www.chirpthird.com: 93 vs. 91 vs. 89 octane

This is topic 93 vs. 91 vs. 89 octane in forum SSOA: "Back Porch" at www.chirpthird.com.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.chirpthird.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/3/t/013069.html

Posted by Bvick454 (Member # 1526) on :

I'm wondering what octane is really necessary for normal everyday driving of a 2002 camaro SS with the automatic. I'm talking about to and from work, not out racing. Can anybody fill me in? Also, I sometimes hear a litting pinning in the engine. Usually on slow accelleration. I'm not sure if it is realted to fuel octane or not. Thanks for any advice. [Smile]

Posted by BadRag (Member # 1566) on :

I belive the handbook states 92 octane min. put some good stuff in there and see if the pings go away...

BadRag

Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :

I don't know what the minimum octane rating is myself but I always use 93 octane in all of my cars especially the SS.

You might also be running a little rich which may result in the pinning sound as well.

Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ss_rs_z:
I don't know what the minimum octane rating is myself but I always use 93 octane in all of my cars especially the SS.

You might also be running a little rich which may result in the pinning sound as well.

Actually lean - but we get the idea! [Big Grin]

Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :

When I had my 01 SS daily driver I tried putting in 89 a few times and could tell that I got a little less performance. I don't race either but I do a lot of full throttle starts (ie get on it at a light or at a on ramp). I didn't like it so I always ran 91 (the best we have here). In the 02 it only gets the good stuff. It won't hurt the car... the computer just dials back the timiing thats all. Unless you hear a lot of pinging then you should go back up....

Posted by NATESS (Member # 982) on :

it is best to stick with the higher octane. you have a high pwr V8 there, and it deserves nothing but the best. [Wink]

Posted by Bvick454 (Member # 1526) on :

SO, if it will run without pinging on 91 octane is that ok? Will it hurt anything running 91?

Thanks.

Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Bvick454:
SO, if it will run without pinging on 91 octane is that ok? Will it hurt anything running 91?

Thanks.

Yes.
No.

You may notice some pinging on HARD accleration or on HOT days... if you live in a high altitude area higher octane isn't as critical.

Posted by 99PewterSS (Member # 564) on :

I live near Denver and the best we can get is 91 octane. I ran 89 forever without any problems, but just recently started putting 91 back in. It feels like the car has a little more ooomph.

If you run lower octane, the car may be more prone to pre-ignition (pinging) in hot weather, which will cause the computer to dial back the timing to compensate.

UBB.classic™ 6.7.0