Premium Fuel

[bfraser]

I just bought a new 6.2 LT TB and every one is on me about not running Premium Fuel. What is the consensus here? I see two issues;
1. long term damage to the 6.2?
2. gas mileage? Is premium cheaper $$/mile?

Comment?

 

[bfraser]

 

[vezePilot]

The following article states that in the past, if a driver put Regular gas in a car that required Premium, the engine would start Knocking (pre-ignition) before the car even left the gas station. But that today, the car (or truck) has a computer that can compensate. Still, it is allowable to use Regular in an engine which is supposed to have Premium, ONLY if there is no Premium available.

What Happens If You Use Regular Gas Instead of Premium?

The question of whether or not you can damage a car that asks for premium gas by using regular gas is one that never seems to die.

www.thedrive.com

Also, Premium fuel will not provide greater gas mileage ... unless you define "greater gas mileage" as NOT having the engine become broken.

edit: I also researched the use of an Octane Booster, after seeing really good reviews of O'Reilly brand (lowest priced) Octane Booster. Many people stated that it is simply not recommended, not more efficient, and not cost effective. It is always best to observe and follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[bfraser]

If in doubt check the owner's manual...lol

 

[bfraser]

The following article states that in the past, if a driver put Regular gas in a car that required Premium, the engine would start Knocking (pre-ignition) before the car even left the gas station. But that today, the car (or truck) has a computer that can compensate. Still, it is allowable to use Regular in an engine which is supposed to have Premium, ONLY if there is no Premium available.

What Happens If You Use Regular Gas Instead of Premium?

The question of whether or not you can damage a car that asks for premium gas by using regular gas is one that never seems to die.

www.thedrive.com

Also, Premium fuel will not provide greater gas mileage ... unless you define "greater gas mileage" as NOT having the engine become broken.

Thanks

 

[Trail_Boss_6.2]

No long term damage - engine will compensate for the lower octane and retard the timing which will decrease performance and gas mileage.
I would be curious to see the number as well (MPG with Premium vs Regular). I have always run Premium.

This is one of those things that the salesperson at the dealership should have explained to you before you purchased the 6.2L. But they are only looking for the sale.

 

[Trail_Boss_6.2]

Also note. The manual states Premium is Recommended - not Required

 

[Perry]

All GM vehicles built in the last ~20 years have two fuel maps built in their computers, one for Premium Fuel and one for non-Premium. The vehicle will try to use the premium fuel map which as stated previously have more spark and is more efficient on fuel which equals more power. If the vehicle computer detects knock in a cylinder (real or false), it will fall back to the non-premium fuel map to avoid knock (detonation) that could cause damage if it continues. With newer vehicles like the Trail Boss that have different driving modes (normal, off-road, sport, etc.) there is the possibility of having more fuel maps and/or locking into a specific fuel map (ex. - sport mode most likely forces the premium fuel map and may not allow it to fail back).

As others have said, you should be fine to use non-premium fuel but if using sport mode or doing a lot of towing I would consider sticking with premium both for the benefits and protection.

 

[Snake Boots]

Just my $0.02, I’ve already made the horrible investment on a $60k premium gas guzzling truck so I’m just going to run premium in it and not worry about how my fuel choice is affecting my engine. Gas prices suck but already knew the deal going in when I bought the truck. I always try to put top tier gas in it as well, unless there is an emergency and I don’t have a top tier station close by.

 

[brewtus]

Looks like dealers getting a lot of complaints for misfire codes/etc. from using lower grade fuel......

https://gm-techlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TAC-Dealer-Monthly-Tips-and-New-Information-June-2022.pdf

 

[scotman623]

Putting premium unleaded in my truck is second nature now, maybe I will put 87 in and see if I notice any difference.. My race bike only will run on VP MR12- currently at $200 dollars for 5 gallon cans of it.. Makes race weekend very expensive with towing and gas for my bike..

 

[HopnDude]

I'll leave this here, as a similar discussion came about between 5.3 vs 6.2. No sense in copy/pasting the whole post, so I'll link below: re-Octane fuel ratings used in 6.2L.

6.2 vs 5.3?

I got the 5.3L. The 6.2L would be nice but the 5.3l does everything I need it to do. Nothing wrong with that! Enjoy. Buy Pulsar LT

www.trailboss.org

 

[Texcl2]

I’m surprised my 2.7ho turbo doesn’t need premium, I tested it with 87 vs 91 10% alcohol and the difference was negligible. Now straight gasoline returned much better numbers but that’s not octane related. Too bad straight 91 octane is $1.00 a gallon more expensive, the cost negates any returns.

 

[clstark7]

I am not sure how differently the vehicle will perform if it is stock. But in my case with a tuned vehicle, the octane level absolutely makes a difference. Superchips had a graph showing the different wheel horsepower with their tunes depending on the octane level you use. And all those tunes really do is mess with spark advance. So I imagine it must make some small difference with an un-tuned vehicle as well.

 

[Guest1089]

I just bought a new 6.2 LT TB and every one is on me about not running Premium Fuel. What is the consensus here? I see two issues;
1. long term damage to the 6.2?
2. gas mileage? Is premium cheaper $$/mile?

Comment?

Run 91 octane at least. If you can get E15 or higher ethanol fuels run them as long as the fuel is 91 octane. Why buy a new 6.2 and ask it to retard timing, potentially detonate, or build deposits? Buy regular and use E85 to mix up to AT LEAST 91 octane.

Calculate here : http://wallaceracing.com/octane-mix-calc.php