Dumb Comment & Question About Gas Type
Member
Joined: 04-05-2020
Posts: 74
From: North GA
Okay will check and post the result. I have no idea but will check. I truly love my SS and it runs well besides the occasional sluggishness. I think it may just need some proper tune up. Currently it has the stock air filter and I heard that something like K&N can help but I also heard that the oil on the filter can be an issue.
When I first got mine, I thought it was pretty sluggish occasionally as well. But, I soon figured out it was only after making a sharp turn above 10 to 12 mph. Like pulling out in front of cars from a gas station. I was all "giddy up man!", but it would take 2 to 3 seconds to have full power. I had a hunch it was GM Nanny Patrol, so I started driving around in competition mode (traction control off, but stability control still active) and I'll be darned, no more sluggishness after tight turns. So, maybe what you're noticing is just the way the ECU is programmed?
Just a thought. I'd hate for you to go chasing a problem that isn't there.
Robert
Senior Member
Joined: 07-10-2008
Posts: 423
From: Not necessarily Humbolt County
I have the GM Turbo Upgrade so keep that in mind.
I had to run 87 octane once when I couldn't get 91+ on a trip. I had maybe 2 gallons of 91 left and filled up. Normal cruise and driving around you couldn't tell the difference. I would assume my MPG might have been slightly better due to the lower octane but I can't say I noticed anything. High octane burns slower and will generally result in lower MPG. Now rolling into just about any boost above about 10psi, it would flatten out pretty quick as the knock sensor pulled timing. I didn't check as to how much boost I was actually getting but it felt sluggish enough that I stopped checking. It wasn't jerky or missing, it just limited the power. I never heard any knock. I just need to cruise and pass people for a couple of hours and it otherwise ran fine. I refilled with 91 when it was available.
As far as 91 vs 93, I can feel a very subtle difference *sometimes*. It's mainly at WOT. You can feel it slightly pull back on 91 *sometimes*. On 93 it doesn't seem to but again, it's not dramatic. It's one of those "yeah, I think maybe I can feel a difference." I wouldn't give a second thought to running 87 again if necessary.
I also don't notice any real difference between traction modes but I rarely try four wheel drifts. I've never done a Launch Control or no-lift shifts.
YMMV
I had to run 87 octane once when I couldn't get 91+ on a trip. I had maybe 2 gallons of 91 left and filled up. Normal cruise and driving around you couldn't tell the difference. I would assume my MPG might have been slightly better due to the lower octane but I can't say I noticed anything. High octane burns slower and will generally result in lower MPG. Now rolling into just about any boost above about 10psi, it would flatten out pretty quick as the knock sensor pulled timing. I didn't check as to how much boost I was actually getting but it felt sluggish enough that I stopped checking. It wasn't jerky or missing, it just limited the power. I never heard any knock. I just need to cruise and pass people for a couple of hours and it otherwise ran fine. I refilled with 91 when it was available.
As far as 91 vs 93, I can feel a very subtle difference *sometimes*. It's mainly at WOT. You can feel it slightly pull back on 91 *sometimes*. On 93 it doesn't seem to but again, it's not dramatic. It's one of those "yeah, I think maybe I can feel a difference." I wouldn't give a second thought to running 87 again if necessary.
I also don't notice any real difference between traction modes but I rarely try four wheel drifts. I've never done a Launch Control or no-lift shifts.
YMMV
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I must live on a different planet. I have always got a few extra mpgs from higher octane fuel; the problem is the cost/benefit. You pay more per mile even though you are getting more miles to the gallon. It is different at some times when 91 is only a few cents more that 86.
Octane has nothing to do with "burns slower"; it is a measure of how much pressure the fuel can take before it spontaneously combusts (dieseling/preignition/knocking).
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/...e-in-depth.php
Octane has nothing to do with "burns slower"; it is a measure of how much pressure the fuel can take before it spontaneously combusts (dieseling/preignition/knocking).
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/...e-in-depth.php
Senior Member
Joined: 07-10-2008
Posts: 423
From: Not necessarily Humbolt County
I must live on a different planet. I have always got a few extra mpgs from higher octane fuel; the problem is the cost/benefit. You pay more per mile even though you are getting more miles to the gallon. It is different at some times when 91 is only a few cents more that 86.
Octane has nothing to do with "burns slower"; it is a measure of how much pressure the fuel can take before it spontaneously combusts (dieseling/preignition/knocking).
