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93 or 87 octane in our LT1's(my experience)

Old 01-29-2011, 12:48 PM
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tblt44
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Default 93 or 87 octane in our LT1's(my experience)

With gas prices higher I recently started putting 87 octane in my vette.I noticed my milage was only 18.5 around town and used to be 20.5.So 2 days ago I filled back up with shell 93,now I'm getting 20.2 almost back to where I was.
From what I see it's not worth trying to save 30 cents a gallon.
I also was using a different brand of gas than I normally use when I put 87 in.
Don't know if it was the brand or octane that made the differance.
I think probley the octane
So in my experiance I will never put 87 in my car again,it actually costs more to operate using lower octane.

This is just my experiance,not saying everyone's will be the same but something you should look at if you run 87 or ever think about it.
Old 01-29-2011, 01:00 PM
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Frizlefrak
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It says to run premium, so I do. Never tried regular in it. But it stands to reason, if the engine begins to ping on regular, the PCM will retard timing....thus lowering fuel economy.

Life is short, and I ain't planning on leaving anyone an inheritance. I'll run premium.
Old 01-29-2011, 02:33 PM
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Yeah I was really broke last week and bought $15 of reg to get back and forth to work until payday. Hope I never have to do that again. The car definitely did NOT like it. Bought me some 92 octane Shell as soon as my check deposited to wash the 87 out. Ive been wanting to get some of the 93 Sunoco but its a few miles outa the way and I havent done it yet.

Even if I had to run the 87 I still bought Top Tier gas instead of the cheapest crap I could find. The 2 cents/gal difference is never worth it in my mind. You WILL pay for it in the long run.
Old 01-29-2011, 04:11 PM
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sailorsteve
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Chevy says, run 91 octane. These days around my neck of the woods, fewer and fewer stations offer this blend. You can run 93 for a few more shekels, or, if you are a thrifty motorist, you can blend your own at the pump with 33% 87 octane and 67% 93. This results in the same fuel fill as if you pumped 100% 91 octane.
Old 01-29-2011, 04:49 PM
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Always run 91 or higher.

If I want less MPG I step on it. There will always be a gas station near you.
Old 01-29-2011, 08:59 PM
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Although I drive my 93 as often as possible, I don't put enough mileage on the car in a year to worry about the price of gas (yet ), so I stick with premium.
Old 01-29-2011, 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by jrzvette
Although I drive my 93 as often as possible, I don't put enough mileage on the car in a year to worry about the price of gas (yet ), so I stick with premium.


Went for a "pleasure" cruise today.
Wife and I left home (Rolla, MO) and headed to Eureka Springs, AR. Made a quick run over to Rogers, AR also (Harley dealer there).

Total round trip was just under 460 miles. Filled up with 93 before we left home, and still running on that same tank. Still have close to 1/4 tank left.
Gotta love the LT4 and 6-speed.
Old 01-29-2011, 09:57 PM
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JackDidley
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Originally Posted by tblt44
With gas prices higher I recently started putting 87 octane in my vette.I noticed my milage was only 18.5 around town and used to be 20.5.So 2 days ago I filled back up with shell 93,now I'm getting 20.2 almost back to where I was.
From what I see it's not worth trying to save 30 cents a gallon.
I also was using a different brand of gas than I normally use when I put 87 in.
Don't know if it was the brand or octane that made the differance.
I think probley the octane
So in my experiance I will never put 87 in my car again,it actually costs more to operate using lower octane.

This is just my experiance,not saying everyone's will be the same but something you should look at if you run 87 or ever think about it.



Ive been saying the same thing for years, some guys just cant see past the price on the pump.
Old 01-29-2011, 10:30 PM
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I always run premium. If I can't afford 30 cents more for premium, I shouldn't have a Vette.
Old 01-29-2011, 10:47 PM
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Less than 10 bux per tank difference worth it.
Old 01-29-2011, 11:45 PM
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10 percent less mpg for 9 percent lest cost per gallon (assuming california pricing that I used).

the lower hp and crappy acceleration from all the pulled timing---no charge
Old 01-30-2011, 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by PLRX
If I want less MPG I step on it.
Old 01-30-2011, 09:19 AM
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Around here you can't find 93 octane. I think there's one station I know of that sells it. I run 91 but I also run 89 on occassion. never ran 87. What I find is I get better mileage with 89 on both the 90 and my STS. I've went back and forth many times and noticed no change in performance but better mileage with 89 for whatever reason.

I also use Sinclair and, not only me, but my son also sees better mileage with Sinclair fuel than others.

Huge difference between 87 and 93, 89 to 91 not so much. On my FRC the book says below 89 is not recommeneded but you may use it.
Old 01-30-2011, 09:36 AM
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I also think that the ethenol % is really killing the gas milage. Sunoco I think is the worst , my 2005 CTS drinks it like someone lost in the desert. What brand do you guys think is the best ?
Old 01-30-2011, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by joesgulfstream
I also think that the ethenol % is really killing the gas milage. Sunoco I think is the worst , my 2005 CTS drinks it like someone lost in the desert. What brand do you guys think is the best ?
Sinclair seems to be better for me. If my Son notices it, I gaurantee there's something to it
Old 01-30-2011, 10:39 AM
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I agree that 10% ethanol cuts gas mileage, get ready for 15% (Just approved by the EPA). We don't drink gasoline, why should we burn food for fuel?

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