Since I acquired my SS in November, I've always used premium (93) fuel, as recommended. With the price of gas climbing, I'm wondering about the effects of running regular (87). I'd be interested in hearing what others have found in this regard.

 

If it has the factory tuning, you can run regular. The timing will retard, performance will be reduced, but the engine should not suffer any damage. If you get on it and hear knocking or pinging, you'll need to not push it so hard.

If it has the GMTU, or any aftermarket tuning,stick with premium.

 

If you need to run regular, no big deal, just drive it easy with little boost.

Just my guess.

 

It's bone stock, with factory tuning. I generally don't push it hard, so that shouldn't be an issue. I'll keep running premium for the time being, and see what happens to prices. Right now 93 is $4.80/gal here. If it goes to $5, I'll probably switch.
Thanks!

 

I run cheap gas through mine and have had no problems. 25k on it doing so.

 

For 2010, regarding octane, the manual says the exact same thing for the 2.0 turbo and the 2.4, basically use premium but you’ll get away with regular with some sacrifices.

But the 2.4 2009 and later is FlexFuel, and the octane rating of E85 variable but higher than 91 for sure, so running E85 where available is surely a great deal.

But (lots of buts here) for my 2010 SS, it makes me think about adding maybe 10-15% E85 to 87 grade, which should up the octane enuff to keep the knock sensor happy, not be so much ethanol as to hurt anything, and not cause extreme fuel trim resulting in a P0171.

Rumor has it that 2010 SS got bigger injectors with ethanol-resistant seals. Anyone know anything about that?

 

I found in my other car that running the less expensive fuel, with the lower octane ends up with a lower MPG then using the higher octane fuel. That makes it just about the same cost per mile so I just use the higher priced higher octane fuel and don't worry about it. just make sure you are getting the best mpg you can by making sure the motor is running at peak efficiency. (filters, oil, belts, etc)

 

You will notice a significant drop in HP.
It will run ok, but you will miss the power.

 

Why easy and little boost?

 

Does the manufacturer recommend 93? If not run 87. If you hear the kids playing marbles under boost you need a higher grade.