What grade of gas
11-29-2021, 08:21 PM
#2
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I have LS2 and use 93 octane I bet if you read your owners manual tell you the same!
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11-29-2021, 09:16 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
Owners manual attached in case you didn't get one with your car. There really is a wealth of information in it. You will also find that the gas you purchase should be TopTier rated for optimum performance and engine longevity.
Have fun with your Corvette and drive safe.
GD
Have fun with your Corvette and drive safe.
GD
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joliett (12-05-2021)
11-29-2021, 09:39 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
I have never heard of any gas with an 87 octane rating being called "premium". Regardless, the manual recommends 93, though it will run okay on 87 if you are not pushing it. I agree with the others, though....93 is best. Just as important is "top tier" fuel.
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FAUEE (11-29-2021)
11-29-2021, 09:48 PM
#7
Race Director
I'd say 93 octane is more important than top tier fuel. By far. Top tier is just a marketing plan created by a few gas station chains. Octane ratings are legitimate science.
11-29-2021, 10:06 PM
#9
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This is from my owner's manual
Recommended Fuel
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code W), use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher.
I presume VIN Code W is the LS3. Nowhere does the manual say 93 octane, although the 'or higher' bit suggests you can but not what if any benefit there would be. 94 octane ethanol free is widely available around here, and I use it, but likely I'm just wasting a few dollars per fill up. The reality is that the heat content of a gallon of 87 is the same as any of the grades above. Unless you have a direct injection engine, all the higher octane does is suppress preignition so you can have higher compression and more timing advance.
Recommended Fuel
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code W), use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher.
I presume VIN Code W is the LS3. Nowhere does the manual say 93 octane, although the 'or higher' bit suggests you can but not what if any benefit there would be. 94 octane ethanol free is widely available around here, and I use it, but likely I'm just wasting a few dollars per fill up. The reality is that the heat content of a gallon of 87 is the same as any of the grades above. Unless you have a direct injection engine, all the higher octane does is suppress preignition so you can have higher compression and more timing advance.
11-29-2021, 10:14 PM
#10
Team Owner
2011 owner's manual says:
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code W), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher.
(VIN Code W), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher.
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Diamonddave60 (12-02-2021)
11-30-2021, 08:09 AM
#12
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2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Do not use 87 octane, use 91 minimum or 93 if it available in your area
11-30-2021, 08:58 AM
#13
Race Director
I run 91 octane with ethanol since there are few stations with 93 available. And only one with no ethanol 93, which is a 20 minute drive from me.
11-30-2021, 09:02 AM
#14
Race Director
The manual actually recommends 91 octane as 93 is not available in many parts of the country.
11-30-2021, 09:45 AM
#15
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Interesting, all of the above responses including my own don't answer the OP's question, if there is one. What does the LS3 run best on? For an unmodified LS3, I'd go with the manual, 91 or better. Otherwise, under certain conditions, the knock senser is going to pull timing, resulting in poorer performance and fuel economy.
11-30-2021, 09:52 AM
#17
Race Director
Interesting, all of the above responses including my own don't answer the OP's question, if there is one. What does the LS3 run best on? For an unmodified LS3, I'd go with the manual, 91 or better. Otherwise, under certain conditions, the knock senser is going to pull timing, resulting in poorer performance and fuel economy.
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