Inexplicable Fueling Error
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
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From: Seattle WA
Inexplicable Fueling Error
I have owned my Vette for 7.5 years now and I have never once made the mistake I did this evening. For some reason, which remains a mystery, I fueled the car with regular 87 octane gas. I did not catch this mistake until the tank was nearly full so stopping and adding premium was not an option.
I assume I should do nothing and simply fuel with premium again at next fill up. However, I'd be interested in any experiences, issues, etc., others may have had around this.
I assume I should do nothing and simply fuel with premium again at next fill up. However, I'd be interested in any experiences, issues, etc., others may have had around this.
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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You'll be fine. During the 2004-05 hurricane attack we got here in FL the only fuel available for a few weeks was 87 due to the shipping lanes in the gulf being closed. I only had to use one tank of 87. I would not have used 87 if the SC had been installed at the time.
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From: Tarpon Springs FL
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Obvisiously, you will notice a decrease in performance as the computer adjusts the engine for the lower octane. But, like previous posts have said....your car will handle it. I would add premium at the 1/2 tank mark.
Team Owner
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I would also, if practical, avoid getting on the power very much. Especially, high throttle combined with low rpm. Those conditions tend to cause detonation; your knock sensors should catch it immediately and pull timing to eliminate the knock. But why take the chance if you don't need to.
Sounds like a good excuse for a lazy sightseeing trip.
Sounds like a good excuse for a lazy sightseeing trip.
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From: Tucson Arizona
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Le Mans Master
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The engine computer will decrease the engine timing resulting in lower performance AND lower mileage. My experience testing just 89 octane was that the mileage with 93 octane was enough higher around town to easily pay for the difference in price. Performance on these cars is so high you might not notice but that 10% lower mpg reported above was a direct result of the lower efficiency of the engine meaning lower performance.
Cruising on the Interstate will see a much smaller impact. The issue is during acceleration the computer will do as much as it can to reduce knock. At full power it might not be able to do enough.
Cruising on the Interstate will see a much smaller impact. The issue is during acceleration the computer will do as much as it can to reduce knock. At full power it might not be able to do enough.
