ZO6 (LS7) fuel requirements

[RED903L]

I've been told, but not seen it in print yet, that the LS7 motor requires 93 octane gas to achieve it's 505HP.. If this is true, then it'll never happen for any ZO6 owner that lives in California as the highest octane rated gasoline available here is 91 octane!!

This drop in octane rating is the result of the state switching over to "oxygenated gasoline" which cuts down on the amount of pollutants coming out the tailpipes of the millions of cars crawling along our freeways and streets.

I'm wondering how much of a drop in horsepower will result from running a lower than recommended octane rated fuel. Is there a "formula", and does anyone know how to figure out, what the drop will be???

If the EPA has it's way (and it will eventually) "oxygenated gasoline" will become the standard for all automotive fuel all across the USA..... so this is going to effect everyone ....some day!

 

[Rob]

Before we all jump to conclusions based upon what we have "heard", I have a call into GM Powertrain inquiring about the mimimum fuel requirement for the LS7 engine. As soon as I hear back from them, I will post here.

 

[RED903L]

Thanks Rob........ Will be anxiously waiting to hear what their reply is..

 

[Dakota kid]

I hope it's good news. the highest I seen it here in SD is 90%

 

[rvolberg]

Up here in Canada we have easy access to 94 octane... I kind of took this for granted.

 

[JonM]

Aftermarket Octane Boosters

 

[RED903L]

May have stumbled across the answer to my own question... :L

I was searching the web for LS7 engine specifications, and came across "crateenginedepot.com", which was advertising the LS7 for sale in the near future (no price listed).

In addition to their advertisement, they listed a section detailing the LS7 engine specs, so I went to it and here's what I found:

Fuel Requirements: "Premium fuel required. 91 octane minimum..."

 

[Rob]

Here's the answer from GM Powertrain:

Hi Rob,
Minimum is 91 for the LS7. A lot of times it is only stated that "premium fuel" is required. We define 91 and up as premium.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

Tom Read
GM Powertrain

 

[RED903L]

Thanks Rob........Done a little more investigating since my initial thread. Found out that, at least here in California, when 91 octane appears on the side of a pump labeled "premium", that is the minimum octane rating. Octane levels are randomly tested twice a month and many times the 91 octane is exceeded.....by a "point" or two.. Thanks again for checking with the GM folks........

 

[Dakota kid]

Yes, thanks Rob for checking wew that was a close one.