Midgrade vs Premium
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 657
Likes: 181
From: Houma Louisiana
I only run Non-Ethanol 93 which I get from the local Conoco! Been doing that for about 5-6 months now. Before, I ran 93 with %10 Ethanol only from Chevron. I did notice slightly better gas mileage over Chevron but honestly I cant really make a real comparison because I always fill up when I reach half a tank. I also put Techron in the tank every 3k miles when I do my oil change.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Good reason to get some octane boost and put it in your trunk when traveling.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 21
From: Sunniest city on Earth
If you run anything less than 91 in a car tuned for 91 (like the Corvette), you're sacrificing fuel efficiency in addition to power. That means that you're spending slightly less on fuel and burning slightly more, while reducing the range and performance of your car. Explain how that makes sense.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
If you run anything less than 91 in a car tuned for 91 (like the Corvette), you're sacrificing fuel efficiency in addition to power. That means that you're spending slightly less on fuel and burning slightly more, while reducing the range and performance of your car. Explain how that makes sense.
"The knock sensor is located on the engine block, cylinder head or intake manifold. This is because the function of this sensor is to sense vibrations caused by engine knock. The PCM uses this signal to alter the ignition timing and prevent detonation. It will compare this information with its preset tables to identify an engine knock or ping. If a ping is sensed, it will retard the timing to protect the engine from this damaging pre-ignition."
As most know, pinging can occur when lower octane fuel that what the mfg calls for is used, and when you retard the timing, gas mileage will suffer along with performance. Just my 2 cents
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Mar 30, 2015 at 08:07 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,794
Likes: 2,256
From: Brighton MI
The difference between mid-grade (89) and premium (93) here in MI is typically around 20 cents now. Has been for awhile. Nonetheless, I will only put premium in my Vette. Makes no sense to me to do anything else.
As noted above, the computer can handle timing adjustments to accommodate lower octane, so if that is your only option, you can use it - albeit with lower performance from your engine.
Top tier premium gas is what your Vette wants and deserves! I wish I could get 100% pure gasoline here, but it isn't available so I am stuck with the 10% ethanol stuff.
As noted above, the computer can handle timing adjustments to accommodate lower octane, so if that is your only option, you can use it - albeit with lower performance from your engine.
Top tier premium gas is what your Vette wants and deserves! I wish I could get 100% pure gasoline here, but it isn't available so I am stuck with the 10% ethanol stuff.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
I often wonder how many of these car that were preowned, and some that were leased. If the owner was as concerned as we are to put high test in these cars.
Last edited by Fcar 98; Mar 30, 2015 at 10:09 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,045
Likes: 1,613
From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
Good point but there's nothing we can do about it now. Because the LS engine is designed to compensate for those who use economy gas, probably no harm was done. But for the future, I always use 93 octane. I can't understand buying a performance car, then not using the fuel it takes to make it perform at it's best.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 657
Likes: 181
From: Houma Louisiana
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
I'm used to putting premium in my vehicles. 91 is the best I ever see around here. I seem to remember 93 being available when I lived in California.
I'd only use 89 in an emergency. Not that one tank of it is going to ruin your engine, but what's the point ? To save a buck or two ? It's a corvette. It's like buying a thoroughbred and feeding it cheap hay.
I'd only use 89 in an emergency. Not that one tank of it is going to ruin your engine, but what's the point ? To save a buck or two ? It's a corvette. It's like buying a thoroughbred and feeding it cheap hay.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
It's the difference between "US" and "Them"
US, who maintain and operate the car as it was meant to be.....
Them, as in who don't know or care if it's a Corvette or a bowl of oatmeal, they literally can't tell the difference.
US, who maintain and operate the car as it was meant to be.....
Them, as in who don't know or care if it's a Corvette or a bowl of oatmeal, they literally can't tell the difference.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 94
Likes: 4
From: Afton NY
I only run premium fuel, but my concern is with how accurate are the octane ratings, and who keeps an eye on them. I don't mind paying extra for the correct fuel for my car, if that is what I'm actual getting.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
I just drove 3300 miles to florida and back and you really have to wonder sometime what you are getting in some of these states. Pumping more fuel than you ever pumped before, to wondering what is coming out of the pump. Some of the pumps had not been inspected since last year.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 429
From: Houston TX
I don't believe in cheaping out on basic requirements for your vehicle. If it calls for a specific type of fuel or fluid, use it. You knew it required it when you bought it so there is no reason to cheap out now.
I see a lot of hate and distrust of ethanol in this thread. When used correctly, that stuff is liquid gold
I see a lot of hate and distrust of ethanol in this thread. When used correctly, that stuff is liquid gold
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 429
From: Houston TX
My turbocharged BMW loves E85. I use it as cheap race fuel in that car so I can run on the "race map". I had to upgrade the low pressure fuel pump, but other than that, it's loving it. I blend it with 93 to get ~101 octane on an E60 mixture. One of my friends runs an E85 tune on his NA 5.0 Mustang and seems to love it as well.