What Level Octane Should I Use?

[gonetobama13]

I have a 2004 Vette with a 6-speed. According to my owner's manual, I can use 87 octane gasoline as long as the engine doesn't knock, but I'd risk losing some power by doing so. Since I don't plan to push it to its limits, do I really need to use premium unleaded? In the long run, will it harm the engine if I don't use the premium? Thanks.
John K.

 

[c4vette92]

i always use 94 octane gas in my 2003 AE auto. whats a few bucks extra at the pump when i just spent 50 k. stw

 

[okieracing]

gonetobama13

Using 87 octane is not going to hurt your vette. Most cars now days are made to be able to use all octane ranges. Higher compression needs higher octane to keep from gas pinging. I use 87 octane in my vette and it runs fine. But also I can't see paying over $2.00 a gallon for 92 octane. But if your vette runs fine on 87 with no pings i would say use it. I would sugest to run a good fuel injector cleaner through it every so often to keep injectors clean.

 

[vettegirl]

Use premium....

The highest we can get in Florida is 93 octane, but I always use that. The difference is only $ 3.00 - $ 4.00 when you fill up, so why ask for trouble???

Lauren

 

[Tuna]

Premium - 91 or better is probably the best to use.
Better performance, better gas mileage.

 

[Joe Diver]

I only use premium 93 octane in my Vette. Only the best for my baby! Cost of gas was not a factor when choosing to buy a Corvette.

I also only run the premium in my F350. I had been running the 87, except when pulling the travel trailer (30' long 8k#). The truck started running poorly, with hesitation and rough idle. I know it needed a tuneup anyway, so I did the plugs, rotor, cap, wires, filters, blah blah blah. I ran some fuel system cleaner through and now only run the 93 octane. No more problems and it runs like a champ.

I think 87 octane is fine for smaller engines and economy sedans. You should run the best in any engine that performs, be it a Suburu (one of those fast ones), Vette, or heavy duty truck.

Of course, this is only personal opinion from personal experience. I have no scientific fact or url's to link to to prove my point....

 

[justafamilyman]

Hi John,
Wow, a 2004 Vette! It's got to be a very low VIN.
Here is an experience I had with my 2003. I started with 93 Sunoco. Unfortunately, there is no Sunoco near where I work, so I use 93 Mobil. I notices I was having problems with my gas gague. I went back to Sunoco using 94 for 2 tanks. Then I used 93 Sunoco. The problem seems to have dissappeared. Unfortunately I need to fill the Vette today and am forced to use Mobil. Mind you, I am not dis-ing Mobil. I prefer Mobil in my wife's Taurus and my Buick. But, for some unknown reason the Vette dose better with Sunoco.
Brian

 

[Gorgon]

The 2004 owner's manual lists 91 or higher as the recommended fuel grade. I would use that and only that.

Leon

 

[Remo]

Note To Gorgon

Leon,

I agree - I checked the manual on my 2001 vert and it says the same - 91 octane and up. I'll bet the owner manuals for all C5's say the same.

Remo
:cool

 

[larry bud]

The problem with using the lowest octane without pinging is that the computer will compensate for any pinging by retarding the spark. Therefore, you won't get engine knock, but you won't get the performance you could.

 

[korvet777]

I only use premium, which in AZ seems to only reach 91 octane. Anyone in AZ seen higher?

 

[torchred]

I use premium in my 99 and in NM (like AZ) we only get 91 octane.

Matt

 

[redvett]

The factory/GM only uses 87 octane for statrup and when they drive the test cars or company cars. You will lose power the hotter the weather gets. Up here in Michigan I use mid grade all winter with no problems in my Grand Prix GTP (Supercharged) as soon as it gets warmer you can feel the loss of power and thats when i use 91-93 octane. No sense wasteing your money.

 

[hawaii-5-lo]

gonetobama13

Using 87 octane is not going to hurt your vette. Most cars now days are made to be able to use all octane ranges. Higher compression needs higher octane to keep from gas pinging. I use 87 octane in my vette and it runs fine. But also I can't see paying over $2.00 a gallon for 92 octane. But if your vette runs fine on 87 with no pings i would say use it. I would sugest to run a good fuel injector cleaner through it every so often to keep injectors clean.

your correct it wont hurt the car,if i use 91 or less,the car will ping just a second,then the computer switchs to a low octane table,not good if your a racer.it happend to me at the track because i forgot my octane boost,so i was done for the night,the car ran fine,just less power,i think to reset the octane table you have to add 10 gallons or more of gas,thats why some people say my car feels strong after i fill it up,then without knowing they go into the low octane table and dont even realize it until they fill up again.you will not be happy at the track with 87 octane.my set-up needs about 94 or higher,we dont have that in hawaii.
Todd.

 

[gonetobama13]

Hey, I appreciate the numerous responses I got from you guys and gals. Since the majority of you recommended going with the higher octane, that's what I'm going to do. Thanks to all.
John K.

 

[AZMike]

I only use premium, which in AZ seems to only reach 91 octane. Anyone in AZ seen higher?

This is because of our 'special formulation' we have here in Maricopa co. We have a higher MTBE (or whatever they're putting in it now) content than any other state. The reason is that the Ethonol does not do well in the summer as it tends to make engines run hotter. So, in the summer time, we get the high MTBE formulation. This only comes in 91 octane.

This is also the same reason why the prices always scream upwards in the springtime. The refineries 'magically' have a shortage of AZ formulated gas every year. They always talk about investigating the price gouging, but all the politiions here are controlled by the corporate 40, so it ain't gonna happen!

Wish I were a gas refinery in the springtime!

I've been running Costco or Chevron premium in mine for quite a while with no problems (other than some fuel guage issues).
Costco has the best price, but they tend to run out in the springtime when the prices spike as well.