Noob C5 Owner Questions
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 42
Likes: 25
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Noob C5 Owner Questions
MY 2000. What octane should I be using? I read at least 91 somewhere. What’s the consensus?
What interior and exterior LED lighting brands have folks had luck with?
What interior and exterior LED lighting brands have folks had luck with?
Popular Reply
Sep 29, 2023, 10:03 AM
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 184
Likes: 86
From: Elverson, PA
I run top tier gas 91 octane along with adding Techron twice a year.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 78
Likes: 54
From: Tennessee
I run Shell 93 with Techron and add a bottle of Techron every 3rd fill up to keep the fuel system clean and the gauge working properly.
For LED lights check out VetteLights, thats were I got all mine from
For LED lights check out VetteLights, thats were I got all mine from
Last edited by 41bigdawg; Sep 29, 2023 at 12:57 PM. Reason: add info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 1,183
From: Conyers Georgia
I just installed vette lights led hi/lo bulbs and fog lamps. Very impressed.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 685
Likes: 276
From: Cincinnati Ohio
From page 6-3 of my 1999 owners manual:
Fuel
Use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or
higher for best performance. You may use middle grade
or regular unleaded gasolines, but your vehicle may not
accelerate as well.
It is recommended that the gasoline meet specifications
which have been developed by the American
Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and
endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
Association for better vehicle performance and engine
protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification
could provide improved driveability and emission
control system performance compared to other
gasolines. For more information, write to: American
Automobile Manufacturer’s Association, 7430 Second
Ave, Suite 300, Detroit MI 48202.
Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91
(at least 89 for middle grade and 87 for regular). If the
octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage
your engine.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,669
My take on this, is this:
The Corvette is a premium car. Why not fill the premium car with premium gas?? Shell premium has Techron added in, along with Chevron and maybe Texaco. IMHO, adding Techron every 3rd or 4th tank is a huge waste of money, especially if youre using gas that already has it blended in!!
The Corvette is a premium car. Why not fill the premium car with premium gas?? Shell premium has Techron added in, along with Chevron and maybe Texaco. IMHO, adding Techron every 3rd or 4th tank is a huge waste of money, especially if youre using gas that already has it blended in!!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Truth be told, the previous owner of my car told me she ran 87 in it for anything but a track day. And that engine lasted over 270k so I wouldn't worry about it on a completely stock car.
Once it's modifeid or tuned, though, best to stick with premium.
Once it's modifeid or tuned, though, best to stick with premium.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,627
Likes: 3,333
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Welcome to the forum, and congrats on your C5! The owner's manual calls for 91+. You should read through your owner's manual as well as all the sticky threads here on the forum. There's a lot of really great info there. I agree Vette Lights is a good place for interior LEDs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
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If you want maximum performance use what it's designed for, 91 or better.
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Use at least a 91 octane rated gas in the car.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,985
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
I too installed Vette Lights in my black 99. Wayyyyy better than stock.
I run 91 octane in my red 99 and 02 but always try and put 93 octane in my supercharged black 99. Before winter storage I use only non-ethanol gas. I put Techron in at least once a year.
I run 91 octane in my red 99 and 02 but always try and put 93 octane in my supercharged black 99. Before winter storage I use only non-ethanol gas. I put Techron in at least once a year.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Using regular fuel is a false economy. If you use it the computer will see it "Hey! This idiot is using "low test." Then it will retard the spark, you will get worse gas mileage and will end up costing you MORE money than if you had just used the recommended 91-93.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
I doubt the differences in the stock timing tables would have any impact on fuel mileage. Per the manual, it's already programmed to do this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,373
Likes: 1,128
From: cold & windy
if you're doing nothing but putting around at 15inHg or more of vacuum, then this is likely true... but if you're doing any decent acceleration, and/or it's hot or humid, or you're going up a hill without gearing down enough, etc... you're running the risk of pre-detonation (knock), which the knock sensors can sense & reduce timing after it's already started happening.