Question for Colorado C4 owners

[Fullback32]

Folks,

I had a guy here tell me that running regular unleaded is fine here in Colorado Springs as the elevation doesn't require as high an octane level. He said that he runs it all the time and no problems. He also said that I should run it and if I noticed knocking or pinging just add some octane boost. I don't like that idea personally. After doing a lot of reading on this all over the internet, it doesn't seem as if there is any consensus on the issue. For right now, I will continue to runn Shell V-Power. What say y'all?

 

[tonylong]

Just run what runs good in your car in your environment. I'd stay away from tricky additives though. Keep your ignition in good shape for the best burning results. If you noytice hesitation and pinging on lower rated gas, then go up a grade. If shell were available here I'd use that before any other gas. I use Gulf premium because it's still ethanol-free for now.

 

[tonylong]

If your 89 still has the original multec injectors and you're running ethanol get ready to replace them before they dry out and fail on you. See jon at FIC for the best replacements.

 

[Red Vette]

I live at 8600 feet above msl, about 50 miles from the Springs. Rik Noring of Corvette Center (CAC Sponsor) believes that 85 Octane with a booster works fine. I have 85 octane plus booster for over one year in both my 94 and 02 without any problems (5000 + miles on both using low octane). However, I do fuel up with 91 octane every 5th tankful plus fill up with 91 octane and Stabil just before I store both vettes over the winter. I know some of the corvette owners in the Springs use the 87 Octane without a booster. I have been told that the alcohol content of the 85 octane is less than that in 91, so it would be an added benefit if this is true. BTW, when driving to CF in Cleveland last year, I did use low octane plus booster most of the way to and from with no adverse affects or pinging, even at the lower elevations. Gas milage did not suffer. Good to have a computer in the car that adjusts for the lower octane. However, you could experience a power drop with the lower octane. Try it and see if it works for you; if not, the 91 octane is what GM recommends (notation in the gas filler compartment on the C4)
Barrett

 

[G Winter]

If your 89 still has the original multec injectors and you're running ethanol get ready to replace them before they dry out and fail on you. See jon at FIC for the best replacements.

Many octane boosters are high in alcohol,some with methanol
which I think is even more corrosive. Jon at FIC also told me most injector cleaners are high in alcohol. I just received my injectors from them. I am impressed with a couple of details.
I run shell regular most of the time, only time I have noticed any detonation when the weather is quite cool. I use the Shell V power whenever I can but the closest is 50 miles from here. Their regular is quite good. If nothing else run a blend of the V power and reg.

BTW I do notice a bit better millage with the V Power in my 90. This has no alcohol in it.

Glenn

 

[tonylong]

Many octane boosters are high in alcohol,some with methanol
which I think is even more corrosive. Jon at FIC also told me most injector cleaners are high in alcohol. I just received my injectors from them. I am impressed with a couple of details.
I run shell regular most of the time, only time I have noticed any detonation when the weather is quite cool. I use the Shell V power whenever I can but the closest is 50 miles from here. Their regular is quite good. If nothing else run a blend of the V power and reg.

Glenn

What's the octane rating of the V-power?

 

[G Winter]

What's the octane rating of the V-power?

I don't remember right now. 91
I just know it works great here in Iowa. I will only use ethanol if I can not find gas without it.

Glenn

 

[Fullback32]

Appreciate the suggestions everyone! Red Vette....I just saw Rik on Saturday and talked to him about it. Gonna give it a shot. Thanks!

 

[Red Vette]

You are welcome, always glad to help a fellow Colorado CACer, especially with a red vette. You will have to let us know your results and thoughts.
Barrett

 

[air1jpg]

I just run 93 (premium) octane in my LT1. I figure by the time I spend the money to fill with regular 87 octane gas and buy a bottle of octane boost, I have spent just as much money as I would filling up with premium. Besides premium is what is recomended.