Regular Fuel in an SS/SC?
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 12-28-07
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Regular Fuel in an SS/SC?
Hello all. I read an interesting article at money.cnn.com the other day...
http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/12/auto...ion=2008051315
It says you can run regular fuel in a car that recommends premium because in modern cars the system will automatically adjust spark-plug timing with the only downside being a slight reduction in peak horsepower. With gas being near 4.00/gallon and over that now for premium this is mighty tempting. Has anyone tried this? Did it cause any problems like knocking, etc.?
http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/12/auto...ion=2008051315
It says you can run regular fuel in a car that recommends premium because in modern cars the system will automatically adjust spark-plug timing with the only downside being a slight reduction in peak horsepower. With gas being near 4.00/gallon and over that now for premium this is mighty tempting. Has anyone tried this? Did it cause any problems like knocking, etc.?
Supreme's still going in it. 
Senior Member
Joined: 05-16-06
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 0
From: CT
The car will adjust to a lower octane map, but its not advisable.
I saw a stage 2 car with exhaust put down 205whp because the wife of the owner put 87 in it.
You won't really save that much. Everyone ends up paying alot, even people with 87. I would stick with the good stuff. Its good for your engine, and it lets you have some power.
I saw a stage 2 car with exhaust put down 205whp because the wife of the owner put 87 in it.
You won't really save that much. Everyone ends up paying alot, even people with 87. I would stick with the good stuff. Its good for your engine, and it lets you have some power.
Banned
Joined: 12-18-05
Posts: 17,838
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
yes you can. but at a difference of MAYBE $2 per fillup, what's the difference. even if you fill up twice a week, you're talking about $16/month. i fill up once a week, so it's about an $8 dollar difference per month.
Member
Joined: 01-05-08
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: nowherevelli
I've been doing a test for mpg on the SS.SC with very careful driving.....33 mpg on part of the last tank.
I went 60mph on the way home today and was at 39 mpg(from start, to highway, to home).....staying out of 80mph and boost will save you a lot more than switching to regular.
I went 60mph on the way home today and was at 39 mpg(from start, to highway, to home).....staying out of 80mph and boost will save you a lot more than switching to regular.
Member
Joined: 03-11-07
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock, GA
Senior Member
Joined: 09-17-05
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Lower octane will not hurt the motor. You might notice a very slight performance decrease, but it will not harm anything. Run 87 if you would like.
The car has a knock sensor and is tuned to listen for knock before detonation even happens.
The car has a knock sensor and is tuned to listen for knock before detonation even happens.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-03-07
Posts: 14,142
Likes: 71
From: NY
Exactly, not worth it. If you're going to be that cheap about the gas go buy a Hyundai Elantra or something.. lol
Banned
Joined: 03-30-05
Posts: 6,980
Likes: 0
94 Sunoco Ultimate is the only thing that goes in my car. 
, we have 100, 105 & 110 octane pumps in MI too.
Most gas stations in MI sell 87, 89, 91, 93, 94. So many choices for applications from simply cutting the grass to kicking ass on the track.
We also have E85 in many stations now for those who feel froggy.
, we have 100, 105 & 110 octane pumps in MI too. Most gas stations in MI sell 87, 89, 91, 93, 94. So many choices for applications from simply cutting the grass to kicking ass on the track.
We also have E85 in many stations now for those who feel froggy.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-03-07
Posts: 14,142
Likes: 71
From: NY
94 Sunoco Ultimate is the only thing that goes in my car. , we have 100, 105 & 110 octane pumps in MI too.
Most gas stations in MI sell 87, 89, 91, 93, 94. So many choices for applications from simply cutting the grass to kicking ass on the track.
We also have E85 in many stations now for those who feel froggy.
, we have 100, 105 & 110 octane pumps in MI too. Most gas stations in MI sell 87, 89, 91, 93, 94. So many choices for applications from simply cutting the grass to kicking ass on the track.
We also have E85 in many stations now for those who feel froggy.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-01-05
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern New York
94 Sunoco Ultimate is the only thing that goes in my car. , we have 100, 105 & 110 octane pumps in MI too.
Most gas stations in MI sell 87, 89, 91, 93, 94. So many choices for applications from simply cutting the grass to kicking ass on the track.
We also have E85 in many stations now for those who feel froggy.
, we have 100, 105 & 110 octane pumps in MI too. Most gas stations in MI sell 87, 89, 91, 93, 94. So many choices for applications from simply cutting the grass to kicking ass on the track.
We also have E85 in many stations now for those who feel froggy.
we haven't had Sunoco 94 Ultra up here for a bit...
I've always wondered what 110 octane would do?
(probably nothing good)
Former Vendor
Joined: 07-07-06
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Yes, it's almost like why buy mods or even a forced induction car if you're just going to then dumb it back down with the retarded timing that low octane results in.
And it's not like you can then put the good stuff back in and expect an instant power gain...fact is, once it's learned the low octane, the car will actually slow down at first from the higher octane, and it may take an entire tank or more for it to re-learn and optimize the timing for premium fuel again.
And it's not like you can then put the good stuff back in and expect an instant power gain...fact is, once it's learned the low octane, the car will actually slow down at first from the higher octane, and it may take an entire tank or more for it to re-learn and optimize the timing for premium fuel again.