Regular vs Premium - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Zabo · 03-30-2009, 11:52 PM

I wonder what would happen if I put 110 Octane into an LS3..

... Would I reach the moon? (Has access to 110 and Jet A..)

Camarino · 03-31-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTXrider

In the LS1 running lower octane is fine for the engine but the computer retards the timing, so you lose power. No engine damage though. I just can't bring myself to save $3.00 per tank when I know it will cost me performance. I usually drive pretty calm but I do get on it at least a few times per tank.

Someone mentioned in another thead that when you switch abck to higher octane the engine readjusts to teh correct timing ?

Also, in the same thread i beleev Fbod or someone mentioned that although using 93 octane costs more at teh pump, the cost is offset by getting the correct mileage by using the 'recommended fuel for best performance' 9as it says in the manual)

S.S · 03-31-2009, 12:42 AM

I got to go with premium for the performance... Cmon you woudent want to loose any hp. I would want every bit of the 426hp!!

SummoneR · 03-31-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S.S

I got to go with premium for the performance... Cmon you woudent want to loose any hp. I would want every bit of the 426hp!!

Yup like I said, to me it's worth the few bucks a fill up, I fill up every third day (I have a 100 mile round trip to work and back and get 300 miles on a 16 gallon tank) it's worth it to me, I can tell the difference in performance, and I do actually get a little better mileage with premium.

mutant chicken · 03-31-2009, 12:55 AM

I always run the good stuff in my Harley, but then I'm only filling up 4.5 gallons at a time... lol

The Camaro won't be a daily driver either, so it will always get the good stuff too !!!!!

camaro5 · 03-31-2009, 01:20 AM

The higher the octane, the slower the combustion burn (less volatile). When you use a higher octane, the engine computer (ECM) can keep pushing the ignition timing advance for more horsepower.

Detonation (pinging) occurs when the combustion burn is too fast and the explosion of combustion slams down on the still coming up piston.

Most GM V8's have been using ESC (Electronic Spark Control) for many years. It uses a piezo-electric microphone to listen for detonation, and when it hears a certain amount (ECM see's this as a voltage from mic) it will back off the advance.

It uses an intricate logarithm you wouldn't beleive.

So, the higher the octane - the more spark advance and horsepower. As long as the engine uses ESC or similar.

We get 93 in Florida, that's all my Camaro will ever see. Ethanol does boost octane ratings, too.

Throw a can 104 octane boost (any auto parts store) in the gas tank and hold on!

Or you can use lower octane (more volatile) - and have less horsepower, and the resulting lower mpg.

Premium pays for itself by increasing fuel mileage on many vehicles. Corvette C6 owners have confirmed this fact.

The Boat · 03-31-2009, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shockandawe

It's been said the SS V-8's will run fine on regular. What performance decrease will there be when using regular vs premium and if used regularly will regular harm the engine. Does anybody know?

DO not run on regular if you have Ls3 at least. I've seen ppl do it in ls2 and it makes the engine knock pretty bad!!!

The Boat · 03-31-2009, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zabo

I wonder what would happen if I put 110 Octane into an LS3..

... Would I reach the moon? (Has access to 110 and Jet A..)

Tried it in an ls2. It doesn't make that big a difference unless you are tuning to it. It won't give you nearly as much increase as in an FI car either even with tune.

IT runs super smooth though!

Scott@Bjorn3D · 03-31-2009, 04:42 AM

And there is a grade in between the two. Use midgrade if you can't afford the good stuff. It will be better than the lowest grade.

cam2fst4u · 03-31-2009, 07:28 AM

most places around here you can't get the mid grade any more (kind of weird) it is either 87 or 92/93

spd98 · 03-31-2009, 07:37 AM

Once the PCM pull's timing to correct for knock the damage is already done. The ls3 doesn't have an octaine sensor like the GP GXP and Impalla SS did. It can only react to the combustion event. It blows my mind why people wil but a nice car and then struggle to find a way to power it with cheap shitty gas. You looking at about 200 bucks a year difference in overal cost of ownership and more than likley you will loose more than that with MPG losses.

SQUALO · 03-31-2009, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spd98

Once the PCM pull's timing to correct for knock the damage is already done. The ls3 doesn't have an octaine sensor like the GP GXP and Impalla SS did. It can only react to the combustion event. It blows my mind why people wil but a nice car and then struggle to find a way to power it with cheap shitty gas. You looking at about 200 bucks a year difference in overal cost of ownership and more than likley you will loose more than that with MPG losses.

I think you should opt for at least mid-grade to keep up with performance. If it's not your daily driver, than don't short change your car, GO PREMIUM!

Camaro509 · 03-31-2009, 07:51 AM

Has anyone tried the Fitch Fuel Catalyst?

