Filling it Up
06-17-2009, 10:03 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 06-03-2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 30
Filling it Up
I was just wondering now that this car has been out there awhile and with gas prices on the rise if any of you have resorted to using regular (87 octane fuel)? I know the SS recommends premium gas but can it run on 87 without any problems? My dealer said that the only downside is that performance will decrease a tad. My last fill up was with 87 and I think I notice a performance decrease but nothing else (seems like it doesn't have that much pep when the turbo kicks in).
06-17-2009, 11:15 AM
#2
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Join Date: 05-13-2008
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 2,075
I have only used 87 octane once! my wife accidentally pumped a tank-full of 87 within a few hours i had set off a CEL and major mis and back-fires. the dealer had to drain the tank, won't do that again! I am more concerned about the ethanol added now then the 87. our engines are timed for 91+ turbos like the extra heat, but i would never have expected thrown codes for only 6 points in octane? funny story, before buying the car I was assured that 87 would be fine, as I was leaving the dealer, the salesman tapped on the window and said "premium only". that SOB!
06-17-2009, 11:29 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 06-03-2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 30
Wow i'm glad my car didn't act up like that when I put 87 in it. Actually, I just read a thread that someone did comparing the miles per gallon with octane. Would there be any damage done to the motor with 87 octane and normal driving conditions (might get on it for short bursts but not sustained). Just wondering for comparison sake. My next fill up will be premium. Also, if you had a 1/4 tank of premium and filled the rest with regular would that change the average octane rating in your tank (i.e. would this be better than running it to empty and adding nothing but regular)?
06-17-2009, 11:59 AM
#4
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Join Date: 07-05-2008
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 5,464
There are 100 different opionons here but the one that counts is the one in your owners manual.
GM states you can use regular but you will get less power and performance. Usally 20 HP is the accepted number.
It should not throw any codes etc.
Now if you have a stage kit it is not an option.
Read your owners manual and the inside of the gas door and make your own mind up.
GM states you can use regular but you will get less power and performance. Usally 20 HP is the accepted number.
It should not throw any codes etc.
Now if you have a stage kit it is not an option.
Read your owners manual and the inside of the gas door and make your own mind up.
06-17-2009, 01:36 PM
#6
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Join Date: 07-03-2008
Location: jerSSey, exit 5
Posts: 1,664
Why buy a performance car if you don't want to pay for premium fuel? Because the SS model with 87 gas is a heck of a lot better than the LS or LT model. I commute 60 miles a day on interstates, and even with 87 the SS has plenty of punch for passing and accelerating.
06-17-2009, 04:17 PM
#7
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Join Date: 07-05-2008
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 5,464
Guys there is no right or wrong here it is what ever the owner chooses.
If you can do with a little less power than run it if you fine with 91 or better than put it in. It is just like wax or any other product you use on your HHR.
The bottom line it will run on both and it is up to who ever is filling the tanks what to use.
I use prem in mine before and after the stage and I don;t care what anyone else uses in theirs they are paying for it so it is their buisness.
I never understood what was to argue about on this topic. It in the past got worse than Politics or Religion.
If you can do with a little less power than run it if you fine with 91 or better than put it in. It is just like wax or any other product you use on your HHR.
The bottom line it will run on both and it is up to who ever is filling the tanks what to use.
I use prem in mine before and after the stage and I don;t care what anyone else uses in theirs they are paying for it so it is their buisness.
I never understood what was to argue about on this topic. It in the past got worse than Politics or Religion.
06-17-2009, 08:49 PM
#8
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Join Date: 11-15-2008
Location: Newburgh, NY
Posts: 1,599
Reduced mpg using 87 octane?
I have never tried 87 in my SS, but when I had its predecessor, a Cadillac CTS with the 3.6L VVT, I saw a decrease of about 2-3 mpg using 87 instead of premium.
I do not know if the 2.0L LNF has an efficiency benefit from premium, but many HC engines do as the 3.6. Might be a good thing to monitor for those who are trying 87.
Maybe there won't be any savings in the long run other than a few less speeding tickets
I do not know if the 2.0L LNF has an efficiency benefit from premium, but many HC engines do as the 3.6. Might be a good thing to monitor for those who are trying 87.
Maybe there won't be any savings in the long run other than a few less speeding tickets
06-17-2009, 09:13 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: 04-19-2009
Location: Green Bay
Posts: 385
I have never ran 87, but I have run 89. The local gas station has 87 and 89 octane (91 is 20 cents more). Recently I have been using 91 just because there is no ethenol and only use 1/2 tank a week or less. so using 91 is about $3 more a week.
