Does using 87 octane really save money?
08-29-2008, 08:25 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: 06-12-2008
Location: Lincoln, RI
Posts: 113
This is a test I've been dying to find out. I just order a Passport G-timer on Amazon, only $49 bucks. I going to run it's 1/4 mile tests on 91 and 87 and find out the performance results. Should have them to post in 2 tank fills.
08-29-2008, 08:37 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-31-2008
Location: CLEVELAND
Posts: 772
No, it doesn't love it, it tolerates it. 
Sad, so sad. This is the only turbo forum I visit that most people are not into performance. It is sad that a vehicle as nice as the HHR SS is is not appreciated for the performance vehicle it is. It's being turned into a Honda by some people to cheap to appreciate it.
Sad, so sad. This is the only turbo forum I visit that most people are not into performance. It is sad that a vehicle as nice as the HHR SS is is not appreciated for the performance vehicle it is. It's being turned into a Honda by some people to cheap to appreciate it.
My SS is simply a commuter car. I bougth it specifically for the mileage and cargo. I really wanted a loaded LT back when these cars first hit the dealership. I test drove the first one on the lot. My feeling was that the handling didnt suit my driving style. They also didnt have a single manual on the lot for a while. Well almost 3 more years on my s10, and boom, here comes an unplanned kid, and $4 gasoline. I didnt forget how much I liked this car so I searched every car on the market under $50,000, that could accomidate a baby seat, my bike and trailer to tow my son while I put 50-150 miles on my bike (bicycle) a week.
Well I picked the best car.
Nothing out there can hold the specific cargo I need, get equivalent or better gas mileage, cost $22,800 or less, do 150mph, turn like it was born for Germany's more famous roads/tracks, have A style versus "a lets offend no one blandness" (like the civic btw), and is built by a company I respect, gave my Dad a great retirement, paid for my college, and gave me my engineering start.
There is more to a car than the engine, and more to driving than HP. It is not sad that I can apperciate MANY aspects of this car.
08-29-2008, 08:49 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: 04-19-2008
Location: Ontario Cdn
Posts: 563
No, it doesn't love it, it tolerates it.
Sad, so sad. This is the only turbo forum I visit that most people are not into performance. It is sad that a vehicle as nice as the HHR SS is is not appreciated for the performance vehicle it is. It's being turned into a Honda by some people to cheap to appreciate it.
Sad, so sad. This is the only turbo forum I visit that most people are not into performance. It is sad that a vehicle as nice as the HHR SS is is not appreciated for the performance vehicle it is. It's being turned into a Honda by some people to cheap to appreciate it.
08-29-2008, 08:49 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-05-2008
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 5,464
What I don't understand are the people that get so wound up on who uses what.
It is like Pepsi and Coke. Who cares what the other guy is using it does not effect me or you.
GM says you can use either but to expect changes enough sid there.
There is no right or wrong here so whats the debate?
I use 91 but if someone wants 87 so be it if they are happy it is their choice.
After driving a Supercharged engine that can use either it runs fine on both. If you want more power and to run it hard best to use 91. If you are just driving to work on the freeway 87 runs fine. No knocks no great loss of power that turns you into a road block or other bad things happen.
GM builds these cars to make the warranty with ease and build in margins of safety. The engine will not implode on regular it simply will not perform upto it full power.
I like the extra power so it is 91. If you like how it runs on 87 go for it.
It is like Pepsi and Coke. Who cares what the other guy is using it does not effect me or you.
GM says you can use either but to expect changes enough sid there.
There is no right or wrong here so whats the debate?
I use 91 but if someone wants 87 so be it if they are happy it is their choice.
After driving a Supercharged engine that can use either it runs fine on both. If you want more power and to run it hard best to use 91. If you are just driving to work on the freeway 87 runs fine. No knocks no great loss of power that turns you into a road block or other bad things happen.
GM builds these cars to make the warranty with ease and build in margins of safety. The engine will not implode on regular it simply will not perform upto it full power.
I like the extra power so it is 91. If you like how it runs on 87 go for it.
08-29-2008, 09:16 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-27-2008
Location: Blue Springs Missouri
Posts: 471
What I don't understand are the people that get so wound up on who uses what.
It is like Pepsi and Coke. Who cares what the other guy is using it does not effect me or you.
GM says you can use either but to expect changes enough sid there.
There is no right or wrong here so whats the debate?
I use 91 but if someone wants 87 so be it if they are happy it is their choice.
After driving a Supercharged engine that can use either it runs fine on both. If you want more power and to run it hard best to use 91. If you are just driving to work on the freeway 87 runs fine. No knocks no great loss of power that turns you into a road block or other bad things happen.
GM builds these cars to make the warranty with ease and build in margins of safety. The engine will not implode on regular it simply will not perform upto it full power.
I like the extra power so it is 91. If you like how it runs on 87 go for it.
It is like Pepsi and Coke. Who cares what the other guy is using it does not effect me or you.
GM says you can use either but to expect changes enough sid there.
There is no right or wrong here so whats the debate?
I use 91 but if someone wants 87 so be it if they are happy it is their choice.
After driving a Supercharged engine that can use either it runs fine on both. If you want more power and to run it hard best to use 91. If you are just driving to work on the freeway 87 runs fine. No knocks no great loss of power that turns you into a road block or other bad things happen.
GM builds these cars to make the warranty with ease and build in margins of safety. The engine will not implode on regular it simply will not perform upto it full power.
I like the extra power so it is 91. If you like how it runs on 87 go for it.
08-29-2008, 03:08 PM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: 02-06-2008
Location: Hilo, HI
Posts: 177
I'd recommend putting a few tanks of non-current fuel through it before the test with the non-current grade. As I understand it, the on-board computer typically takes a few weeks to bring the torque as close to spec as possible. Switching from 91 to 87, the first tank will probably have really bad performance, but that should improve over several weeks as the system gradually adjusts.
08-29-2008, 03:08 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-03-2008
Location: jerSSey, exit 5
Posts: 1,664
With 87 octane, I have not noticed any engine knock yet.
My SS is so new that I'm kind of feeling it out to see what the benefits of higher octane will do for me as far as performance and MPG.
I don't get the mindset of those that insist that 93 octane has to be used or else you are "offending" an SS vehicle.
My SS is so new that I'm kind of feeling it out to see what the benefits of higher octane will do for me as far as performance and MPG.
I don't get the mindset of those that insist that 93 octane has to be used or else you are "offending" an SS vehicle.
08-29-2008, 07:37 PM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-22-2008
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 228
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