I've seen a couple reviews, both on TV and in magazines that reported good results. Install the catalyst, run 87 octane fuel in your system and it 'magically' creates 89 octane fuel as it passes through the catalyst canister. They claim it'll up the octane level by two points, so 89 becomes 91, 91 becomes 93.

With the price differences in the different levels, the canister could pay for itself in a year or so ($175.00).

Would love to hear from some of you who have used this before.

cam2fst4u · 03-31-2009, 07:55 AM

I never trust anything that is sold on tv much i doubt that it would work.

03-31-2009, 12:55 AM	#19
mutant chicken Mutant Member Drives: '10 SS/RS, '10 Mini , 07 Harley Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Nor-Cal Posts: 507 View My Garage	I always run the good stuff in my Harley, but then I'm only filling up 4.5 gallons at a time... lol The Camaro won't be a daily driver either, so it will always get the good stuff too !!!!! __________________ Ordered Oct. 13th, Del. Jun. 29th! CGM, 2SS/RS

03-31-2009, 01:20 AM	#20
camaro5 Drives: X-15 Velocipede Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SW Florida Posts: 4,637	The higher the octane, the slower the combustion burn (less volatile). When you use a higher octane, the engine computer (ECM) can keep pushing the ignition timing advance for more horsepower. Detonation (pinging) occurs when the combustion burn is too fast and the explosion of combustion slams down on the still coming up piston. Most GM V8's have been using ESC (Electronic Spark Control) for many years. It uses a piezo-electric microphone to listen for detonation, and when it hears a certain amount (ECM see's this as a voltage from mic) it will back off the advance. It uses an intricate logarithm you wouldn't beleive. So, the higher the octane - the more spark advance and horsepower. As long as the engine uses ESC or similar. We get 93 in Florida, that's all my Camaro will ever see. Ethanol does boost octane ratings, too. Throw a can 104 octane boost (any auto parts store) in the gas tank and hold on! Or you can use lower octane (more volatile) - and have less horsepower, and the resulting lower mpg. Premium pays for itself by increasing fuel mileage on many vehicles. Corvette C6 owners have confirmed this fact. __________________ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge General Motors ASEP, A.S. Automotive Technology, Telecommunications Specialist, CISCO Network Engineer STANDARD DISCLAIMER camaro5 is furnishing this information "as is". camaro5 does not provide any warranty of the information whatsoever, whether express, implied, or statutory, including, but not limited to, any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or any warranty that the contents of the information will be error-free.

03-31-2009, 07:51 AM	#27
Camaro509 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,085	Has anyone tried the Fitch Fuel Catalyst? I've seen a couple reviews, both on TV and in magazines that reported good results. Install the catalyst, run 87 octane fuel in your system and it 'magically' creates 89 octane fuel as it passes through the catalyst canister. They claim it'll up the octane level by two points, so 89 becomes 91, 91 becomes 93. With the price differences in the different levels, the canister could pay for itself in a year or so ($175.00). Would love to hear from some of you who have used this before. __________________ Understeer, Oversteer, Wheel Alignment (Camber etc), Torque, Horsepower, Camaro Fold for team 11108 to help find a cure! Folding@home Stanford's Research DC Program.

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03-30-2009, 11:52 PM	#15
Zabo Gunning for Sixth Drives: '03 ZR2 Blazer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Woodhaven, Michigan Posts: 9,358 View My Garage	I wonder what would happen if I put 110 Octane into an LS3.. ... Would I reach the moon? (Has access to 110 and Jet A..)

03-31-2009, 12:42 AM	#17
S.S Drives: 2004 Chevy Silverado Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 3	I got to go with premium for the performance... Cmon you woudent want to loose any hp. I would want every bit of the 426hp!!

03-31-2009, 04:42 AM	#23
Scott@Bjorn3D Drives: Kami, 2013 2SS LS3 Luvin Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 6,427	And there is a grade in between the two. Use midgrade if you can't afford the good stuff. It will be better than the lowest grade.

03-31-2009, 07:28 AM	#24
cam2fst4u Drives: 08 SS trailblazer,08 Silverado Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: stanley va Posts: 6,268 View My Garage	most places around here you can't get the mid grade any more (kind of weird) it is either 87 or 92/93

03-31-2009, 07:37 AM	#25
spd98 Drives: had a goat Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: atlanta, ga Posts: 351	Once the PCM pull's timing to correct for knock the damage is already done. The ls3 doesn't have an octaine sensor like the GP GXP and Impalla SS did. It can only react to the combustion event. It blows my mind why people wil but a nice car and then struggle to find a way to power it with cheap shitty gas. You looking at about 200 bucks a year difference in overal cost of ownership and more than likley you will loose more than that with MPG losses.

03-31-2009, 07:55 AM	#28
cam2fst4u Drives: 08 SS trailblazer,08 Silverado Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: stanley va Posts: 6,268 View My Garage	I never trust anything that is sold on tv much i doubt that it would work.