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Corvette Forum >> Corvette Models >> Corvette C4 Forum >> Gasoline

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Gasoline - 6/26/2008 7:52:01 AM

bucketman

Posts: 18
Joined: 12/23/2007
Status: offline

Hi guys,
Has anyone experimented with regular or mid grade gasoline instead of premium. Just wondering as I use regular in my Acura 3.2 without any problems and it''s suppose to use premium. I know that the computer would adjust for lower octane and I would probable lose a little performance but would it hurt the engine.

_____________________________

96 Lt4 convertible Black on Black

Post #: 1

RE: Gasoline - 6/27/2008 3:04:28 AM

78buckshot

Posts: 638
Joined: 1/28/2007
From: Michigan
Status: offline

I use only regular in all my stuff, my Vette is a ''78 L-48, this motor is 8.5 to 1 compression ratio and would not benefit from higher octane. All I can recommend is that you try a lower grade and keep your ears tuned for the sound of pre-ignition or "ping". Lower octane won''t hurt the motor as long as it is not pinging.

(in reply to bucketman)

Post #: 2

RE: Gasoline - 6/27/2008 4:00:02 AM

mech259

Posts: 1737
Joined: 1/22/2006
From: Lumberton, Texas
Status: offline

Your computer does not "adjust" for lower octane. All it can do is retard the timing a couple of degrees when it detects engine detonation through the knock sensor. Just try some regular for 2 or 3 tanks and see if your car likes it by not detonating.

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L.B.
ASE Master Certified
L1 Emissions Certified
1986 C4
1969 RS Z28 Camaro
1970 Chevelle SS 396 (under construction)

(in reply to bucketman)

Post #: 3

RE: Gasoline - 6/30/2008 4:46:57 AM

RudeDog

Posts: 123
Joined: 4/17/2007
Status: offline

I may be wasting money but it says by fill up entry "Use Premium". Hell, I even
add a $3.00 bottle of STP Octane booster to a full tank every couple of months.

(in reply to mech259)

Post #: 4

RE: Gasoline - 6/30/2008 6:59:43 AM

MikeC4

Posts: 22
Joined: 8/16/2007
Status: offline

I use mid grade in my L98 with no ping problems at all and on a recent road trip I got 23 MPG.

(in reply to bucketman)

Post #: 5

RE: Gasoline - 7/3/2008 6:00:33 AM

bucketman

Posts: 18
Joined: 12/23/2007
Status: offline

I heard that the octane lowers as the gas gets older and since I only fill up about once a month, it''s not worth it to use lower octane.

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96 Lt4 convertible Black on Black

(in reply to MikeC4)

Post #: 6

RE: Gasoline - 7/3/2008 10:53:05 AM

seen_alot

Posts: 21
Joined: 7/24/2006
Status: offline

I agree with mech259.

I have used 87 Octane in my 1989 L98 with no problem. If I do hear some knocking I just refill with Premium to boost the tank''s octane.

I believe this could become more of an issue since I''ve notice gas stations in my area playing games with pricing. Many offer a "gas sale" or 5 Cent off day but only on Regular. 87 was alway 10 cent lower than 89 which was 10 cent lower than 91 (or 93 if offered). That isn''t always true now.

(in reply to bucketman)

Post #: 7

RE: Gasoline - 7/3/2008 4:21:02 PM

mech259

Posts: 1737
Joined: 1/22/2006
From: Lumberton, Texas
Status: offline

Detonation can be caused by several factors, compression ratio, ignition timing, carbon buildup in the cylinders, lean fuel condition, egr not functioning properly, etc. Detonation is actually preignition caused by too high cylinder temps and what it does is the preignition flame meets the ignition spark and thats when you hear the "pinging" noise.

_____________________________

L.B.
ASE Master Certified
L1 Emissions Certified
1986 C4
1969 RS Z28 Camaro
1970 Chevelle SS 396 (under construction)

(in reply to seen_alot)

Post #: 8