides, only the best for the vette.
Besides, only the best for the vette.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
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From: Rochester Minnesota
If you have a high compression engine (ie, a Corvette), you're better off running premium. Even if the knock sensors retard timing enough to avoid AUDIBLE ping, the engine will be operating on the ragged edge, and you'll possibly be risking engine damage. More important is that you'll get better mpg using premium and thus taking advantage of your high compression. Around here, premium costs about 3% more than regular, and you'll get at least that much better mpg.
By the way, what happens if you're running regular and the knock sensors fail
?? It's not like a lot of other sensors and electronic stuff never give C5 owners problems 
!!
By the way, what happens if you're running regular and the knock sensors fail
?? It's not like a lot of other sensors and electronic stuff never give C5 owners problems !!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Thousand Oaks CA.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
that old wives tale about "if it don't knock, then..."
was rendered invalid once modern engines started using knock sensors and computer controlled engine timing. The knock sensors are more sensitive to knock than what you'll hear inside driving the car.
Go ahead and run 87 octane in your LS1/LS6. But you're only fooling yourself if you think the engine is running at full HP with that lower octane gasoline.
BTW; JoJo_Duder...
what years of Corvette have you owned ???
Race Director
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From: Happiness is Busch in Victory Lane!
St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14
I die when i read the answers on this thread supporting 87, Sure 87 Runs fine but eventually robs performance as mentioned earlier.
Manual calls for 91 octane (not 93)
However we drive a Performance engine. You want insurance that the fuel will burn cleanly without pre-detonation (knock)
I agree you could probably skate by on 87 octane with low rpm driving but consider these facts...
There is less Detergent in 87 Gas then 93 Gas per Gallon.
Eventually Carbon deposits will build up and give you a nice repair bill.
Save $1 to $2 now but pay $500 in 2 years on Carbon Build up through a dirty fuel system - your choice.
I work for a major oil company and the tall tales I hear in my industry kill me.
My favorite "cars not running right...must have water in the gas" I just wanna say "C'mon idiot its not 1970 anymore and The major brand gas is so regulated we can't take a dump without documentation or filtration"
Manual calls for 91 octane (not 93)
However we drive a Performance engine. You want insurance that the fuel will burn cleanly without pre-detonation (knock)
I agree you could probably skate by on 87 octane with low rpm driving but consider these facts...
There is less Detergent in 87 Gas then 93 Gas per Gallon.
Eventually Carbon deposits will build up and give you a nice repair bill.
Save $1 to $2 now but pay $500 in 2 years on Carbon Build up through a dirty fuel system - your choice.
I work for a major oil company and the tall tales I hear in my industry kill me.
My favorite "cars not running right...must have water in the gas" I just wanna say "C'mon idiot its not 1970 anymore and The major brand gas is so regulated we can't take a dump without documentation or filtration"
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Team Owner
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From: Plano Texas
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Race Director
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From: Happiness is Busch in Victory Lane!
St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14
Note to Self: If OP posts a message in 1 month about the fuel guage problem I am to buy a Mod of my choice.
England Green Here I Come!!!!!!!!!!!!
England Green Here I Come!!!!!!!!!!!!
Safety Car
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From: Visalia CA
