DEEBEE
6/22/2006 7:55:49 PM
WITH THE HIGH PRICE OF GAS THESE DAYS I WAS CONSIDERING USING REGULAR OR MID GRADE GAS TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS. IS THIS A BAD IDEA OR COULD IT DAMAGE THE ENGINE? THANKS !!
FLCaddytech
6/22/2006 8:21:46 PM
Take it easy on the car and it will be ok. If you hear it knocking under accel (hot days are worse) switch to a higher octane.
VetteViperGuy
6/23/2006 10:49:24 AM
This is what I have heard: If your car manufacturer recommends 91 octane, you can still put in 87 octane gas, and it won't hurt the car. The onboard computer will compensate the timing and the engine won't knock. The only "adverse" affect to filling up with regular gas, instead of premium, is that you won't make all the power that your can with premium gas.
For my Vette, it's only premium gas. For the 'Lade, I've never tried regular gas, but it's just because I'm so accustom to pushing that "premium" button....they've got me programmed....
FLCaddytech
6/23/2006 6:19:23 PM
quote:
ORIGINAL: VetteViperGuy
This is what I have heard: If your car manufacturer recommends 91 octane, you can still put in 87 octane gas, and it won't hurt the car. The onboard computer will compensate the timing and the engine won't knock. The only "adverse" affect to filling up with regular gas, instead of premium, is that you won't make all the power that your can with premium gas.
For my Vette, it's only premium gas. For the 'Lade, I've never tried regular gas, but it's just because I'm so accustom to pushing that "premium" button....they've got me programmed....
The only problem with lower octane is knock happens before the computer pulls timing. The older cars (pre 00 or there about) are not as good at protecting an engine from knock, so keep an ear open when you step on the throttle. If you can hear it, its pretty bad.
Not saying its gonna blow up the first day, but i've cracked pistons twice in my boosted 4banger by not running 93.
DEEBEE
6/23/2006 11:53:42 PM
THANKS FOR THE INFO, BUT MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE SAID THAT I AM TALKING ABOUT A 95 SEVILLE SLS WITH 100K MILES. I HAVE ALWAYS USED PREMIUM AS SPECIFIED. I LOVE THE VEHICLE AND DON'T WANT TO HURT IT BY USING A LESSER OCTANE FUEL...JUST THOUGHT I COULD SAVE A BUCK OR TWO UNTIL GAS PRICES COME DOWN AGAIN AT THE END OF THE SUMMER. ( IF THAT HAPPENS )
greezy1
5/17/2008 5:29:42 AM
use 35lbs of air in tires that will save gas
stomper
5/17/2008 8:13:48 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: greezy1
use 35lbs of air in tires that will save gas
will also give you better traction.
I go 36 to 38 psi
but the ride will be a bit stiffer.
SwampeastMike
6/20/2008 3:58:42 PM
"Premium Required" at the fuel gauge isn''t there for nothing. Add older car with low miles that you "love" and have always used premium tells me that you should continue.
G.A.R.Y.
6/21/2008 3:43:40 PM
quote:
ORIGINAL: SwampeastMike
"Premium Required" at the fuel gauge isn''''t there for nothing. Add older car with low miles that you "love" and have always used premium tells me that you should continue.
i agree that "premiun required" always use the highest octane.
"Premium recommended" you can use a lower octane with no damage to the engine and the knock sensor should take care of the rest.
thewood
6/21/2008 4:35:27 PM
Is it really worth saving a few dollars now and paying thousands of dollars later on engine repair? Think about it and do the math. IMO it doesn''t make any sense.
G.A.R.Y.
6/22/2008 1:53:24 PM
You''re right, it''s only a savings of a couple huinderd bucks a year give or take. But there should be no engine damage from using unleaded regular in a v8 where premium is "recommended. My only experience doing this is with lease cars, so no gamble for me, but in fact there has not been any engine damage due to using regular.
Now my z06 gets premium no questions asked.
Any other opinions?
thewood
6/22/2008 4:41:32 PM
quote:
ORIGINAL: G.A.R.Y.
You''''re right, it''''s only a savings of a couple huinderd bucks a year give or take. But there should be no engine damage from using unleaded regular in a v8 where premium is "recommended. My only experience doing this is with lease cars, so no gamble for me, but in fact there has not been any engine damage due to using regular.
Now my z06 gets premium no questions asked.
Any other opinions?
Recommended, yea it''s OK. I filled with 87 once and got poor performance and lower gas milage. No savings there except at the pump. The minute my engine would knock then I''d switch right back. Super Changed Engine, forget it... I know, I own one but it''s a Ford.
Tarrance
6/23/2008 12:35:06 AM
Not that big of a difference, what are we spending around $4 more per fill up? Hardly notice the difference. Im saving by staying parked as much as possible. Paying bills online and things like that. Did you guys see on the news where the people were praying at the pump? A bit extreme, but that''s about what it''s come to! Lord help us all.
Katzmans Caddy
6/23/2008 7:19:10 AM
With an 11:1 or 10.5:1 compression ratio in a Northstar you need to use premium. With an Escalade with a GMC Vortec you can run on regular fuel so it is a waste to use premium in those egines.
If you have ever had to repair an cylinder head, head gasket or piston in an engine that had severe knock it would be obvious to you why to use premium. I can''t see how risking any of those repairs justifies paying several cents less on gas.
