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.

 

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.

 

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.