Whay Octane To Run
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by LS7
O.K., I always run Premium gas in the C5 and I add BG44K every couple of months to prevent carbon buildup and gas gauge problems.
My question is, should I run Premium gas in my 02' Chevy Trailblazer or should I go with 87/
89 octane? I only ask because I was told that running Premium gas is a waste if the manual says I can run 87 or higher. I feel that the truck will run better with the Premium gas and besides, what am I saving. Maybe a cup of coffee every tankfull.
What do you think? Opinions appreciated.
My question is, should I run Premium gas in my 02' Chevy Trailblazer or should I go with 87/
89 octane? I only ask because I was told that running Premium gas is a waste if the manual says I can run 87 or higher. I feel that the truck will run better with the Premium gas and besides, what am I saving. Maybe a cup of coffee every tankfull.What do you think? Opinions appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Maggie Valley NC
Trailblazer?
Originally Posted by LS7
O.K., I always run Premium gas in the C5 and I add BG44K every couple of months to prevent carbon buildup and gas gauge problems.
My question is, should I run Premium gas in my 02' Chevy Trailblazer or should I go with 87/ 89 octane? I only ask because I was told that running Premium gas is a waste if the manual says I can run 87 or higher. I feel that the truck will run better with the Premium gas and besides, what am I saving. Maybe a cup of coffee every tankfull.
What do you think? Opinions appreciated.
My question is, should I run Premium gas in my 02' Chevy Trailblazer or should I go with 87/
89 octane? I only ask because I was told that running Premium gas is a waste if the manual says I can run 87 or higher. I feel that the truck will run better with the Premium gas and besides, what am I saving. Maybe a cup of coffee every tankfull.What do you think? Opinions appreciated.
I got a Winnebago and a Saturn as well as a C5, but you won't see any of my Winnebago or Saturn questions here.
Happy Vetting,
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
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From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by Richin Chicago
It's a waste if the engine is set up for 87 octane. You also won't get as clean as combustion or quite the eficency. Higher octane doesn't have any more power or good stuff. It just burns slower.
Exactly! GM has also said for years to run Premium in Corvettes for best performance. Although you can also run Regular, with a hit in performance. The car has knock sensors to adjust for different grades of fuel.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,501
Likes: 1,828
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by sharpvet03
Even though this post really does not belong here I will answer,I would run 87 octane,the other vehicles are disigned to run on it..... 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 793
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From: IN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by Shylor
Exactly! GM has also said for years to run Premium in Corvettes for best performance. Although you can also run Regular, with a hit in performance. The car has knock sensors to adjust for different grades of fuel.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 124,409
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From: .... NJ
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St. Jude Donor '05 thru '19
Right from the 04 OM:
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
91 or higher for best performance. You may also use
middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may
be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87, you
may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage
your engine.
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
91 or higher for best performance. You may also use
middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may
be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87, you
may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage
your engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by StephenT
Right from the 04 OM:
The original question was should the owner run 87 octane in a truck that says to run 87 octane or will higher octane be better for the engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Originally Posted by sharpvet03
Even though this post really does not belong here I will answer,I would run 87 octane,the other vehicles are disigned to run on it.....
Running 87 octane will do nothing to improve your overall cost of driving.
Since the computer will see the 87 grade gas, the timing will be retarded and the fuel mileage will go down. Thus you will just be burning more cheaper gas. Cost will be the same and you will sacrifice performance.
Last edited by ztheusa; Oct 15, 2004 at 11:59 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: .... NJ
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St. Jude Donor '05 thru '19
Originally Posted by Richin Chicago
The original question was should the owner run 87 octane in a truck that says to run 87 octane or will higher octane be better for the engine.
And the original question has been edited out, since he got some bashing. 
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Generally you are safe running what octane rating the manufacturer recommends. Doesn't mean you can't run lower octane, it just may not have the same performance.
