Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane....
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (NVR BRNG)
Please, someone pull the plug on this wishfull thinking. We are not driving Yugos or Fiestas. If you sweat the gas price that bad, maybe a less demanding vehicle would be more logical. The computer will compensate for low octane up to a certain point ( while sacrificing performance), but , at what cost in the long run? What's next? K-Mart oil filters and Turtle Wax?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (boomer 33)
Well, as in my other posts.. it was not about money... I have 7 cars... ok it is California... But I did read the post on fuel... what I got out of it was... the higher octane is not a hotter gas.. in fact it has more of the stuff in it to delay the burn... so it has less fuel..the stuff that does burn... They delay the burn so timming can be advanced... but My Real question is... How far will the stock car advance the timming? I mean if it puts it at only 8 degrees BTC... then maybe you will get more "Kick" with lower octane... as I feel I am getting... I feel no timming retard, as I have had no ping... Any thoughts on the stock timming limit... I run my other Vette at 12 degrees advance. :seeya :steering: :auto: :hurray: :skep: :leaving:
[Modified by AtHomeSoda, 7:33 PM 11/6/2003]
[Modified by AtHomeSoda, 7:33 PM 11/6/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
With the S/C on my car, I cant run anything but 91 and above. When it was NA, I ran 91 all the time and mixed 91 with 100 for the hot track days. You can run 89 if you want too... I have a strong feeling if traces of the engine were taken with the 89 octane, you would see a drastic diff in the way the car really runs. :smash:
VR :cheers:
VR :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (vetterdstr)
OH boy, this topic again..
I am the cheapskate on this list. I have been running 89 octane (mid-grade) exclusively for years now and my car has NOT self-destructed or anything. I even run REGULAR (87 octane) in the winter... IT WORKS FINE GUYS!!
And you will see more MPG and probably more HP (though I have not dyno'd it) IF the intake temp allows it... DO NOT TRY REGULAR in 100deg weather!! I know that (NOW)..
You will see so much dis-information on this list!
Disclaimer: This is with and un-modified '99 C5 coupe MN6/Z51/etc... DO NOT try this if you have a turbo or super charged or otherwise modified motor.. or if you have carboned up your motor using excess octane fuel..
Gary
I am the cheapskate on this list. I have been running 89 octane (mid-grade) exclusively for years now and my car has NOT self-destructed or anything. I even run REGULAR (87 octane) in the winter... IT WORKS FINE GUYS!!
And you will see more MPG and probably more HP (though I have not dyno'd it) IF the intake temp allows it... DO NOT TRY REGULAR in 100deg weather!! I know that (NOW)..
You will see so much dis-information on this list!
Disclaimer: This is with and un-modified '99 C5 coupe MN6/Z51/etc... DO NOT try this if you have a turbo or super charged or otherwise modified motor.. or if you have carboned up your motor using excess octane fuel..
Gary
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (Evil-Twin)
Again.... you seem to be stuck on the money thing... NOT THE ISSUE... So what is the MAX timming that the car will allow... stock computer setting..?? also the GM owners manual says you can use 89... if no ping... 9.5 compression is not real high... I have a car with 11:1 and it does not ping on 91... So... DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHAT THE MAX TIMMING IS ON THE CAR? :smash: :banghead: :seeya :steering: :auto: :hurray: :skep: :leaving:
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 0
From: Greenwood SC
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
Most of the stations in SC have 93 octane premium instead of 91, and priced only about 7 cents/gal. higher than mid-grade 89. I tried the 89 this summer, but it didn't perform well. I may try it again now that the weather is cooler, but for 7 cents, it's not a big carrot. :nonod:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 16,723
Likes: 1
From: Redacted
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
I knew I had to go 150 miles to deliver a soda dispenser (yes it fits in the Vette. that's why I have the Coupe), and I was on empty... so I, for the first time put 89 in instead of 91.... All I can say is, it ran great, no ping on hard pull uphill.. I did the mountain pass. Also it feels like I have more low end power... is this possible? :[Modified by AtHomeSoda, 11:53 PM 11/4/2003]
The engine computer will compensate for knock if it senses it. The system works so well that you'll need a computer connected to tell whether it retarded the spark timing or not. You'll probably never hear the knock or pinging.
So if you "felt" more low end, maybe what you are really feeling is *less* high end by comparison? That's more plausible, since the timing retard would likely kick in at higher RPM than at lower rpm.
Human sensibilities are very subject to suggestion. Test instruments on the other hand are obective. SOTP meters are not known for their accuracies, else pilots wouldn't need instruments to fly in clouds. Having done instrument training, I can tell you SOTP will get you smacked into the ground in a big hurry!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (larrysb)
So............. Does anybody know what the max computer controled timming is on a stock LS1.....? The big question I have is... if it is at Max timming... does not retard... and does not ping... wouldn't lower octane give more power? This is the big question.... Someone must know.....
:jester :banghead: :steering: :auto: :hurray: :skep: :leaving:
:jester :banghead: :steering: :auto: :hurray: :skep: :leaving:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
if it is at Max timming... does not retard... and does not ping... wouldn't lower octane give more power?
