My first fill up!

[kiwi vet]

And it was only for 12 gallons, which I think is half a tank and that was like $33 dollars! I was surprised to know that such a small car can have such a large fuel tank!
Don't worry I put the 93 octane in it - Mass doesn't allow 94 I am told. Monday I am going to have the oil changed and top off the fluids.
Do any of you have a favorite gas company? The Sunoco in my town seems to have the highest octane (93) and their credit higher end credit card is $30 per year and that includes towing reimbursement I am going to check out the fine print.
I had my first official Vette wave today! its hard for me to tell the new body styles as they are coming at me, I think I am waving to the wrong cars! lol.

Hey Oceangal, You should try filling a vette downunder. We can only get either 91 or 98 octane, as my vette is higher in compression, I run on 98.

It cost me $ 132.00 NZD to fill her up. In USD thats about $89.00 give or take, and I was having so much fun (driving sedately around of course ) the first day I used a whole tank - oouucchhh!!!

Still it's a so much fun it's worth every cent.

Cheers Kiwi Vette

 

[oceangal]

Hi all,
I am not sure why but I didn't get any email saying that I had more replies to this thread, maybe its because I tend to keep windows open even when I am gone for the day? Anyway, it seems like there is a split on what kind of gas to use - so how do I figure out what is best for my car? Ask a local mechanic who will work on it or keep using what its used to?
The other day I was parking the car and my drivers seat started moving on its own! Its in a kind of uncomfortable spot right now. There are 3 switches, the one closest to the front of the car is broken, the there is a joystick looking one and then a toggle type one. Which do what? I want to be able to lower the seat - its up to high and its not really responding much to the 2 switches that seem to work. Who is the best person to look at this kind of problem?
BTW I washed the car yesterday and it looks nice. I used Meguire products. Who makes a good cover that I can use as its outdoors (no garage here).
Thanks all!

 

[kiwi vet]

Hi all,
I am not sure why but I didn't get any email saying that I had more replies to this thread, maybe its because I tend to keep windows open even when I am gone for the day? Anyway, it seems like there is a split on what kind of gas to use - so how do I figure out what is best for my car? Ask a local mechanic who will work on it or keep using what its used to?
The other day I was parking the car and my drivers seat started moving on its own! Its in a kind of uncomfortable spot right now. There are 3 switches, the one closest to the front of the car is broken, the there is a joystick looking one and then a toggle type one. Which do what? I want to be able to lower the seat - its up to high and its not really responding much to the 2 switches that seem to work. Who is the best person to look at this kind of problem?
BTW I washed the car yesterday and it looks nice. I used Meguire products. Who makes a good cover that I can use as its outdoors (no garage here).
Thanks all!

Hi Oceangal, Im a new vette owner so please someone correct me if Im wrong.

1 L81 engines are standard 8.2:1 compression (which is quite low), therefore I would think that anything over 90 octane would be fine.

2 The seat switches on mine are as follows, front switch to raise/lower front of seat. Centre toggle to move seat forward/backward. Rear switch to raise/lower rear of seat. Electrics are a black art, best to go to an auto electrician, and he should be able to sort it for you.

Good Luck!!

 

[Mr.Cool]

Oceangal


In addition to what Kiwi Vet said about the seat switches, the center toggle also raises and lowers the whole seat. If you can get it to adjust to where you are comfortable, I would unplug it so it won't start moving on its own. The plug is underneath the back of the seat.

 

[Pa Goose]

Mine runs best on phillips 66 regular (87 octane). The dealership said in hot weather I may want to go with 89-91 but only if I notice spark knock.

 

[kiwi vet]

Oceangal


In addition to what Kiwi Vet said about the seat switches, the center toggle also raises and lowers the whole seat. If you can get it to adjust to where you are comfortable, I would unplug it so it won't start moving on its own. The plug is underneath the back of the seat.

Bugger, that means mines not working either . Thanks Mr.Cool - I think?

 

[Mr.Cool]

Hi all,
so how do I figure out what is best for my car? Ask a local mechanic who will work on it or keep using what its used to?
Thanks all!

You can continue to use what has been used in it. But you probably should use the Techron concentrate once in awhile to clean out the carbon.

Hope you get your seat fixed, personally I can't stand the seats in the 82. Wish my wife would let me put some Z06 seats in but it's her car so what she says goes.

 

[82ColEd]

Hi all,...
Anyway, it seems like there is a split on what kind of gas to use - so how do I figure out what is best for my car? Ask a local mechanic who will work on it or keep using what its used to? ...
Thanks all!

I tried 87 in mine, and although there was no pinging or rattling, i felt it didnt have much oooompf left when i hit the fun pedal. Maybe just my perception, but for as little as i get to drive the car, 93 it is..


And i know where Kiwi is coming from, mine used to run on 98 (and LOVEd it!), but my wallet was on empty every second.. 'bout DM100 for a tank (approx. $75 then).. Things you do for a Vette.. :L


-Stefan

 

[MoeJr]

I have 2 toys my 84 Vette and a 77 Pontiac Grand Prix with a 400. Gas has gotten crazy so 1 toy had to be relegated to a just once in a while ride and well the GP assumed that role. I cannot be without driving my Vette. I use 93 in mine and it runs great. I say stick with the 93.

:bar

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

You'll get a lot of opinions on octane ratings, but if you want to some credible advice, just read your owners manual. It will spell out in black and white what grade gas your car was designed to run on.

Keeping mind that using higher octane than necessary will not affect performance or durability one way or the other, and represents a pure waste of money, do you really want to believe GM or some local mechanic instead?

Myths and urban legends about octane ratings are probably more prevalent than any other car related topic.

 

[oceangal]

I rec'd my original owners manual for the '82 today (okay I bought it on ebay but it is an original one!) anyway re fuel it says: you should use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 (unless you live in a high altitude area then as low as 85).
It talks about gasahol too, I don't even think thats available anymore, is it?

Funny reading through this manual before I head to work, and they talk about how as a good motorist, use of the horn should be kept at a minimum. it also looks like they attach the t tops to the back window of the car with the straps - i think i have seen the straps but can't imagine using them like that.
well time to go, the kid downstairs just hit his own car with the basketball, better not hit mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Guy]

....it also looks like they attach the t tops to the back window of the car with the straps - i think i have seen the straps but can't imagine using them like that....

Your car should have had a t-top hold down strap for use inside the car. There is a flat chrome 2 inch bar between the seats and 2 places to hook the strap under the carpet - one on each side near the rear speakers. Look for a small slit in the carpet.


Guy

 

[srs244]

the straps hold the t-tops (presumably in their storage bags) flat against the package shelf behind the seats. not upright against the window. just as a suggestion (and even though it is certainly a bit harder on the pocketbook), i personally would only run the car with hi-test (93) octane fuel.
steve

 

[wishuwerehere82]

It talks about gasahol too, I don't even think thats available anymore, is it?

That's what Gasoline with 10% Ethanol is.