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/...e-in-depth.php
Octane has nothing to do with "burns slower"; it is a measure of how much pressure the fuel can take before it spontaneously combusts (dieseling/preignition/knocking).
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/...e-in-depth.php
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Isn't that what I said? Better MPG worse $/mile.
However, when it comes to turbocharged, there is a higher internal pressure so you need the higher octane to resist "dieseling". AND we are talking about a SS.
However, when it comes to turbocharged, there is a higher internal pressure so you need the higher octane to resist "dieseling". AND we are talking about a SS.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 12-29-2020
Posts: 55
From: Maryland
This is my experience, so take it for what it's worth. Mine is an '09 Manual SS.
When I first got mine, I thought it was pretty sluggish occasionally as well. But, I soon figured out it was only after making a sharp turn above 10 to 12 mph. Like pulling out in front of cars from a gas station. I was all "giddy up man!", but it would take 2 to 3 seconds to have full power. I had a hunch it was GM Nanny Patrol, so I started driving around in competition mode (traction control off, but stability control still active) and I'll be darned, no more sluggishness after tight turns. So, maybe what you're noticing is just the way the ECU is programmed?
Just a thought. I'd hate for you to go chasing a problem that isn't there.
Robert
When I first got mine, I thought it was pretty sluggish occasionally as well. But, I soon figured out it was only after making a sharp turn above 10 to 12 mph. Like pulling out in front of cars from a gas station. I was all "giddy up man!", but it would take 2 to 3 seconds to have full power. I had a hunch it was GM Nanny Patrol, so I started driving around in competition mode (traction control off, but stability control still active) and I'll be darned, no more sluggishness after tight turns. So, maybe what you're noticing is just the way the ECU is programmed?
Just a thought. I'd hate for you to go chasing a problem that isn't there.
Robert
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 12-29-2020
Posts: 55
From: Maryland
I have the GM Turbo Upgrade so keep that in mind.
I had to run 87 octane once when I couldn't get 91+ on a trip. I had maybe 2 gallons of 91 left and filled up. Normal cruise and driving around you couldn't tell the difference. I would assume my MPG might have been slightly better due to the lower octane but I can't say I noticed anything. High octane burns slower and will generally result in lower MPG. Now rolling into just about any boost above about 10psi, it would flatten out pretty quick as the knock sensor pulled timing. I didn't check as to how much boost I was actually getting but it felt sluggish enough that I stopped checking. It wasn't jerky or missing, it just limited the power. I never heard any knock. I just need to cruise and pass people for a couple of hours and it otherwise ran fine. I refilled with 91 when it was available.
As far as 91 vs 93, I can feel a very subtle difference *sometimes*. It's mainly at WOT. You can feel it slightly pull back on 91 *sometimes*. On 93 it doesn't seem to but again, it's not dramatic. It's one of those "yeah, I think maybe I can feel a difference." I wouldn't give a second thought to running 87 again if necessary.
I also don't notice any real difference between traction modes but I rarely try four wheel drifts. I've never done a Launch Control or no-lift shifts.
YMMV
I had to run 87 octane once when I couldn't get 91+ on a trip. I had maybe 2 gallons of 91 left and filled up. Normal cruise and driving around you couldn't tell the difference. I would assume my MPG might have been slightly better due to the lower octane but I can't say I noticed anything. High octane burns slower and will generally result in lower MPG. Now rolling into just about any boost above about 10psi, it would flatten out pretty quick as the knock sensor pulled timing. I didn't check as to how much boost I was actually getting but it felt sluggish enough that I stopped checking. It wasn't jerky or missing, it just limited the power. I never heard any knock. I just need to cruise and pass people for a couple of hours and it otherwise ran fine. I refilled with 91 when it was available.
As far as 91 vs 93, I can feel a very subtle difference *sometimes*. It's mainly at WOT. You can feel it slightly pull back on 91 *sometimes*. On 93 it doesn't seem to but again, it's not dramatic. It's one of those "yeah, I think maybe I can feel a difference." I wouldn't give a second thought to running 87 again if necessary.
I also don't notice any real difference between traction modes but I rarely try four wheel drifts. I've never done a Launch Control or no-lift shifts.
YMMV
Senior Member
Joined: 03-28-2008
Posts: 1,115
From: Oshawa
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