Please do this quickly, as I don't like waiting.... :)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (Mike Mercury)
Ok Mike.... ah.... like how do I do that?... The SOTP meter is a little eaiser, that and the tires roast eaiser... But my theory is still Cold weather... and the MAX advance the timming will do stock.. 12 degrees? what.. who knows what it is.. DOES SOMEONE KNOW>>>and if it limits to 12.. the 89 octane might be enough.... Hummmmmmmmm :banghead: :auto: :steering: :thumbs: :eek: :leaving:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
max timing at WOT is 28 deg and it is higher at other times. I sent that info to you in an IM,,, I guess you didnt get it. :confused:
VR :cheers:
[Modified by vetterdstr, 5:46 PM 11/7/2003]
VR :cheers:
[Modified by vetterdstr, 5:46 PM 11/7/2003]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (vetterdstr)
Cool an answer... never got the IM VR :confused: But the 28 is WOT and that matches my ZZ4 in my 72 Vette with the re-curved Dist. Advance. It is 12 at idle, and set to 28 max advance with vacume and mechanical. Both cars are 9.5:1 compression. Maybe I should try 89 it it, as it does not computer control the timming, and see if it pings... Thanks VR PS I just sold A Bag Gun package to someone in Saratoga... Close to you? :cheers: :chevy :steering: :auto: :hurray: :leaving:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
Yep, Saratoga is close to me... :yesnod: In the future, I will order a soda setup from you. :)
VR :cheers:
VR :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,133
Likes: 144
From: Ex-SF Bay Area; now happily Denver area
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (larrysb)
...Human sensibilities are very subject to suggestion. Test instruments on the other hand are obective. SOTP meters are not known for their accuracies, else pilots wouldn't need instruments to fly in clouds. Having done instrument training, I can tell you SOTP will get you smacked into the ground in a big hurry!
As far as the octane issue, I have driven in California on 89 octane even during the hot summer and never had any problems, nor did I ever detect a knock. However, twice when it was put on the dyno with that octane, it did get knock retard, which reduced the smoothness and power. So, from my perspective, you can run it ok but on WOT you will probably get KR even though you can't hear it. I think it resulted in around a 6-7 hp reduction. When gas prices were $2.40-2.70 per gallon it was a consideration because the regular was often $.30-40 per gallon less, but overall, in the end, after finding out about the knock retard and reduced power, I just get 91 octane. That's not to say that I won't go back at some point because the Owner's Manual and other sources, as well as my own experience, say it's ok, but for now I just figure that maybe the extra power is worth the 20 cents/gal when I need it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (FunDriver)
Alright, I am on my 2nd tank of 89... the first got me 346 miles, and when I filled up it took 15.1 gallons.. so I got almost 23 mpg... it was about 1/2 freeway. I guess I will track this tank... and my SOTP Meter is still telling me it has more power. :cheers: :jester :chevy :steering: :auto: :hurray: :skep: :leaving:
[Modified by AtHomeSoda, 6:46 PM 11/9/2003]
[Modified by AtHomeSoda, 6:46 PM 11/9/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 16,723
Likes: 1
From: Redacted
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
What's an in home soda dispenser?
Is it better than the can dispenser in my GE fridge?
Back when I was home brewing, I used a 5 gallon soda syrup cannister and CO2 tank to keg my homebrew beer in. Had it all in the fridge. I got pretty nuts into it, whole-grain mash and all, but I was single then.
A C5 is my only current big sin and she likes it too.
Is it better than the can dispenser in my GE fridge?
Back when I was home brewing, I used a 5 gallon soda syrup cannister and CO2 tank to keg my homebrew beer in. Had it all in the fridge. I got pretty nuts into it, whole-grain mash and all, but I was single then.
A C5 is my only current big sin and she likes it too.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (larrysb)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (larrysb)
Well Larrysb, No it is no some stupid can rack... We do Bar Guns, and the kind you put you glass under at a fast food... they use the same syrup Bag-N-Box.. P.S. The corvette coupe is the best Pick-up truck I have ever had...
:seeya :thumbs: :auto: :hurray: :steering: :skep: :leaving:
:seeya :thumbs: :auto: :hurray: :steering: :skep: :leaving:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 16,723
Likes: 1
From: Redacted
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (AtHomeSoda)
Followed the link. Pretty :cool: having the fountain drinks in the kitchen!
My mom would be LIVID :eek: at the prospect of having soda within the reach of kids at all times though!
:thumbs: :auto:
My mom would be LIVID :eek: at the prospect of having soda within the reach of kids at all times though!
:thumbs: :auto:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Re: Ok... I tried 89 instead if 91 octane.... (larrysb)
Wow... your Mom must be strict..... I have sold thousands, and only one person asked for a key lock, to shut the soda dispenser down.... and we can do it, no problem, as we put them on all of our commerical dispensers,... but after we said we could do it for $14.95 for the key lock... they never even ordered... Go figure... LOL
:smash: :crazy: :chevy :cry :eek: :steering: :auto: :hurray: :skep: :leaving:
:smash: :crazy: :chevy :cry :eek: :steering: :auto: :hurray: :skep: :leaving: