www.chirpthird.com: Doh!

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Posted by Harry P (Member # 533) on :

Brainfart this morning. Fueling up the SS this AM, I guess I was thinking I had the daily driver and filled the tank with 87 octane. [Mad]

Never done that befo’. Since there’s no drain plug on the tank, guess I’ll try burning it through the LS-1. Anybody else ever use 87?

Posted by Rhode Island Red (Member # 220) on :

Just do not rev it too high or full WOT that should get you through it [Smile]

[ 05. May 2004, 07:04 AM: Message edited by: Rhode Island Red ]

Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :

You should be fine as long as you hear any spark knock.

Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :

Yep I tried it in my 01 SS. Doesn't effect anything... the computer should compensate and cut the timing. You may notice a slight loss of power and if if get on it some slight pinging... it won't hurt anything....

Posted by HailUofM (Member # 1430) on :

I've read several articles from GM engineers stating that it doesn't hurt anything, although it may result in a slight loss of power.

Posted by FireChicken (Member # 2067) on :

quote:
Originally posted by HailUofM:
I've read several articles from GM engineers stating that it doesn't hurt anything, although it may result in a slight loss of power.

Well, the higher octane gas is made to run at higher compression ratios, so since the computer will adjust spark timing to account for lower octane gasoline, you are probably going to get combustion at a different point in the stroke cycle than normal. If you have combustion at a certain point (lets quantify it by pressure in chamber prior to combustion), and then you have combustion at a second point where the pressure is lower, then you will have a lower power output. However, you are probably not going to notice it unless you really pay attention, or put it on a dyno. My suggestion, is to fill it with the regular octane every day after you drive. That way, you dilute the concentration of 87 octane fuel in the tank, and slowly increase the octane rating of fuel in your tank until you have all but completely burnt away the 87 octane.

I assume your tank had some gas in it before you made the booboo?

Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :

Welcome to the Ship of FOOLS [Embarrassed]

. I used up 1/4 to 1/2 and then filled it back with premium. Then used to 1/4 left. You should have no problem.

Posted by Harry P (Member # 533) on :

Thanks, all. Actually, after a hundred or so miles I haven't noticed ANY difference. Of course, I don't race it around on the street either, so maybe there is a performance loss. So far, though, no pinging or anything. Can't say the same about my old 3rd gen Camaro... it barely got along on 93 octane, let alone putting in anything else... it would ping with the regularity of a submarine sonar unit.

Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :

ran my vette on regular all the time.no problem.

Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :

shouldn't hurt every once in a while.......would not make a practice of it...esp. if you start to hear detonation......but.....I think many overcompensate by going to 93....that is a waste of money.

Posted by westell (Member # 2034) on :

dealer is always reminding me NOT to run premium and TO run 87 octane or i risk carbon buildup [Confused]

not always the same service writer, but several.

I always run premium and on race gas get tire hop through 1st & 2nd [Wink]

Posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :

quote:
Originally posted by westell:
dealer is always reminding me NOT to run premium and TO run 87 octane or i risk carbon buildup not always the same service writer, but several.

I always run premium and on race gas get tire hop through 1st & 2nd

Take a look at the 2002 Owner's Manual and what octane it recommends. (87 is for the V6, 91+ for the V8.)

quote:
From Section 6, page 3:
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3800 V6 engine (VIN Code K),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 87
or higher. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it is bad
enough, it can damage your engine. A little pinging
noise when you accelerate or drive uphill is considered
normal. This does not indicate a problem exists or that a
higher-octane fuel is necessary.
If your vehicle has the 5.7L V8 engine (VIN Code G),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
of 91 or higher for best performance. You may also
use middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may
be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87, you
may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it is
bad enough, it can damage your engine.

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