octane boost

[gmb074]

Kind of new to this site everyone. My question: I have a '74
roadster with basic 350ci 195hp, do you recommend using
reg unleaded w/booster or using premium grade gas?

 

[Vettefan87]

I would recommend just using the good stuff and driving. Some octane boosters can be harmful at least for my car with them eating up the o rings in the injectors. By the way welcome to the site! Post some pictures if you get a chance.

 

[gmb074]

Thanks....best I can tell,they say running a tank once in a while helps clean up deposits.

many thanks

 

[74bigblock]

WELCOME!!! You have an excellent vintage of Corvette if you don't mind me saying !

I would stay away from octane boosters/cleansers. As mentioned above, they can eat up vital components (seals etc in your carb). I try to use BP/Amoco Ultimate whenever possible, as it is clear, and has been refined an extra step.

Enjoy the car and the community!

Dave

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Kind of new to this site everyone. My question: I have a '74
roadster with basic 350ci 195hp, do you recommend using
reg unleaded w/booster or using premium grade gas?

If you have the stock engine, it was designed and built to run specifically on regular unleaded. Check your owners manual.

Using higher octane than necessary is a complete waste of money and has NO benefits. Don't listen to any of the marketing BS about extra cleaning or detergents etc.

 

[ft laud mike]

I have been known to throw a can of octane boost in on occasion. The only reason I do that is because my stock compression is 10:25 and I fear detonation on 93 octane, Maybe Im just paranoid. However I neverr considered that it may be damaging seals in my carb.
mike

 

[gmb074]

Thanks for your input Mike. My manual says to use minimum of 92 octane. I was thinking why not use lower octane and use booster with gas prices @2.30 gal!ad

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Thanks for your input Mike. My manual says to use minimum of 92 octane. I was thinking why not use lower octane and use booster with gas prices @2.30 gal!ad

I think if you read your manual again , it says 92 research octane number or 'RON'. That's about equivalent to 87 octane at the pumps which is the RON+MON ratings, divided by 2.

Super/premium gas has a RON of about 100.

As stated before, your engine was built to run on 'regular' gas.

 

[Jack]

My stock 71 L-48 has about 8.5:1 CR. It runs OK with regular ... but it runs better with Hitest. BTW ... I studied mileage on 900 mile road trip. Began with a full tank of 110 Sunoco race gas, then various other grades and brands (from 87 thru 93) and there was NO significant difference in gas mileage regardless whether 110 or 87 ... go figure. Note: throughout trip I did NOT adjust ignition timing. But ... it LOVED the 110 ... since it costs about $65 for a tank that ain't gonna happen too often.
JACK:gap

 

[gmb074]

Thanks guy's..thats good enough for me!