Better MPGs

[fireresq157]

I've put on 2000+ miles on the car now and I've made an interesting observation. I've always filled up with top tier fuel providers, but there is one in particular that I've noticed is not giving me the best bang for my buck. Shell gasoline for what ever reason has consistently given me less MPGs than the rest, about 10% less. I used Shell all the time on my 4rth gen but with the 2010 allowing you to monitor MPG's it has consistently underachieved.
I'm talking about at least 2.5 MPGs less, and for their Vpower 93 octane they charge about 25 cents more than competing supreme gas here in SoFla. Were easily talking about 20% total wastage compared to other fuels if you count the higher fuel price. Just think every time you fill up that's about 10 dollars your wasting. I have a consistent commute to work with little traffic at 6 AM and I reset the MPG counter around the same place and proceed to travel about 40 miles till I get off the highway. So the travel is consistent and the time of day is also the only thing that changes is the fuel used and it does not change till I fill the tank up with a different brand. If I go ack to shell then I get the same lower MPGs. Well that's my experience or view. Take it for what you like I don't have an agenda or dislike of Shell just making an observation for my 2SS/RS getting 22.5 with and around 25.0 without on flat roads near sea level.

[patriotpa]

Maybe their pump is measuring short?

[CamaroHutch]

Originally Posted by patriotpa

Maybe their pump is measuring short?

He is using the DIC reading, the pump readings should not matter....

[RSHaynes]

Yeah, it could be the station itself, not the brand of gas. Maybe try a different shell station and see if you get the same results?

[fireresq157]

Originally Posted by patriotpa

Maybe their pump is measuring short?

Different shell station used but anyhow the MPG counter is what I've been using for MPG calculation, and it consistantly shows lower for Shell.

[SilverIce1]

How much ethanol is in the shell 93 vs. your other fuels? Ethanol boosts octane but reduces mpg.

[fireresq157]

Originally Posted by SilverIce1

How much ethanol is in the shell 93 vs. your other fuels? Ethanol boosts octane but reduces mpg.

I think most stations down here are using about 10 percent. That may be a possibility since at least when they started using ethanol it was"may contain up to 10%". Lately I've seen the contains 10% ethanol. Anyhow if someone else could try using ie. chevron and then compare it to Shell . Using consistent cruise control travel we can see if this may be widespread.

[fireresq157]

Chevron mostly.

[Nachos!!]

Thats funny, I get the best with Shell. I dont have my camaro yet, but thats what i use in my truck. I tryed everything around here and shell gave me the best mpg. exxon was the worst. I actually get better mpg in the city on shell than I did with exxon cruising down the interstate.

[levi1922]

Originally Posted by Nachos!!

Thats funny, I get the best with Shell. I dont have my camaro yet, but thats what i use in my truck. I tryed everything around here and shell gave me the best mpg. exxon was the worst. I actually get better mpg in the city on shell than I did with exxon cruising down the interstate.

really? exxon seems to be the best here?
valaro is the worst.

i guess it varies on location

[WhiteCrane]

Isn't all retail gasoline from the same local processing plant?

[hc8719]

If it does have 10% ethanol, it is a waste on engines that were't designed to use ethanol, or am I wrong?

[Kratos]

I only put gas from these stations http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

[Tal]

Originally Posted by WhiteCrane

Isn't all retail gasoline from the same local processing plant?

Generally correct but additives and ethanol blending can vary. Within a mile of my house I can choose between stations that I know have 0 or 10% ethanol blends or a random "up to 10%". Avilibilty and consumer preferences will vary region to region. For example people in Oklahoma aren't all thrilled about ethanol though which makes it easier to avoid, while in some corn areas you can't avoid the stuff and in most states people don't even know the difference.

Originally Posted by hc8719

If it does have 10% ethanol, it is a waste on engines that were't designed to use ethanol, or am I wrong?

It varies engine to engine, cars have been designed to handle 10% for years and as others mentioned it's a common octane booster. It can make an impact on mpg's though at 10% it probably won't even be 1 mpg difference for most cars. FlexFuel/E85 is where the differences really show, but that's a completely different topic that has nothing to do with the Camaro.